Over the past year, Olandria has gone from being a small town girl from Alabama working in the elevator industry to becoming one of America’s most recognizable and beloved personalities. Her rise has been swift, but unlike many overnight success stories, hers is there to stay!
Her exponential rise to fame has been driven by genuine connection to publics around the world, something much more difficult to create and nearly impossible to fake.
For nearly a week, we travelled alongside Olandria during her very first visit to the African continent, specifically Lagos, Nigeria. Throughout the journey, one thing continued to amaze us: the extraordinary reach and devotion of her fan base across borders and cultures.
From the moment we arrived in Paris, young admirers rushed to greet her with overwhelming affection and excitement, to her warm welcome at the iconic Galeries Lafayette, where she was received like the “Bama Barbie” her supporters proudly celebrate, it became clear that Olandria’s connection with people runs deep.
That same energy followed us to Lagos, where hundreds of fans eagerly gathered, hoping for a
glimpse of her, a conversation, or simply the opportunity to express how much she has inspired
them. Whether in Europe, North America, or Africa, the response was remarkably consistent.
What became evident throughout this journey is that Olandria’s influence extends far beyond
television or social media. She has cultivated a genuine connection with people from different
backgrounds, generations, and continents. The admiration she inspires is not simply a reflection of popularity, but of the authenticity, relatability, and positive representation she brings to those who see themselves in her story. Her impact is undeniable, and her voice is emerging as one of the most influential and inspiring of her generation.
Millions of people first met Olandria through reality television. What they discovered was a woman who was comfortable being herself in an environment where authenticity is often tested. Audiences connected with her honesty, her vulnerability, her confidence, and her ability to remain grounded even as public attention around her continued to grow. Today, that connection extends far beyond television. Olandria has become a cultural figure whose influence reaches audiences across generations, communities, and increasingly, international borders. Yet speaking with her, it quickly becomes clear that fame was never part of the plan.
A Life Few Could Have Predicted
Long before the interviews, public appearances, brand partnerships, and growing influence, Olandria’s life looked very different. She was focused on building a stable career in the elevator industry, a field far removed from entertainment. Like many young professionals, she was navigating the realities of adulthood, balancing ambitions with responsibilities while trying to determine what direction her future would go. Looking back today, she admits that the younger version of herself would likely struggle to recognize the life she now leads.
“I think she’d be shocked,” Olandria tells Rolling Stone Africa. “Back then, I was focused on building a career within the elevator industry and trying to figure out my next steps. I don’t think she would have imagined that millions of people would know her name, that I would be modeling, attending major events, and creating opportunities from a reality TV experience.”
That reflection highlights an important aspect of Olandria’s journey. Unlike many aspiring public
figures who spend years pursuing fame and visibility, her path emerged from a willingness tonembrace an opportunity she had nearly walked away from. In fact, she had previously declined opportunities to enter the reality television space.
While she was intrigued by the possibilities, she was equally aware of the uncertainty that often
accompanies sudden public attention. At the time, she had built a stable career and a life grounded in structure, consistency, and hard work. Stepping into the public eye meant leaving the comfort of what was familiar and taking a risk on something entirely unknown. It was not fame she was chasing, but rather the possibility of growth. Ultimately, it was her decision to move beyond fear and trust the process that transformed the trajectory of her life.
“At some point I realized that fear wasn’t serving me anymore,” she says. “I started asking myself what would happen if I stopped saying ‘maybe later’ and simply trusted the process.”
That decision would ultimately transform her life!
The Difference Between Fame and Influence
Celebrity culture often rewards visibility while influence is something completely different.
Influence is built on trust and earned over time through consistency, authenticity, and credibility.
What has distinguished Olandria from many emerging personalities is her ability to cultivate that
trust with her audience. While many public figures feel pressure to reinvent themselves after finding fame, Olandria has resisted that temptation. She remains deeply connected to the people, values, and experiences that shaped her before the world knew her name.
“The people who knew me before any of this happened are the same people who keep me
grounded today,” she explains. “They don’t treat me differently and I wouldn’t want them to.”
That philosophy has allowed her to navigate a level of public attention that can often be overwhelming. She understands that fame can be temporary but identity and character are not. “Fame is a circumstance,” she says. “It’s not an identity.”
Redefining Confidence
One of the reasons Olandria resonates so strongly with women around the world is because she
represents a version of confidence that feels attainable. In fact, she does not present herself as
someone who has always been fearless or completely self-assured; instead, she speaks openly
about self-doubt, uncertainty, and the ongoing process of personal growth.
For many women, particularly young Black women, that honesty is refreshing especially in an
era dominated by unrealistic beauty standards and carefully curated social media images. Her willingness to embrace her natural appearance has become an important part of her public identity because she understands the pressures women face and the expectation to constantly improve, alter, and perfect themselves. She continues to actively challenge the “status quo”.
“Confidence doesn’t come from fitting a certain standard,” she says. “It comes from accepting
and valuing yourself as you are.”
That message has resonated with countless women who see them reflected in her journey. We witnessed firsthand some of the live testimonials of women who had the opportunity to share their gratitude to her face to face during our trip.
Her strong stance has helped create conversations about self-worth, representation, and the
importance of authenticity in a world that often rewards conformity.
Discovering Purpose Through Service
As Olandria’s platform has expanded, so too has her commitment to using it as a force for good.
While many people measure success through fame, accolades, endorsements, or public
recognition, Olandria’s approach has always been different. For her, this work is deeply personal
and the true value of influence lies not in how many people know your name, but in how many
lives you can positively impact because they do.
In the United States and increasingly across international borders, Olandria has become deeply
committed to uplifting and empowering the next generation. Whether through her work as a
Microsoft Copilot Ambassador, advocating for greater access to education and technology, or through community initiatives that directly support young people, she continues to use her
growing visibility to create opportunities for others.
What stands out most is that Olandria does not view her platform as a destination, but as a responsibility. She understands that titles, awards, and fame are temporary. What endures is the impact we leave behind and the doors we open for those who come after us. Rather than allowing success to become solely about personal achievement, she has chosen to transform her influence into a vehicle for service, mentorship, encouragement, and empowerment.
This commitment was evident during her recent visit to Nigeria, where she spent time with students, distributed more than 200 backpacks, with the support of Kazamance, and shared words
of encouragement with young people eager to learn and dream bigger. For Olandria, these moments are not side projects or public relations opportunities; they are a reflection of her belief that true success becomes meaningful when it is shared.
At a time when influence is often measured in followers and engagement, Olandria is helping
redefine what leadership looks like. Her legacy is not being built on visibility alone, but on her determination to ensure that her success creates opportunities, hope, and inspiration for others
along the way.
“When young people are given the right tools and support, they’re able to create possibilities not
only for themselves but for entire communities,” she says.
That commitment became particularly evident during her recent visit to Nigeria with Rolling
Stone Africa.
The trip formed part of a broader cultural exchange initiative designed to foster connections
between global personalities and communities across Africa. The experience left a lasting
Impression.
“Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply show up,” she reflects. “People often
just need someone to believe in them.”
For Olandria, the visit served as a reminder that influence is most meaningful when it creates
tangible opportunities for others.
The Responsibility of Being Seen
There comes a point in every public figure’s journey when they realize their platform has become
larger than themselves. For Olandria, that emerged gradually through conversations, messages,
and encounters with people who shared how her story had impacted their lives. As those interactions increased, so too did her understanding of the responsibility attached to visibility.
“Influence isn’t just about entertainment,” she says. “It can shape how people see themselves and
what they believe is possible.” That responsibility is something she takes seriously, because she understands that representation matters. Many people are watching; young women and men are watching; people searching for hope, encouragement, and examples of what is possible are watching. Olandria wants them to see someone who is honest about both the challenges and opportunities that come with growth.
Building a Legacy Beyond Entertainment
For Olandria legacy is not about awards, followers, or achievements; it’s about the impact that
one can have on people, it’s about kindness, and most importantly it’s about purpose. “When I think about legacy, I think about how I made people feel,” she says.
Olandria remains remarkably grounded while her life has changed so dramatically in such a short
period of time. So many people continue to connect with her because beneath the growing influence, the public appearances, and the increasing visibility, Olandria Carthen remains committed to something far more important than celebrity.
She remains committed to becoming the best version of herself while helping others do the same.
As her influence continues to expand across borders, cultures, and communities, Olandria Carthen’s story is no longer simply about personal success. It is about purpose, representation and possibility. For millions of people who see a piece of themselves in her journey, that may be her most powerful achievement yet.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH OLANDRIA CARTHEN
RSA: Looking back at the young woman who was working in the elevators industry, what would
she think if she could see your life today?
Olandria: I think she’d be shocked. Back then, I was focused on building a career within the
elevator industry, and trying to figure out my next steps. I don’t think she would have imagined
that millions of people would know her name, that she would be modeling, attending major events, and creating opportunities from a reality TV show experience. At the same time, I think she’d be proud that she stayed true to who she was and kept working hard no matter what room she walked into.
RSA: What ultimately convinced you to take a leap of faith by putting yourself in the public eye
and how did that decision transform your understanding of what is possible?
Olandria: Honestly, it was realizing that fear wasn’t serving me anymore. I had been approached
about reality TV twice before, but I wasn’t ready. I was building my career in the elevator industry, focused on stability, and stepping into the public eye felt like a huge risk. I started asking myself what would happen if I stopped saying ‘maybe later’ and just trusted the process. When the opportunity came back around, I decided to take the leap.
RSA: Fame can change people. What intentional steps have you taken to ensure that success
never changes the core of who Olandria truly is?
Olandria: I think the biggest thing is staying connected to the people and values that shaped me
before any of this happened. The people who knew me when I was working a regular job, going
to school, and figuring life out are the same people who keep me grounded today. They don’t
treat me differently, and I wouldn’t want them to. I’ve also learned that fame is a circumstance,
not an identity. It’s easy to get caught up in attention, numbers, and outside opinions, but those
things can change overnight. What lasts is your character, how you treat people, and the impact
you have on others. I try to make decisions based on who I am, not on who people expect me to
be.
RSA: Millions of people see confidence when they look at you. What has your personal journey
toward self-confidence looked like behind the scenes?
Olandria: I think people often see confidence as something you’re either born with or not, but my
journey has been a lot more layered than that. Behind the scenes, confidence has come from learning to accept myself at every stage of life not just when things are going well, but also when I’m facing uncertainty, rejection, or self-doubt. There were times when I questioned whether I was enough, whether I belonged in certain spaces, or whether I was capable of achieving the things I wanted. A lot of my confidence was built by doing things that scared me anyway.
RSA: In a world where women are constantly told to alter themselves, how important is it for
you to publicly embrace your natural body and encourage others to do the same?
Olandria: For me, it’s incredibly important. Women are often faced with unrealistic expectations
about how they should look, and that pressure can make it difficult to feel comfortable in their
own skin. Publicly embracing my natural body is a way of showing that confidence doesn’t come
from fitting a certain standard, it comes from accepting and valuing yourself as you are. If
sharing that message helps even one person feel more comfortable, worthy, or beautiful without
changing themselves, then that’s something I’m proud to stand for. I want people to know that
authenticity is powerful, and that their natural selves are enough.
RSA: What responsibility comes with knowing that young people around the world now look to
you as a role model?
Olandria: Knowing that young people are watching means understanding that my words, actions,
and choices can have an impact beyond myself. I don’t think being a role model means being
perfect; it means being authentic, accountable, and willing to learn and grow in public. If I can inspire young people to believe in themselves, embrace who they are, and pursue their goals with confidence, then that’s something I’m incredibly grateful for. I hope they see that success isn’t about never making mistakes; it’s about staying true to your values and continuing to move forward.
RSA: During your visit to Nigeria, you spent time with students and distributed backpacks while
sharing your story. What did that experience teach you about the power of showing up for
others?
Olandria: My visit to Nigeria was a deeply humbling experience. Meeting students, hearing their
dreams, and having the opportunity to share my own journey reminded me that sometimes the
most powerful thing you can do is simply show up. The backpacks were important, but what
stayed with me was the connection, the conversations, the encouragement, and the reminder that people often just need someone to believe in them. It taught me that impact isn’t always
measured by grand gestures. Sometimes it’s about being present, listening, and letting people
know they’re seen and valued. I left inspired by the resilience, ambition, and optimism of those
students, and it reinforced my belief that when we invest in others and share our stories, we
create hope and possibility in ways we may never fully realize.
RSA: You have become a Microsoft Copilot Ambassador and have used your platform to
advocate for educational opportunities and access to technology. Why is empowering the next
generation so important to you?
Olandria: Empowering the next generation is important to me because education and access to
technology can completely change the course of a person’s life. I know that talent, creativity, and
ambition exists everywhere, but opportunities don’t always. When young people are given the
tools, resources, and support they need, they’re able to dream bigger and create possibilities for
themselves and their communities. As a Microsoft copilot Ambassador, I have the opportunity
to help bridge that gap by encouraging students to embrace learning, explore technology, and
develop skills that will prepare them for the future.
RSA: Throughout your journey, what has been the most unexpected lesson success has taught
You?
Olandria: One of the most unexpected lessons success has taught me is that success itself doesn’t
change who you are, it reveals who you are. People often think that reaching a certain goal,
receiving recognition, or achieving a dream will automatically bring fulfillment, but l’ve learned
that the values, character, and relationships you build along the way matter even more. The biggest surprise has been realizing that success isn’t a destination. Every milestone opens the door to new challenges, new responsibilities, and new opportunities to grow. I’ve learned to focus less on chasing a finish line and more on becoming the best version of myself while using my platform to positively impact others.
RSA: Many people know Olandria, the public figure. What is something about Olandria, the
woman, that the world still does not fully know?
Olandria: I think one thing the world still doesn’t fully know about me is how much I value quiet
moments and personal growth away from the spotlight. People often see the photos, the
appearances, and the opportunities, but they don’t always see the reflection, faith, and
determination that keep me grounded. I also think people would be surprised by how much I
enjoy learning, growing, and finding ways to serve others. The public figure is only one part of who I am. At the end of the day, I’m still a woman with dreams, insecurities, goals, and a heart for helping people. If there’s one thing l’d want people to understand, it’s that the most important parts of me aren’t the titles or recognition – it’s my character, my faith, my relationships, and the purpose that guides everything I do.
RSA: Was there a moment when you realized your influence had grown beyond entertainment
and had become a tool capable of creating real social impact?
Olandria: There wasn’t just one moment, it was more like a gradual realization. At first, I was
just focused on my experience and figuring everything out in real time. But then I started
noticing messages from people saying they felt seen, inspired, or encouraged by my story and
how I carried myself. I think the shift really happened when I understood that influence isn’t just
about entertainment or visibility, it can actually shape how people see themselves, what they
believe they deserve, and what they think is possible for their own lives. That’s when it became
bigger for me than just being on a platform. It became about being intentional. Whether it’s
something I say, a decision I make, or how I show up publicly, I recognize that it can impact
someone l’ve never met. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and it’s also what motivates
me to stay grounded and purposeful with everything I do.
RSA: Black women are often expected to carry immense pressure while remaining resilient.
What message would you share with Black women who are currently questioning their worth,
beauty, or potential?
Olandria: What people don’t always see is that I don’t have all the answers about myself figured
out just because l’m in the public eye. There are still moments where I’m learning who I am outside of expectations, outside of how people perceive me, label me, or project things onto me. I think one of the most honest things about me is that I’m still evolving in real time. I’m learning how to protect my peace, how to trust my voice, and how to stay grounded when so many opinions are constantly being thrown at me. I don’t think the world fully knows how intentional I am about my inner life, my thoughts, my growth and my healing. A lot of what shapes me
doesn’t happen on a stage or in front of a camera. It happens in quiet moments, in reflection, and
in choosing to stay true to myself even when it’s not the easiest thing to do. If there’s something the world doesn’t fully know, it’s probably that I’m not just becoming a public figure I’m becoming myself.
RSA: Your story has inspired people across borders, cultures, and generations. What do you
hope people feel after encountering your journey?
Olandria: Honestly, I hope people feel seen. If my journey reaches someone in a place where
they’re doubting themselves, feeling unseen, or questioning whether their dreams are possible, I
want them to feel like they’re not alone in that. I never want my story to come across as something distant or unattainable. I want it to feel human. I also hope people feel encouraged to believe in their own timing. My path hasn’t been perfect or linear, but it’s been mine, and that’s something I’ve learned to value deeply. So if anything, I hope my journey reminds people that growth is possible, purpose can show up in unexpected ways, and where you start does not determine where you can go. More than anything, I want people to walk away feeling inspired
but also grounded enough to know that their own story is still being written, too.
RSA: When your career is all said and done, what do you hope your legacy will be, not as a
public personality, but as a human being?
Olandria: When I think about legacy, I don’t think about titles or the way I’m remembered in a
public sense. I think about impact in its most human form, how I made people feel when they encountered me, even in passing. More than anything, I hope I’m remembered as someone who was genuine. Someone who stayed kind, stayed grounded, and stayed true to herself even when things changed around her. I want people to say that I used whatever platform I had to pour into others, not just to be seen.
RSA: What does living a life of purpose mean to you, and how do you hope to use your
influence to leave the world better than you found it?
Olandria: To me, living a life of purpose means being intentional about how I move through the
World, not just reacting to opportunities, but choosing actions that align with my values. Purpose
isn’t something I think you arrive at once and for all, it’s something you practice daily through the way you treat people, the decisions you make, and the impact you try to leave behind. I hope to use my influence to open doors for others, especially for people who might not always see themselves represented or believed in. Whether that’s through education, access, encouragement, or simply sharing my story honestly, I want to contribute to a world where more people feel
empowered to step into their potential.
