Olandria Carthen is proud of how far she has come, and she wants other Black women to know that they can dream just as big.

The Love Island USA season seven runner-up spoke about resilience, representation and the criticism she has faced during an appearance on the Rich Little Brokegirls podcast. For Carthen, the conversation went beyond reality television. It was also about what it means to be a dark-skinned Black woman building a career in the public eye.

A first-generation college graduate from Alabama, Carthen attended Tuskegee University before working in elevator sales. Since appearing on Love Island USA, she has pursued opportunities in fashion and media, including making her runway debut for designer Sergio Hudson.

Her journey is a reminder that there is often much more to a reality television personality than the moments viewers see on screen. Before the cameras, brand partnerships and fashion appearances came years of education, work and ambition.

“It could be you too”

During the podcast conversation, Carthen spoke about how painful it can be to receive criticism from within her own community, particularly when she has heard calls for greater representation of dark-skinned Black women.

She questioned why some people would celebrate the idea of representation but tear down a woman who has stepped into that space. She also made clear that she hopes her success encourages others rather than intimidates them.

Seeing a woman who shares your background or experiences pursue opportunities can make those possibilities feel closer. It does not mean everyone has to follow the same path, or that one woman must speak for every Black woman.

Why representation still matters on reality TV

Some critics have questioned whether a woman from a dating show should speak about representing Black women. We reject the suggestion that the setting makes representation meaningless. The criticism is unnecessary and, at times, hateful.

Reality television reaches millions of viewers and shapes conversations about beauty, desirability and whose stories receive attention. For a dark-skinned Black woman to speak openly about how she navigates that space is valid.

It is also worth asking why some viewers dismiss Carthen’s pride in her achievements. Criticism of a public figure is fair, but the intensity of the criticism she has received might lead you to believe she was embroiled in a major controversy or had committed a serious social faux pas. We should be willing to examine whether colourism or different expectations influence how dark-skinned women are judged.

During the conversation, the host reflected on watching Black women wait to be chosen on earlier seasons of Love Island UK. She told Carthen that seeing a woman like her desired and treated well could mean something to younger viewers.

More than a television moment

Carthen has spoken about wanting to use her platform to promote education and historically Black colleges and universities, as well as build a career in fashion.

We are glad to see her tell that fuller story. A woman can be proud of her education, enjoy fashion, appear on reality television and still have something meaningful to say about representation. Carthen’s success does not take anything away from anyone else; it can help others imagine more for themselves.

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