Love Island wasn’t on our radar prior to the U.S. Season 7. But with nonstop rumblings of untimely exits, spicy hookups, and plot-twisty storylines, we rushed to catch up before the winners were announced.
But even the winners themselves couldn’t steal the spotlight away from breakout star Olandria Carthen (that’s Nicolandria respectfully, if you ship her coupling with beau Nic Vansteenberghe).
Immediately after leaving the island, Olandria became a pop-culture icon, fashionista, and brand-sponsorship gold. The last time we remember a dark-skinned Black woman getting so much mainstream praise was at the height of Naomi Campbell’s supermodel reign. It’s been time to celebrate more Black beauty and Olandria is more than deserving of the rave.
Olandria is strikingly beautiful, smart, graceful, and most endearing in a world full of contrived influencers—freaking real.
It’s no wonder she has the world shaking in its boots.
But with newfound fame comes equal parts nastiness. Olandria has faced an onslaught of rumors, bullying, racism, colorism, and featurism from online trolls. Some even called into former castmate Huda Mustafa’s livestream to taunt her with a racial slur. Huda responded by laughing and subsequently lost a brand deal with Huda Beauty. Hmph.
Throughout all the rumors and trepidation, Olandria continues to display incredible grace under fire.
We know many Muses can relate to being on the receiving end of bullying or public scrutiny.
Here are 10 ways Olandria ignores the haters and takes up space:
1. She Dares to Be Loved
After years of choosing to be single while focusing on personal growth, Olandria took a massive leap of faith—not only re-entering the dating pool, but doing so on an international hit show. Engulfed by cameras. 24-7.
Throughout the season, we saw her commit to the process, demand her worth, and ultimately find the perfect match in an unexpected coupling with Nic.
None of that would’ve happened if she hadn’t been willing to open up, be vulnerable, and take a risk outside her comfort zone.
2. She Manifested Her Dream Life
Olandria always dreamed of modeling. With a face card that never declines and a runway-ready frame, she had supermodel potential long before the fame. It’s inspiring to see old tweets resurfacing where she spoke her model lifestyle into existence.
Even sweeter? Nic encouraged her to pursue modeling professionally from the moment she shared her goals.
Now she’s gracing covers like Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam and features in Glamour, wearing prestigious fashion houses, and living out her manifestations in real time.
3. She Lives a Soft Life
Olandria’s mom even had to clarify to online haters that her daughter has never lived a hard life. As the eldest sibling, Olandria has always been surrounded by love, support, and softness.
This includes Nic, who openly dotes on her—and as Olandria puts it, she never has to open a door or lift a finger in his presence. And we love this for her!
4. She Is Always Picture Perfect
It’s hard to imagine Olandria having an off day, but even then, she steps out in head-to-toe perfection. From flowy hair and glowy skin to soft glam and chic styling (spearheaded by stylist team The Reisman’s), she consistently delivers.
While an incredible team may help, she also reminds us to dress for the life we want and let our outer glow elevate our inner confidence.
Feeling good on the outside can absolutely uplift how we feel on the inside.
5. She Maintains Mystery
Despite being ever-present, Olandria still maintains an aura of mystery. After her season of Love Island wrapped, she quietly stepped “out of the group chat,” sharing only glimpses of her relationship with Nic and curated behind-the-scenes snippets.
Most of her presence now comes through glossy influencer content and modeling outtakes. As she adjusts to overwhelming fame and dodges trolls who pick apart every move, we think protecting her privacy right now is exactly the right call.
6. She Protects Her Peace
We’ve seen Olandria, in real time, remove herself from toxic people and environments. Who can forget when castmate, Coco Watson, attempted to speak to her on a livestream after talking harshly about her on a podcast?
Olandria simply replied, “Nah, I’m cool,” gathered her things, and exited stage left.
A masterclass in emotional regulation, discernment, and prioritizing your peace above everything.
@fernlikeplanta Nicolandria + Pepe on live 👀 Coco trying to talk to Olandria before the reunion tomorrow 👀👀 #loveisland ♬ original sound – fer 🐛
7. She Gets to the Bag
Love her or hate her, Olandria is the breakout star of the entire franchise—and brands know it. Companies are lining up for her modeling and influencer magic.
She has also monetized her platforms: on TikTok alone, she has 7,056 paid subscribers, bringing in $42,265 a month.
While others spend their platforms tearing her down, Olandria is busy securing every bag in sight.
8. She Shows Up Where Her Haters Aren’t Invited
While trolls spend their days typing from bedrooms (or basements 👀), Olandria stays booked and busy. Just this November, she stunned at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards, appeared in Glamour, graced the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, and fronted a Reebok campaign for Angel Reese’s new colorway.
No wonder her team calls it “Olavember.” The haters can stay mad from outside because no, they can’t even get in. Ha!
9. She Leans on Friends Who Support Her
In a recent interview, Olandria shared that her friends go above and beyond to see her win. They champion her, send and reply to partnership emails, and even help manage her DMs.
She credits them with helping her break out of her shell. This serves as an important reminder to choose friends who celebrate you, and not secretly compete with you.
10. She Speaks Up for Herself
Taking up space requires using your voice, and Olandria does just that. Whether confronting a bully, addressing misinformation, or articulating her feelings with grace, she shows remarkable courage.
Holding everything in can harm your health. And you may have heard us mention a time or two previously, how stress builds up and negatively impacts your wellbeing.
So speaking up, especially with self-control and clarity, is an act of self-care.
At The End of the Day
In such a short period, Olandria Carthen has taught us powerful lessons about living boldly, staying grounded, and refusing to shrink for anyone.
Muses, this is how you, too, should light up every room and take up space, Ever After.
