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

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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)

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.