Olandria Carthen, widely known by her reality television persona "Bama Barbie," has been recognized on TIME's 100 Creators list for 2026, highlighting her significant influence in the digital space. Carthen, who gained prominence during her appearance on Love Island USA Season 7, has since cultivated a career extending beyond reality television into modeling, content creation, and music.
Carthen, a graduate of Tuskegee University, an HBCU, has consistently advocated for higher education. Her post-show endeavors include walking in New York Fashion Week, appearing on magazine covers, and being featured in Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue. She has also engaged with academic institutions, speaking at Harvard Business School and receiving an award at the Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business Annual Gala.
Her career expansion also includes a foray into music, with the release of her song "Ola Doll Anthem" in June. Carthen has been noted for her openness and vulnerability on reality television, particularly in representing dark-skinned Black women. Before her television debut, she worked as a lifestyle influencer. Carthen and her partner, Nic Vansteenberghe, were a popular couple on Love Island USA under the ship name "Nicolandria."