Olandria Carthen reflects on life after Love Island USA Season 7, revealing how she and partner Nic Vansteenberghe have navigated newfound fame, strengthened their relationship, embraced personal growth, and faced public scrutiny, all while sharing intimate moments that fans have long wondered about, leaving her both grateful and emotionally transformed.

Olandria Carthen, the charismatic reality TV star who captured hearts on Love Island USA Season 7, gave fans a rare glimpse into her life after leaving the villa during a candid interview with ET’s Denny Directo at InStyle’s Imagemaker Awards in Los Angeles this past weekend.

Known for her magnetic personality and one of the most talked-about kisses in the show’s history with partner Nic Vansteenberghe, Olandria reflected on the whirlwind of attention, newfound fame, and the personal growth that followed the intense, high-stakes reality show experience.

The award ceremony, held on a breezy Los Angeles evening, served as the perfect backdrop for Olandria’s first major public interview since the finale aired.

Clad in a shimmering, emerald-green gown, she appeared confident yet introspective as she spoke about navigating the transition from the villa’s controlled environment to the unpredictable glare of real life.

“Leaving the villa was surreal,” Olandria admitted.

“It’s like stepping out of a fantasy into a completely new reality.

Nic and I were adjusting not just to each other, but to everything that came with being recognized everywhere we go.”

Olandria detailed how the pair, who emerged as the runners-up of Season 7, have been balancing their relationship under public scrutiny.

“We’ve grown so much,” she said.

“The villa shows you the intensity of attraction, but outside, it’s about building a real partnership.

Every day feels like a learning experience, and honestly, I’ve never felt more connected to someone in my life.

” Fans will recall the couple’s passionate kiss, which became a viral moment, sparking social media conversations for weeks.

“That kiss,” Olandria laughed, “was just a moment of honesty.

It became iconic, but for us, it was just the start of understanding each other.”

Behind the cameras, Olandria explained that the villa environment amplifies emotions in ways that the public rarely sees.

“People think reality TV is all drama and fun,” she said, “but living with ten other people under constant surveillance is intense.

Every decision, every glance, it all gets magnified.

Nic and I learned quickly how to communicate, set boundaries, and trust each other.”

Since returning to everyday life, Olandria has embraced several new professional opportunities that have arisen due to her heightened profile.

She hinted at upcoming projects involving fashion collaborations and digital content creation, which she hopes will allow her to connect with fans on a more personal level.

“I want to share who I am beyond the villa,” she explained.

“Reality TV was the start, but it’s just one chapter.

I’m exploring new ways to express myself and inspire others.”

Olandria also touched on the challenges of public scrutiny, especially regarding the pressure to maintain the same energy fans saw on television.

“It’s strange to realize that your private life becomes public interest,” she said.

“We’re learning how to navigate the attention with grace.

Nic has been incredible, supportive in every way, making sure we keep grounded while pursuing our goals.”

During the interview, she gave a candid perspective on her personal growth.

“I’ve discovered a lot about myself outside the villa,” she noted.

“The experience taught me to be bold, authentic, and vulnerable.

Leaving the villa doesn’t end the story — it’s the beginning of the real journey.”

ET’s Denny Directo asked Olandria about fan reactions and whether social media affected their relationship.

She acknowledged the challenges: “There’s always commentary, but we try not to let it define us.

We focus on what matters — our relationship, our goals, and the positive impact we can have.

” She also revealed that reconnecting with family and friends outside the villa was an emotional experience, one she described as “grounding and reassuring after such an intense period of life.”

Olandria’s insights offer fans a rare and heartfelt perspective on life post-Love Island, shedding light on the transition from reality TV fame to personal growth, romance, and self-discovery.

With their bond stronger than ever, she and Nic continue to navigate the unique challenges of public life while remaining committed to each other.

As she smiled during the interview, it was clear that for Olandria Carthen, life after the villa is not just about memories of a viral kiss but about embracing a journey of love, growth, and opportunity that has only just begun.

Her appearance at the InStyle’s Imagemaker Awards marks a significant moment in her post-show life — one that showcases her evolution from a reality TV contestant to a confident, self-aware individual ready to tackle the next chapter of her life while maintaining the connection with fans that helped make her a standout star of Season 7.