Last summer, Olandria Carthen, affectionately known as “Bama Barbie,” captured hearts on ‘Love Island USA.’ Since leaving the villa, she’s been on a whirlwind of appearances and partnerships. Yet, in a refreshingly candid moment, the 27-year-old shared that she’s currently focused on intentional stillness, learning to savor each moment despite her busy schedule.
Carthen reflects on her past self, wishing she had embraced the present more. “I feel like I was just too busy chasing after what was next, instead of just embracing where I was at the current time,” she told theGrio. “And once that time passes, you don’t get it back.” Now, she’s actively practicing living in the moment and appreciating things as they unfold.
Partnering with McDonald’s ‘First Job Confessional’
This philosophy of embracing the journey is precisely what drew Carthen to her latest brand collaboration. She’s partnered with McDonald’s for their “First Job Confessional” campaign, a reality TV-inspired initiative encouraging people to share stories about their very first jobs and the foundational skills they gained.
“I really love the creative and the whole entire concept of this McDonald’s partnership, because it really pushes me to push into the younger generations to embrace where you start,” Carthen explained. She believes that even seemingly insignificant early jobs build crucial skills that we carry throughout our lives, skills we often overlook.
The Foundation of Patience
For Carthen, her own first chapter involved babysitting. While she’s still undecided on whether it made her more or less eager to have children, she’s certain it instilled a deep sense of patience. This patience has been a constant companion through various life stages: college, the corporate world, her time on national television, and now, her role as an influencer and public figure.
Her authenticity and grace under pressure, even when broadcast to thousands of viewers, are what initially endeared her to audiences. Carthen emphasizes that her support stems from being genuine, and she deeply values her fans.
Moments of Gratitude
In a fast-paced world where trends shift daily, Carthen makes an effort to linger on impactful moments. She recalled being moved to tears by the outpouring of support from fans who showed up in person outside the Valentino show during Couture Fashion Week in Paris. “To see that outpouring support, I’m like, it brought me to tears. I’m like, Oh my gosh, this is really my life,” she shared.
She cherishes these real-life connections, especially as a “small town girl from Bama.” Even as social media encourages rapid movement to the next topic, Carthen remains grounded, reminding herself, “Y’all might have moved on, but I’m still here.”
- Embrace where you are in the present moment.
- Recognize the value of your first jobs and early experiences.
- Cultivate patience throughout life’s different seasons.
- Stay authentic and true to yourself.
- Appreciate the support of your fans, both online and in person.
Her ultimate message to young dreamers is to “continue to dream big. Go after what you want.” She encourages them to embrace every part of their journey, the good, the bad, and the ugly, knowing that each experience shapes their path.
What was your first job, and what skills did you learn from it? Share your stories in the comments below!
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