249. Olandria Carthen: Love Island star breaks down life after the villa, navigating public perceptions and clearing misconceptions, balancing career ambitions, and prioritizing genuine connections

Summary

Trading Secrets, Episode 249: Olandria Carthen – Love Island Star on Life After the Villa, Public Perception, Career Ambitions & Authenticity

Guest: Olandria Carthen, "Bama Barbie," reality TV standout, corporate professional, and model
Host: Jason Tartick
Date: August 25, 2025

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Main Theme

Jason Tartick sits down with Olandria Carthen, breakout fan favorite from Love Island USA, to discuss her life post-villa. The episode covers Olandria’s journey of redefining public perception, clearing up show misconceptions, balancing a demanding corporate job with newfound fame and opportunities, and her insights on love, finances, and staying true to herself. Olandria shares candidly about navigating social media, managing career pivots, and cultivating genuine connections on and off reality TV.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life After the Villa: Reality vs. Public Perception

• Olandria reflects on her rapid rise in popularity and public support after the show.
• Quote:
  • “To come out with all the support... it just trumps any negativity about me. My supporters are everything to me.” (Olandria, 01:26)
• She discusses being misunderstood on-screen and working to clear up the "mean girl" narrative.
  • “I was put in, like, a mean girl light. That wasn’t really me... I was like the mother of the villa, the big sister, therapist of the group.” (Olandria, 01:50)
• She rarely watched the episodes herself but relies on friends/family for feedback:
  • "I looked like I was perceived as someone that's been thirsty... that wasn’t true." (Olandria, 02:26)

2. Background and Early Ambitions

• Raised by a single mother, eldest of six siblings, Olandria played a caretaker role from a young age.
  • “My parents had me in the 10th grade, so as you can imagine, I grew up with my parents... My mom did an amazing job. She worked her ass off.” (Olandria, 04:01)
• Always aspired to model (“obsessed with America’s Next Top Model”), but education was stressed in her family as first priority.
• Modeled as a side gig while working in corporate America, knowing she wanted something bigger:
  • “I'd be on a team’s call just looking at my profile picture... That face, it does not need to be here.” (Olandria, 05:41)

3. Getting Cast on Love Island

• Love Island casting pursued Olandria for three years before she accepted, each time timing wasn’t right.
  • “They reached out back in 2023, 2024, and 2025, so it was very apparent they really wanted me on the show.” (Olandria, 06:30)
• She credits “divine timing” and says she prayed for clarity before finally agreeing.
• Application/interview process focused more on her story than quirky games or stunts.
  • “They were just so captivated by my story... That’s kind of what I just went off of, honestly.” (Olandria, 08:05)

4. Motives & Clearing Misconceptions

• Pushes back against accusations of entering reality TV solely for fame.
  • “Fame was the last thing on my mind... I was genuinely there to find a connection.” (Olandria, 08:30)
• Five years single before the show; wanted “to truly find love.”

5. Advice & Empowerment for Singles

• Her and Nick’s story has inspired many to try dating again.
  • "Never settle. I am so grateful that I did not end up with what I thought I wanted... Always know your worth." (Olandria, 09:48)
• Encourages others to trust their gut, put themselves first, and be “selfish” when necessary.

6. Future Career Ambitions

• Open to more reality TV—possibly a “Beyond the Villa” or a show with Nick.
• Considers moving to LA for career growth but feels strong Southern roots.
  • “I truly think LA would be a great business move for me... So I might be in LA soon.” (Olandria, 11:47)
• Dreams of entrepreneurship (beauty/fashion line) and staying open to “different avenues.”
• Not limiting herself—interested in hosting, producing, and personal branding.

7. Corporate Job Support & Logistics

• Surprised by support from her Otis Elevator Co. managers and HR for joining Love Island.
  • "They were overly supportive... They even talked about having watch parties in the office." (Olandria, 13:41)

8. Money Mindset and Financial Upbringing

• Grew up seeing her mom live paycheck-to-paycheck; strives for financial freedom.
  • “Even prior to the show... I never call myself broke. I’m just in between blessings right now.” (Olandria, 16:03)
• Packed four suitcases for the show, spent mainly at Shein/Fashion Nova—affordable but stylish.
• Now able to afford more, is proud of upgrading her financial standing.

9. Financial Transparency in Relationships

• Hasn’t had deep financial conversations with Nick yet, but values transparency and mutual support.
  • “Any and every opportunity he ever has, he always tried to find a way to give me that same opportunity.” (Olandria, 21:09)

10. Navigating Mental Health and Support Systems

• Leans on faith (church, journaling) to stay grounded.
• Supports her fellow castmates through post-show pressures and relies on their tight-knit bond:
  • “We just decided to have each other’s back... I love that we still have that support even outside of the villa.” (Olandria, 33:02)

11. Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy & Role Models

• Would pick castmate Shelly B. as her business partner:
  • “She’s my soul sister... I feel like she would be a great business partner.” (Olandria, 22:10)
• Wants to give back, especially to women and children in need (volunteering is a passion).
• Deeply inspired by Emma Grede (founder of Good American, SKIMS):
  • “Representation is everything... I would kill to be in her presence, literally.” (Olandria, 24:30)

12. Dating, Money, and Standards

• Expects men to pay for initial dates, but reciprocates once connection is established.
• Admits to overspending on clothes, especially affordable fast fashion.

13. Manifesting & Looking Ahead

• Dreams of working with Skims or Vogue, building her own brand, and “maybe” moving to LA soon.
• Is intentional about relationships—dating to marry and build a family.
• Regrets not being more selfish or putting herself first early in the show.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On authenticity:

  • “Never lose sight to who you are. Stay true to you regardless of the experience with the person.” (Olandria, 34:12)

• On reframing financial struggles:

  • “I never call myself broke. I’m just in between blessings right now.” (Olandria, 16:03)

• On dating with intention:

  • “I date to marry. So, what are we on the same page as?” (Olandria, 30:02)

• On representation:

  • “Just to have a woman that looks like me... it's so easy to see myself in that position, you know what I mean? Because representation is everything.” (Olandria, 24:30)

• On not settling:

  • “Never settle. Always know your worth.” (Olandria, 09:48)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• On public perception vs. reality: 01:20–02:19
• Her upbringing and maturity: 03:59–04:34
• Pursuing modeling and career dreams: 05:01–06:22
• Love Island casting journey: 06:30–07:34
• Why she went on the show: 08:30–09:13
• Advice to singles: 09:32–10:14
• Open to reality TV, moving to LA: 10:47–12:14
• Corporate job support: 13:07–13:54
• Relationship with money: 16:03–17:49
• Packing/costs for the show: 18:12–19:18
• Financial goals & transparency in relationships: 19:33–21:23
• Picking a business partner: 21:55–22:43
• Mental health post-show: 33:02–33:44
• Biggest regret from the show: 30:39–30:59
• Her trading secret: 34:12–34:17

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Takeaways & Tone

• Genuine & Reflective: Olandria’s candor shines, especially regarding her struggles and personal values.
• Empowering: She repeatedly urges listeners to know their worth, not settle, and remain authentic—mirroring her own journey.
• Insightful: Offers practical glimpses into behind-the-scenes reality TV casting, the impact of editing, brand-building, and post-show challenges.
• Warm & Inspirational: Her Southern charm and earnestness create a sense of hope and perseverance.

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Closing Trading Secret

“Never lose sight of who you are. Stay true to you regardless of the experience with the person.”
— Olandria Carthen (34:12)

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Follow and watch Olandria’s journey on Instagram and social platforms (“Olandria”—she updated her handle for easy finding). The future: LA, entrepreneurship, maybe a SKIMS collab, and always striving for authenticity and impact.

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Transcript

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

Welcome back to another episode of Trading Secrets. Today we have Olandria Carson on a breakout star From Love Island USA Season 7. Known widely as. We were just talking about the Bama Barbie. Alandria played the long game in the villa and emerged as a fan favorite for her strength, poise, and genuine approach, not just in romance, but in life. She is killing it in the corporate career, too. Working at Otis Elevator Co. She's proof that brains and business acumen and truth to herself can lead to a breakthrough reality TV star. Post show, she's balancing the corporate grind with modeling brand partnerships and living out her personal brand rooted in southern authent authenticity. We're going to explore how she's building business beyond the bungalow and here in life post Love Island. Landra, how are you doing?

[A]

That was a beautiful.

[B]

I mean, you deserve it. You are. You are the. How's it feel? You are like the queen right now. How does. Like, that's crazy what's going on with this show and with you and everything.

[A]

It's so surreal. Like, you know, like, obviously being in the villa, we have no connection to the outside world. I never knew how America felt about me.

[B]

Right.

[A]

So to come out with all the support, it just literally trumps any negativity about me. Right. My supporters are everything to me. So this support that I have, I don't know, just. I'm going to hide right now.

[B]

What did you think? Like, I know you don't get visibility to it, but when you. Like, I remember when I was on reality tv, I was like, you know, I feel pretty good. Like, I feel like I'm. I'm being true to myself and if they edit me that way, that's fine. When you were in there, did you feel like, I think this is going to go well for me?

[A]

No, for sure. I knew I was being authentic. I knew I was being true to me, but at the same time, I didn't know if it was gonna be perceived that way in America. So obviously when I got out, I was like, okay, not really how I was being in there, but, you know, I knew I was still being true to me. So I was putting, like a mean girl light. That wasn't really me. So now I'm trying to just clear that up, let everyone know, like, hey, I was like the mother of the villa. I was like the big sister to everybody. I was the therapist of the group. Let me, like, let just, I don't know, feed into what I'm saying instead of what y' all seen. Yeah.

[B]

When you Watched it back. What was the most surprising to you based on what you perceived to be the reality versus then what was the reality?

[A]

So I haven'. Quite watched all of it, but my family and friends just kind of told me what they've seen. I just kind of, like, been online to see how I was perceived. Looked like I was perceived as someone that's been thirsty, thirsting after someone that didn't want me. I'm like, okay, that wasn't true. Obviously, I was. You know, one thing about me, if I'm going hard for somebody, it's because they're. They're reciprocating the energy back into me. So it's unfortunate that it wasn't aired. But, you know, obviously Taylor. Taylor was a good guy and did everything right by me as far as treating me good as a woman when it came to, like, being honest and being truthful. Not necessarily that part, but, yeah, I am very secure within myself. I know who I am. I know I'm beautiful. I'm not gonna have just about anybody put my best foot forward and try to reciprocate the energy back into the man is reciprocating back into me. But, yeah, that was the most surprising.

[B]

Perfectly said. Yeah, we, like, in the bachelor universe, it's like a little. It's like a little bit ancestral. Like, everyone. Like, there's just. When I say that, it's like there are people you come across every day that either, like, dated your ex or you dated them or, like, your friends with that, like, because it's like a dating show and it's a small pool. I bring that up because, like, we're here now and, like, Taylor's here. Like, how have you handled that? Does that. Are you just like, hey, that was the show. It's done. Does it feel at all awkward to you? Like, whatever. It is what it is.

[A]

It was a little awkward at first, but I just had to tell myself, like, you know what? Take the high road. Just. I don't know. I've always approached every single situation with grace. Just prayed about it. Never was really upset. I always ask God to, like, just soften my heart towards a situation or towards a person, and that's how I just stay genuine. To me, it's easier just to be nice to people and spread love rather than hate.

[B]

Perfectly said. We get to see you today, we hear. You know, of course, they're referring to you as the Bama Barbie. What was, like, childhood like for you? What were you like as a kid?

[A]

I was the oldest of six.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So I was always, like, stepping in, into that second parent role and helping my mom out. I was raised by a single mother, but she did an amazing job. My parents had me in the 10th grade, so as you can imagine, I was growing. I grew up with my parents. Yeah, obviously it was not planned because what, 10th grader plans to have a kid? But yeah, my mom did an amazing job of raising three girls. She worked her ass off. We literally had the latest and greatest the technology, the. The outfits, the clothes, everything. She did an amazing job. So it was so easy to mimic those actions when it came to me caring for my sisters when she was at work. So my early childhood experiences truly matured me as a kid. And I always acted way older than what I was. I was always very mature.

[B]

It makes sense. Like, being the oldest of six, too, and being in that supportive role and like, serving as a second parent makes perfect sense. When you were in high school and in college thinking about, like, your career and modeling and, you know, you referred to, of course, as the Bama Barbie, where did you think your career was gonna go and what did it look like in the entertainment world before this? Like, what was modeling like? Was. Were you actually monetizing at, like, a strong level? Did you picture that you would be in a world like this today?

[A]

It was. It's funny because as a kid, I used to always be obsessed with America's Next Top Model.

[B]

No way.

[A]

Between that cartoon.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So Tara Banks. I was like, oh, she's so beautiful. So obsessed with that show. So as a kid, I've always wanted to be a model, but obviously being from a small town in Alabama, that is such a hard reality to grasp, you know? So my mom, she will always just put into my head like, hey, education first, go to college first. And if that career comes after it, you know, fine. So I always went to college, but I knew college was always going to be like a plan B for me. Yeah, I'm like, I'm going to get that modeling career. I don't know how I'm going to do it. It's going to happen. So it was just, I don't know. Once I graduated college, moved to Houston and started my elevator career, I was like, I'm not going to be in this field for long. I'll be on a teams call. Just looking at my profile picture, I'm like, you know what? That face, it does not need to be here. I don't know how the hell I'm going to get into the modeling.

[B]

This is not the elevator Industry.

[A]

But the modeling, I enjoyed it. I'd been doing it for three. I'm like, bro, I'm not supposed to be here. I'm bigger than this. I know something's out there for me. I just didn't know how I was going to have a breakout, you know?

[B]

So I read an article that you were doing modeling before the show. Is that was that article correct?

[A]

Side gig.

[B]

Yeah, that's what I saw.

[A]

I had a few videos. Even Kirklebang. Yeah, a few of those videos. Just trying to put myself out there, which is why I chose to go to Houston and just connect with different photographers. And obviously they'll do well, but I'm like, okay, let me just keep trying. Like, they'll get a few thousand likes. I need something bigger. I need people to notice me.

[B]

Right, right.

[A]

Yeah. I did work with a lot of photographers.

[B]

Okay. I love it. How did the, like, tell me about. Everyone has a different story as far as, like, the application process go or how's the shows find them. Like, what's your story with that?

[A]

So Love island was actually pretty consistent with me. They reached out back in 2023, 2024 and 2025, so it was very apparent they really wanted me on the show. The first two years, it just wasn't. It was just timing. The first year.

[B]

So you said no then, right?

[A]

Technically, yes. The first year, I didn't really know what Love island was at the time, so I didn't want to agree to a show that I didn't know about. And I was going on my first year being in corporate Americ America, I was just very, like, tunnel vision, very laser focused. Like, no, I don't want to risk losing my job. I was just very, like, I don't know, too scared to step out on faith. The second year, I was actually in Thailand for my birthday, so I missed a fly out date. It was just all wrong. But looking back, I'm like, okay, Season six was so amazing. It didn't make sense for me to be there at the time. It was a great cast. I couldn't imagine me being there. It just didn't make sense. So I literally just prayed last year. I was like, you know what, God, if it's in your will, please put this back on my schedule in 2025 and I will make sure my summer plans are cleared. I'm not gonna book anything. I'm going to have so much faith that this is going to happen for me. And it did. People reached out. Someone reached out in February, and then someone reached out again in April.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

All of April. I had a lot of interviews. I got flew out to LA to meet the production team, and it just was history after that.

[B]

Wow. There was. And through our interview process, there were some, like, bizarre things we had to do. I remember one, I was sitting in a chair, and there's producers all around me, and they had me pick out of this bowl. And I've told this story on the podcast before, but it's like, what's your favorite animal? And I said, lions. And, like, why? I go, I love Lion King. They're like, well, do you know songs from the show? I was like, yeah. And they gave me a pill. They're like, there's your Simba. Start singing. I just started. I started ripping Lion King. Was there anything, like, when you look back at the interview process, was there any either question or process that you're like, oh, my God, that was peculiar. That was different.

[A]

Nothing to that, huh? They were just so captivated by my story, just how my upbringing was, and it just made sense of who truly. Who I truly was. So they was just so mesmerized by my story. That's kind of what I was just went off of, honestly.

[B]

Yeah. All right. So pretty straightforward. Then when you went on reality tv, a lot of people, you know, you saw. You hear it in the comments. Now people are like, what are their true motives? Like, oh, they're just there for fame. Like, what's your response to that based on you going on the show?

[A]

Honestly, fame was the last thing on my mind because we don't have any access to the outside world. I was genuinely there to find a connection, which is why I was so tore up and so hurt behind my original connection. Like, okay, I'm not understanding why you're not prioritizing me. Every time we hit the fire pit, you're never too sure. Like, I was there to truly find love. I've been single for five years up until that point. I'm like, okay, I'm 27. I know I want to be married. I know I want kids. The dating pool in Houston fucking sucks. So I'm like, you know what? I'm just shooting my shot and go on the show and try to find love.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I did not think Fang would come with it, and I'm glad that I kind of have both. I have a platform now, a beautiful, huge platform with some crazy, you know, supporters, and I love them, and I also have a great connection now. So it's just like, I don't know, I kind of have the best of both worlds. But genuinely, I was really prioritizing me just coming out with a great connection. That's all I wanted to do.

[B]

So then think about. You got a great connection. Right now, Nickel Landria is like everywhere. Everyone's talking about it, it's buzzing. It's like the number one trending thing. It feels like I want to give you a chance to like, kind of give some empowerment or inspiration. You were single for five years. You have a great connection now. What is some piece of advice you have for anyone that has been single for a while that's like kind of struggling?

[A]

It's so funny because I was on TikTok and people think I'm never online. I'm chronically online. I'm always growing. I'm addicted to my.

[B]

You're watching, you're seeing.

[A]

Oh, yeah, I'm seeing. I just don't say anything. Right. I've seen a lot of people say that. Me and Nick's story has truly gave them the boost to try to get back into the dating world a little bit.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And I love that because I was out of the dating loop for five years, I would tell people, never settle. I am so grateful that I did not end up with what I thought I wanted. And I will say that a thousand times over. Never settle. Always know your worth and just put your best foot forward and trust your gut. Be selfish. It took me damn near 30 episodes to finally get there. But it's like I will always prioritize other people's feelings and not my own. I will always make decisions based on how it will make everyone else feel instead of me.

[B]

That makes sense.

[A]

Put yourself first, put your best foot forward and just go with your good.

[B]

I like it.

[A]

Anybody that.

[B]

I love it. That's great, great advice. Question I got for you is Love island, obviously, is the show you're on. You killed it. Did any other reality shows approach you in 23, 24, 25, like before love Island?

[A]

I don't think so.

[B]

I think just Love island because you just. Well, you have like. Yeah, I can see, like, obviously you're a perfect fit for LA tv, so I didn't know if anyone else did. How about since getting off the show, like, what do you. What's your take when you think about your career and direction? Will you go back on like a Beyond the Villa? Do you think you would go on another either lifestyle show, competitive show? Like, what do you think reality TV looks like for your future?

[A]

Yeah. So a lot of the supporters truly want to because Apparently Nickelandria did not get enough screen time, which I do agree.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm so happy we. We was able to give them that last week.

[B]

Yes. That was huge. Amazing. It was worth it. It's like sometimes it's not about the quantity, it's about the quality. And that was like a great.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

Great quality.

[A]

Yeah. So it kind of just left them like, we want more. We want more screenplays.

[B]

Exactly. And then they come to your social now and they want to see it all.

[A]

Yeah. I am very open to having some type of show with me and Nick, allowing people to. Because they've seen our love story from the beginning to end. Even when I didn't see it, they seen it before me. I think it's only right to keep on including them in that, you know, of course they have to kind of see it all unfold. Very happy and very open to trying to have a breakout show with me and Nick and allow people to be inside our lives a little bit more.

[B]

Okay. I love it. I could see you as like a producer of your own show. Like, I could see you have. Like, I could see you.

[A]

I am so open to.

[B]

Let's speak it here. I think there's some big things coming. We'll talk about what that looks like professionally. How about personally? Like, what do you have planned next? Do you have any travels coming up? Do you think about moving? What's up with you? What's next for you and Nick? Like, what do you. What are you thinking when you think about, like, the future as far as your personal life?

[A]

For sure. So Nick has been trying to convince me to move to la. I never imagined even living on the West Coast. I am a Southern belle through. I've been in the South.

[B]

That's your brand now.

[A]

I feel it's my Barbie. Come on now. So it's like I've been in the south my entire life. It's so hard to break away from it, you know, but it's like with me, with my career just taking off as. As it is. I truly think LA would be a great business move for me and I've been heavily, heavily considering it here lately. So I might be in LA soon.

[B]

Okay. All right, stay tuned. Maybe la, when you think about, like, we talked a little bit about reality tv, but what are some of the things you want to, like, do from a business perspective? You want to start your own brand? Do you want to become a host of a TV show? Do you want to go into acting, be an actress? Like, where do you see yourself in the entertainment landscape, like pursuing, given massive platform and momentum you have, I think.

[A]

Right now I definitely want to just take in a lot of like the branding because I do want to have my own brand of some sort, whether that's beauty, fashion line, whatever that is. I truly, I've always said I want to be an entrepreneur of some type. So that fits me perfectly.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

Reality tv. Even considering that, like, that's why I was saying I'm open to like a Beyond the Villa or some type of show after this to try to keep kind of keep my supporters in the loop a little bit.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Even hosting podcasts and even I am so open. I don't want to put myself in just to one box. I want to have different avenues. I don't know where my career can take me. So I be open to it all and see what sticks, you know.

[B]

When you decided to go on the show with your corporate job, how supportive were they in that process? Like, was there a potential that you might have lost your job from it?

[A]

I was actually so shocked on how supportive my branch manager was, direct manager was, even the HR lady, the HR headquarters. They were so supportive of me. I did not expect them to have that much support for me for the dating show. Like, yeah, yeah, love can get him pretty crazy. There is going to be some kissing, like crazy challenges, but are you sure? But I just wanted to make sure I had some type of job security before I left because I couldn't imagine being there for as long as I was and not knowing if I would come back to a job.

[B]

For sure.

[A]

They were overly supportive. They even talked about having watch parties in the office.

[B]

Come on.

[A]

Like, it's insane.

[B]

So they're like, they're cheering you out.

[A]

So as soon as I got my phone back, they're texting me, they're calling me. You did amazing. We're so proud of you.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Every day they would have discussions about Love island in the episode. So they were crazy supportive. They always said like, hey, use up your vacation. And after, after, after all that's done, all with your, with your vacation, your personal time, basically I'll be on unpaid leave, but they would secure my job. Like, my job would not be posted or anything like that.

[B]

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[A]

I know.

[B]

You did it though.

[A]

Yeah, I did it.

[B]

Talk to me about your relationship on this podcast. We talk a lot about money and the intersection of money and love and just navigating careers and finances. Tell me about like what is your relationship with money like growing up to now? How do you view money? What's your relationship with it and when it comes to earnings and, and just in general managing money, especially in like love, which you know, now you're in like what's your take and stance on.

[A]

It before the show, something I've always prayed for and something I always wanted was financial freedom, obviously being raised by a single mother of three, my mom, she made a way, don't get me wrong, but she was living check to check a lot, you know, but she still bills was paid. Sport as hell. I don't know how she did it, but she did. And me just coming out of college is bills and things like that. Moving out on my own, I found myself living check to check at times, you know, because even when you get a career, when you first start out, we have no experience, they're going to lowball you with pay. You don't come out swinging, you know, Even prior to the show, I don't ever say like I was broke, but I would always say like, you know what, I'm in between blessings that I always say That I never call my perspective. I never call myself broke. I'm just in between blessings right now. And which is why I was in Shein for most of the show. And people talking like, oh, she's in cheap clothes. I'm like, well, I couldn't afford things off ever.

[B]

Excuse me. But now I can.

[A]

I can buy me some venue. I'm in that position to buy.

[B]

Judgmental, like, come on.

[A]

I was like, oh, that's mean. But I couldn't afford nice things, but now I can. Like, that's why I put myself out there, to be able to do things like this. But I would find myself living just to pay bills. I was to pay bills. I'm like, you know what? I have no kids. I have no pets. This should not be my life, you know? So I just prayed to God about it. That's why I took a step of faith and just went on the show. And I'm so happy that I did, because I could not imagine me not doing that. Like, this is my reality now. Imagine if I just shut him down.

[B]

Again for the third time and still.

[A]

Be in a miserable state. So. So I'm happy that I did. I was always very good when it came to paying bills. All of my bills on auto pay. Always made sure and prioritized that. And then whatever's left over, I would kind of spoil myself with it because I was in, like, a sales role. So anytime I have like a. I get my bonus check for a quarter, sure. Literally, it would be so big. I was like, to top of the top when it came to sales. I would just splurge on myself. Like, I'm living my life. I am so happy that I can actually live in that reality for a minute now. No longer have to say I'm in between blessings anymore. I'm blessed.

[B]

I love that perspective. It's all about how you reframe it. And then based on the reframe, become a believer of it, and then it becomes your reality. And there's less stress and there's more positive momentum. All those things, they're so real. You talked about a little bit packing for the show. So as you're packing for the show, how many suitcases did you pack? And if you had to think, like, of course we talk money on this podcast. How much do you think you did have to spend on clothing to prepare for Levi?

[A]

Oh, okay. So first of all, I brought four suitcases.

[B]

Four of them. Wow.

[A]

Four. Holy was able to give me so many cool looks, styles. You know, I had like 30 bikinis. I had, like, 30 outfits. Like, I didn't really have to repeat any outfit at all.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Literally.

[B]

So, yeah, the benefits of packing four.

[A]

Oh, man.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Literally, I paid out the aspirin. One of my suitcases, like, £100. Another was, like, 80.

[B]

It was bad. It was so bad because you got to pay all the overweight fees.

[A]

Literally. I had a connecting flight, so I had to fly from Houston to LA and then LA to Fiji. So I have to pay, like, twice.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

It was terrible.

[B]

Wait, so how much did it cost to just get the luggage out there?

[A]

Oh, I don't even want to talk about it. I was like, no way. Like, you're cleaning me out. I don't have money in my account right now.

[B]

I'm dead.

[A]

Literally a few days later, that's when I got my bonus and, like, my actual checks. I was okay. But, like, going out there, I'm just like, this does not look good. Yeah.

[B]

Well, that's funny because it's just in the weight of it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then, like, how I assume you spent a few thousand bucks in Baby. Okay, so nothing, like, too crazy.

[A]

Yeah. When it came to, I mainly got my clothes from Shein and Fashion Nova. So like, a few thousand dollars.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But for all those items, I think it was pretty worth it.

[B]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. I would say so.

[A]

I got a Vogue shot. I was sheen clothes. That is insane.

[B]

Unbelievable. I mean, exactly. You got it all. When you think about, like, what's next, though, like, in your career and earnings, do you have, like, a goal? Are you, like, I want to make X amount of dollars, or do you have a goal as it relates to, like, financial goals moving forward?

[A]

Now, that's an interesting question. I have not yet made a goal yet. Yeah, I just hopefully I see a M in my account. I never imagine me seeing a million bucks.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That might be low for someone else, but, like, when you come where I come from, it's like, that is a lot. Hello?

[B]

Yeah, for sure.

[A]

I don't know. Maybe I need to think about that.

[B]

Okay. Something to think about.

[A]

Financial goal for myself with the whole.

[B]

Conversation of, like, love and money. We saw a little bit on the show, but conversations about this stuff, like, talking to your part, it's one of the hardest things to do. There's just a recent study out there that 50 of couples married and cohabiting, they don't even talk finances. Married. So what I would ask you is, like, in these discussions and conversations you're having, as you're getting more intimate what's your stance on, like, financial transparency and having these conversations and how do you step into them, into your current connection?

[A]

Oh, that's a. That's a tough one. I have yet to think that for my goodness.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I would think, like, as we get further and further in our connection, get more serious. Maybe we should have those discussions. But as of now, though, they haven't came up yet.

[B]

Yeah. To me, it's like, I think you have to have it when you're comfortable. Right. And I think it's got to flow. But I think the transparency of those conversations are just so important. And as long as it's done without judgment, shame, or, like, weaponization, it's like, hey, let's just actually connect through this. Like, let's not. Let's not bully each other. Let's not use it as information to beat each other up. But it's like, a way to, like, information could actually be intimacy.

[A]

No.

[B]

As opposed to, like, this barrier. Like, oh, we can't talk about it.

[A]

No, for sure. And I don't think it would ever be a barrier as far as, like, us not talking about it. Because one thing I can say about Nick, any and every opportunity he ever has, he always tried to find a way to give me that same opportunity.

[B]

Oh, that's awesome.

[A]

He's like, hey, I'm modeling for this. This company. I'm gonna talk to him about, like, doing a collab or you even having your own line. Like, there's one thing about it. He's gonna try to put money in my pockets any way that he can. And I love that about him. Cause it's like, I would never feel like it's a competition between us.

[B]

That's so important in this space too.

[A]

It's a beautiful thing between him and his family. They're always fighting for me to get compensated or something like that. It's such a beautiful thing. I feel so welcomed. I feel so seen just having a partner and to have his family back him to make sure I'm financially good too, just as well as their son. It's. I don't know. It's a feeling that I can't even describe.

[B]

Oh, absolutely. All right, let's talk about this. You start a business. This is a little bit tougher question. So you start a business today. Love island, season seven. And you could hire anyone from the cast to, like, help you with your business. You, like, they're going to help me blow this business up. Who you hiring?

[A]

Shelly B. Wow.

[B]

That was instant that you knew.

[A]

You knew my Soul sister.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I love it Is my girl. I love her down.

[B]

Okay, so. And tell me why I. I'm not why you love her, but, like, why you hired her. I obviously know why, but, like, I'm shipping trust, connection.

[A]

I actually feel like me and Shelley already have our own brand already.

[B]

Seriously?

[A]

Honestly, it would be blowing up.

[B]

Just starting.

[A]

They call it Shalandria.

[B]

I know.

[A]

I love it. And I just trust her. I trusted her with so many of my secrets in the villa, mind you. I've known her for a few weeks, but I feel like I could trust her with my life, you know, I truly feel like she's always been so honest and so open with me. I feel like she would be a great business partner. Even when I was considering moving to la, which I still am, I even consider, like, having her as a roommate. I live with her, you know, I'm saying all this time, so I'm like, bro, I trust you. I really would love to roommate with you. And for sure, you know what I'm saying? Just, I don't know, start life put together outside of the villa.

[B]

That's a great answer. Now I'm gonna reverse this question a little bit. Everyone on Love island season seven, they work for you. You're the CEO. It's your business. You gotta fire someone who you fire at Taylor Instantage. You care to elaborate why?

[A]

I think it's obvious why.

[B]

There we go.

[A]

You know, he's cool. We're friends, but yeah.

[B]

All right. What is one thing that you do within yourself to keep yourself secure and grounded? There's so many things that drive insecurities in this world. So, like, what's a little trading secret for how you balance yourself, how you keep yourself personally, mentally secure with it?

[A]

Honestly, I go to church honestly. When I found myself being in a dark place prior to being in the show, it truly pushed me into God's house. I never really imagined me going to church by myself. I would say, like, oh, I want to go with friends or family, but it's like, I was so down bad. I was like, you know what? I can't lean on nobody but God. Like, God has truly put me in positions and situations to where I can't just go phone a friend. It doesn't help. I need to go directly to him. So I just go to church. A journal, literally, I just try to, I don't know, some situations only God could help me out of. And he truly did go to church.

[B]

That's unbelievable. When you think about, like, celebrities or a public figure, someone that you look up to who is someone today that you look up to them, and you're like, I want to emulate what they've done with, like, their brand, their business, and who they are.

[A]

Mrs. Greed. What's her first name?

[B]

Emma. Yes, yes, yes.

[A]

Fire.

[B]

She's been on the podcast.

[A]

Fire.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I literally just followed her the other day.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

They called me out on Twitter, like, oh, Elandra just followed Emma.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I was like, yeah. Oh, my God. I will give my left arm to talk to that woman or to be in her presence. I just. Bro, what she's done is so amazing.

[B]

It's unbelievable here lately. Yeah, she's incredible. I mean, the way she's built, what she's built, it's like, literally unbelievable.

[A]

And just to have a woman that's that looks like me, it's like, it's so easy to see myself in that position, you know what I mean? Because representation is everything.

[B]

Everything.

[A]

Absolutely everything. I would kill to be in her presence, literally.

[B]

I love it when you think about, like, maybe building a not for profit or, like, doing something from an impact perspective. What does that look like in your future?

[A]

I love community work. I always found myself volunteering at the Houston Food Banks. I even convinced my team or my job to make Easter baskets for, like, a homeless shelter for women and kids.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because it was one of my accounts, and they end up canceling with us because they didn't like the service. So I went out there to meet them, like, hey, what is this place? It's like, oh, it's a homeless shelter for kids and women. I'm like, can I do something for you guys? Easter's coming up. I want to, like, get Easter baskets and just try to restore joy into these kids. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

And we literally maxed out our company car. She's giving back to that shelter. So something like that with women, kids, I don't know. The less fortunate truly pulls at my heartstrings. So I don't know. I have big plans. I love community work. I've always been in love with it.

[B]

You're going to build businesses. You're going to make huge impact. The summer season is mayhem. Eating, unhealthy, going out, and then you get to the structured fall season, and it's a lot more stressful. Those are two big contributing factors to your overall hair health. Your hair is never just about your hair, and Nutrafol knows that. It could be your dating life, your diet, the juggling act that parenting can be, finding your rhythm and new routines or even following your favorite sports team. In an intense season, it could be almost anything that has almost nothing to do with hair. That's why Nutrafol takes a whole body approach to hair health. Addressing the problem inside to help hair grow on the outside. Address the root causes of hair thinning with Nutrafol, the hair growth routine that keeps up with your life. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter the promo code Trading Secrets. That's nutrafol.com n u t r a f o l dot com and use the code Trading Secrets. That's nutRAfol.com promo code Trading Secrets. Question I for you on the dating. So you haven't had those conversations with Nick as far as, like, the finances go, but do you have any, like, you know, you were single for five years, so of course you're going on dates and stuff here and there. Do you have any hard and fast rules as it relates to money and relationships? So it could be, you know, dates always have to be paid for by the man or you have to have these conversations or. Yeah, like, do you have any hard, fast money rules as it relates to dating?

[A]

I would hope I would not have to tell a guy, like, you have to pay for this date. Like, I would hope so. You're courting me.

[B]

Like, come on.

[A]

Which, oh, I hope I would never have to have that conversation.

[B]

I am the Southern charm. That's how it works.

[A]

One thing about me, I don't mind reciprocating that, that energy back into my person, but it's like after some time though, you gotta.

[B]

Yeah, you gotta. You gotta put it in first. Yeah, I get it. One question I usually ask most people that come on the podcast. What's one thing that you overspend on? You know you overspend on it. What is that?

[A]

Clothes. Even though they're cheap? Yes, But I buy a lot of.

[B]

Even though you guys are chirping it about being cheap. Yeah. Okay.

[A]

Lord forbid. Of a girl. Like, she and I love she and I don't know, it's just nice.

[B]

Yeah, all right, I get that. I get that. All right, so you got travel in your future. LA modeling is something you want to pursue too. Okay, gotcha. And so, all right, you got a lot going on. You got a lot to achieve here and you're just getting started. Maybe more reality tv. Maybe you'll even start your own show.

[A]

Fingers crossed. Okay, beautiful.

[B]

You'll be beautiful. All right, all right. If you had to give people. I know they're going to wonder. La. What do you think the timeline looks like if you do move the next month?

[A]

Month and a half, maybe.

[B]

Okay, so you're making it. You're doing it.

[A]

I need to get on it, you know.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Dragging my feet.

[B]

Okay. I love it. Of all the partnerships, all the places, this is a good way for you to plug what you want. And like, from. From being on the COVID of, let's say, Vogue or being in Vogue to like, Sports Illustrated, Swim week. What's your dream partnership in a year from now? You look back at your career like, I want to do this. Maybe it's. And I don't want to take your answer, but maybe it's something with em. Maybe you and Emma create. Maybe you do like a skims line or something.

[A]

Please. That will be beautiful.

[B]

Right?

[A]

My own collection within skims.

[B]

Yeah. And she. She's a co founder, right?

[A]

You're watching this. Please. I followed you, girl. You don't even have to follow me back. I don't know. I'm gonna DM you right after this. Actually, we need to talk.

[B]

Let's go. It's time. You're manifesting it collection.

[A]

I am, man. I'm gonna go pray about this right after this.

[B]

Okay. God, please pray about this. There's a lot on this episode you have put into existence la your future in your relationship. Talking about getting the mill in your bank account, the emigree, partnership, etc. The last thing I got for in a personal standpoint, when you look in the future, I mean, do you see, like. I know it's hard to think about this, but do you see, like, getting married and like, from. From Nick dating and having kids and stuff? Like, where's your head with all that now? It's hard to look down that line. But, like, where do you stand with all that?

[A]

One thing about me, I've always dated with intention, love it. Which I came into the villa like that. Which is why I feel like I was very intimidated when it came to the guys because it's like, like, oh, you can't be over here.

[B]

You're not here to play around.

[A]

You're like, you come here and be a man to me. Which is why I feel like a lot of guys had a hard time approaching me. Maybe they was too scared to step into that role. I'm like, okay, we're all 25 plus. It's time to grow up. We're not too far from dirty if you. I know I want kids. I know I want to be married. And the only way I'm going to have kids is if I have a ring on my finger. I was raised by a single mom and I know single parents don't always pick and choose what their life is going to look like. But me being from the South, I've always glorified marriage. I always love what that looked like. I've always been, always yearned for that family like bond, which I always appreciate. My mom, you know, I'm saying, giving me the life that I have, but it's like, I really wish I had a dad here. Like that would be nice, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So, yeah, marriage is definitely in my foreseeable future. I talked to Nick about that a lot. Like, hey, I date to Mary. So what are we on the same page as it's been together what, 35 years?

[B]

Yeah, I know.

[A]

I would love that to be our story too.

[B]

Exactly. And it's a, I mean, great role model for him to look up too.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

I love it. You're dating with attention. You're doing your thing. The last thing I got before you get your training secret, you look at where you've come so far and everything that you've done which has been so positively received. Do you look back and if you do look back, what is one regret? What is one thing you might have just been like? I wish I would have done that just a little different.

[A]

I wish I was a lot more selfish in the beginning. I wish I did not just sit on it, you know, I was too scared on how people were going to perceive it. I wish I was more selfish in the beginning. 100%. I always just wanted to look out for everyone else's feelings and disregarded my own and end up being burned in the end. But I came out with a great connection.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I truly just wish I was a little more selfish in the beginning.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And stand and stood on that, you.

[B]

Know, and it's tough. Like it's really hard to get used to those cameras. Like, it's one thing to go on a date. You go on it. Like for anyone listening as you go on a date and it's like, that's hard, right? It's just like you're like, nerves are flying. Then you got like cameras, you got all these other people around you. Like that's a lot.

[A]

That's a lot.

[B]

That's a lot of pressure. And like, I think when you talk about being selfish, it gets hard to do that from the jump Literally, cameras around. You're not used to this. You're working at an elevator company in Texas, and all of a sudden you're on, like, Love island, the biggest show. It's being viewed a billion minutes. It is crazy.

[A]

That's insane.

[B]

Isn't that. Why do you. What is it about this season that became so big? You were in it, though. Like, there's got to be. What do you think it was?

[A]

I honestly thought we were boring. I knew we had drama.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I didn't know because we were put up against season six. I was like. Which was amazing.

[B]

Which was like, how do we compete?

[A]

You know what I mean? But it's like, once you're in a villain, you're just in your own zone. You just kind of just forget all about the noise. But coming out of it, I'm like, sports bars watch parties, parlays. People are betting on who's going to cope up with who. Like, how did. I'm still asking the same question. How did it get this big? I don't know what happened. I was literally locked into the villa the whole time. So I really don't know.

[B]

It's like a case study. Someone's going to have to analyze, like, a Harvard business case study.

[A]

Watch that video. If someone analyzed, like, what made people get into love falling so heavily.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But I know a lot of people are truly obsessed with the whole nickelandria thing.

[B]

Like, I mean, they're learning from me. TMZ's following you guys around. They're asking the take of it. Like, that's a whole different ballgame.

[A]

But I didn't think it was that big, you know?

[B]

Yeah, that's a. That's a whole lot of action right there. There are bright things ahead for you. I'm so happy that everything's worked out the way it is. The. I keep saying the last thing. I promise this is the last thing. The mental health of your peers. Cast all the things. As you navigate forward. There's so much pressure on you guys right now. What do you do and what advice do you have if you talk to your castmates about, like, this big change and the impact it has not, of course, like, financially, but also mentally. Like, where do you. Where do you stand with that? And what are conversations you guys have amongst each other?

[A]

I don't know. We just definitely just decided to, like, have each other's back. I know me and Shelly talk a lot because obviously this new reality is. Is so crazy. I don't know. I know we have our psychiatrist who we're talking to in the villa like once a week.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So great. We still talking to.

[B]

Good for them.

[A]

Yeah. So I'm gonna lean on her. But my girl Riddy, that is my girl sees me, she hears me, we even had a session. We both cried together. Like I feel so connected to her. So I love that we still have that support even outside of the villa. So between leaning on her and just leaning on each other, just being there for each other. Cause I honestly don't think anybody else understood what we went through or understand like what we're going through except for each other. So just truly having that tight knit bond between the castmates and just being there outside of this whole experience truly is helping us kind of get used to this new reality.

[B]

I love it. It is unbelievable what you've been through, where you're going, how much you've done and how much you're going to do and the manifesting of it all is going to happen. I can't wait till it does. Tyler Cameron's in the background over here, just popping. But what we got to do is we got to end with a trading secret. So it's something that is unique to your experience. It's a piece of advice, a quote, a motto, something that you live by. It could be personal, professional, financial, but it's unique to everything you've gone through. What trading secret can you leave?

[A]

Oh, God. Never lose sight to who you are. Stay true to you regardless of the experience with the person.

[B]

I like that. Yeah, I think that's a good one. I think it's a good one. I think something I. My trading secret that I've learned, I think from you is like, don't force timing. It will happen the way it's supposed to.

[A]

Beautiful.

[B]

And the other thing I think I've learned from you is that no matter what position you are, it's just what position you tell yourself in.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

Right, so you're not, you're not telling, you're not saying I'm broke joke. Because you're not. You're reframing it to be a different scenario because you know one day you won't be and that day is here.

[A]

Right, exactly.

[B]

So like I think, yeah, in between blessings. And so I think there's a lot of people out there that are going through struggles and going through challenges and how you reframe that and how you talk to yourself impacts what you are tomorrow. And so like, I think that's something that you've done. So cheers to you. Congratulations on all the success you've had. Where can everyone find everything you have going on?

[A]

My name, Alandria. I changed my username because everyone had a hard time finding me. I had a zero instead of oh.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But now the secret, now it's like, secret's out. Let him find you. Let them follow you, literally. And we will be following your journey and we'll have you back on when you do. Get that skims partnership in that line. Let's go. We're Emma. Let's go. We're here right now. Landry, thank you so much for being on this episode. Trade Secrets.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

That money money rain on me Making that money money Living that dream Making.

[A]

That money money rain on me Making.

[B]

That money Living that dream.

[A]

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