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- How Tuskegee Prepared Her for Solo Seats at the Table
- The Unexpected Route: From Supply Chain Degree to Elevator Sales
- Visibility and Representation: Bama Barbie on Reality TV
- Inside the Podcast Conversation: What She Told Go Off, Sis
- Practical Lessons: How to Hold Space Without Shrinking
- Where to Hear More: The Full Episode and Conversation
Olandria Carthen — better known to many as Bama Barbie — says her time at Tuskegee University gave her the tools to walk into rooms where she’s the only one who looks like her and still stand tall. Fresh out of college, she found herself in an industry dominated by men and lacking Black colleagues. Instead of shrinking, she drew on lessons learned at her HBCU to adapt, network, and thrive.
Between a surprising career in elevator sales, a breakout moment on reality TV, and candid conversations on the Go Off, Sis podcast, Carthen’s story maps how an HBCU education, personal confidence, and community support can shape a woman navigating fame and corporate spaces simultaneously.
How Tuskegee Prepared Her for Solo Seats at the Table
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Carthen describes the shock of moving from an all-Black classroom to an office where she was one of very few Black employees — and one of no women at all. Rather than letting isolation define her early career, she relied on skills cultivated at Tuskegee:
- Building authentic networks across backgrounds
- Adapting quickly to unfamiliar cultures
- Balancing confidence with curiosity in new environments
She emphasizes that HBCU experiences can teach resilience and strategies for not diminishing oneself to make others comfortable. That mindset helped her move past a brief post-college slump and into a high-performing role.
The Unexpected Route: From Supply Chain Degree to Elevator Sales
With a degree in supply chain management, Carthen didn’t set out to sell elevators. But the interpersonal skills and operational knowledge from her studies and campus life translated well to sales. Her easygoing charm and work ethic quickly set her apart.
- Academic foundation in logistics and operations
- Personable approach that won client trust
- Rapidly meeting and exceeding sales targets
Her unexpected career path is a reminder that transferable skills — especially those tied to systems thinking and relationship-building — can open doors in industries you might never plan for.
Visibility and Representation: Bama Barbie on Reality TV
Carthen found wider recognition through reality television, where her presence resonated with viewers across the country. She says going on the show felt like carrying more than her own story — it was an opportunity to represent Black women in mainstream spaces.
That visibility brought both scrutiny and support. On the one hand, fame intensified public attention; on the other, it connected her with communities that reinforced her self-worth and sense of belonging. It also introduced her to Nicolas Vansteenberghe, sparking a relationship fans watched unfold.
Inside the Podcast Conversation: What She Told Go Off, Sis
Topics Covered and Takeaways
On the latest Go Off, Sis episode — produced in partnership with Target — Carthen spoke candidly with hosts about topics ranging from Homecoming traditions to handling fame. Highlights included:
- How HBCU culture shapes professional identity
- Strategies for navigating predominantly white, male industries
- Maintaining authenticity in public life
- Balancing personal relationships under the spotlight
The episode pairs personal anecdotes with practical advice, and Carthen credits the support of other women and her community for helping her move confidently through both corporate and public stages.
Practical Lessons: How to Hold Space Without Shrinking
Carthen’s experience offers clear, actionable strategies for anyone confronting underrepresentation at work or in public life. Her guidance includes:
- Network proactively: Build allies inside and outside your organization.
- Claim your value: Know your skills and contributions and speak up about them.
- Adapt without erasing your identity: Learn workplace norms but keep your perspective intact.
- Seek mentors and sponsors: Find people who will advocate for your advancement.
- Lean on community: Use the support of friends, classmates, and alumni to stay grounded.
Where to Hear More: The Full Episode and Conversation
For listeners who want the complete conversation with Carthen, the podcast episode features discussions with Kathleen Newman-Bremang, senior content director of entertainment at Refinery29; Sandy Pierre, brand partnerships lead at Unbothered; and Claire Ateku, social producer at Unbothered. Topics include Homecoming season, Nicolandria, and the practical realities of adjusting to life after an HBCU.
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David Miller is an entertainment expert with a passion for film, music, and series. With eight years in cultural criticism, he takes you behind the scenes of productions and studios. His energetic style guides you to the next big releases and trending sensations.
Man, reading about Olandria Carthens journey from HBCU to the big leagues is like watching your favorite underdog movie come to life. Shes out there slaying, and Im here for every bit of her story!
Man, Olandria Carthens journey from HBCU to the spotlight is like a movie plot! Tuskegee really set her up for success. Shes out here making elevator sales sound intriguing. Who knew? Love her vibe!
Man, Olandria Carthens journey is wild, like a rollercoaster with no seat belts! HBCU to the big leagues, talk about a glow-up. Shes out here redefining success one move at a time. Admirable hustle!
Man, Olandria Carthens journey from HBCU to fame is like a rollercoaster in a hurricane, ya feel me? Tuskegee and those solo seats, talk about a power move! Shes out there slayin in supply chain and elevators, like, what cant she do? Mad respect.
Man, Olandria Carthens aint playin around, huh? That journey from HBCU to fame is like a wild ride through a hurricane! Tuskegee and those solo seats, talk about boss moves! Shes out there killin it in supply chain and elevators, like, is there anything she cant do? Total respect for her hustle and grind, ya know?
Man, Olandria Carthens journey from HBCU to the spotlight is like a Netflix series in real life! Tuskegee to elevator sales? Thats some unexpected plot twist! Who needs fiction with these real stories?
Man, Olandria Carthens journey is like a rollercoaster ride! That HBCU education shaping her path, balancing fame… its inspiring. The unexpected twists from supply chain to elevator sales? Now thats a story worth hearing!
Damn, aint that the truth! Olandria Carthens journey be more twisted than a pretzel, huh? From HBCU to elevator sales, talk about a wild ride! Its like watching a soap opera mixed with a reality show. Who knew supply chains could lead to fame, right? Lifes full of surprises, man.
Man, Olandria Carthens journey is like a rollercoaster ride through success and authenticity. Her HBCU roots and rise to fame show real grit. Shes redefining the game, one bold move at a time.
Man, Olandria Carthens journey is like a rollercoaster ride through success and hustle. From HBCU to the limelight, shes got that mix of grit and grace, showing us how to slay with style! ✨
Oh, this article hit different. Cant help but admire Olandria Carthens journey. HBCU pride, love tales, and fame? Shes juggling it all! Who knew a supply chain degree could lead to elevator sales? Lifes full of surprises, I guess.
Man, Olandria Carthens journey from HBCU to fame is inspiring. Its like watching a caterpillar transform into a butterfly, but with way more sass and edge. Keep slayin, girl!
Man, Olandria Carthens journey from HBCU to fame is wild. Shes like a phoenix rising from Tuskegees halls to solo success. Cant wait to hear more on how she navigates it all.
Man, Olandria Carthen is like the blueprint for juggling fame and staying true to your roots. Her HBCU vibe is strong! Its refreshing to see someone rock their success while repping their education like a boss. Respect!
Man, Olandria Carthen really hit me in the feels with that HBCU journey. The way she blends education and fame is inspiring. Makes me rethink my own path, you know? Talent and grit, thats the winning combo right there.
Man, Olandria Carthens journey is like a rollercoaster, from HBCU to fame. Tuskegee mustve been the launchpad for her success. Wonder how she handles the spotlight after her elevator pitch.
Oh man, Olandria Carthens journey is a wild ride, aint it? Going from an HBCU to stardom mustve been one heck of a leap. Tuskegee probably did set her up for that spotlight moment. Wonder if shes got her shades ready for all that glare after her elevator pitch. The fame game can be a rollercoaster in itself!