From Nurse to Reality Star: Nicolas Vansteenberghe's Journey to Fame
Nicolas Vansteenberghe, widely known as Nic Vans, has transformed his career from a registered nurse to a prominent model, DJ, and media personality. His rise to fame accelerated after his appearance on Love Island USA Season 7, where he finished as a runner-up alongside his girlfriend, Olandria Carthen. This article delves into his early life, educational background, and multifaceted career, highlighting how he leveraged reality TV to build a successful entertainment profile.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on March 20, 2001, in Jacksonville, Florida, Nicolas Marcel Vansteenberghe grew up in a family with diverse professional influences. His father, Didier Vansteenberghe, works in aviation sales, while his mother, Jennifer Becker Vansteenberghe, is a physician assistant and diabetes specialist. Nic credits his mother for inspiring his initial career path into nursing, noting their similar trajectories from modeling to healthcare. He has one sister, Ella, who is studying finance at Florida State University.
Education and Athletic Achievements
Vansteenberghe attended Bartram Trail High School in Saint Johns, Florida, where he excelled as a competitive swimmer. He trained with Loggerhead Aquatics and achieved notable placements in state championships, including an 11th place finish in the 100-yard backstroke. After high school, he pursued higher education at Florida Atlantic University, graduating in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in nursing, which laid the foundation for his early career in healthcare.
Career Evolution: From Nursing to Modeling
Nic's career began in nursing, but he simultaneously ventured into modeling during high school. He signed with DT Model Management in 2017 and later worked with agencies like Next Model Management and Crawford Models. His modeling portfolio includes runway shows and campaigns for major brands such as Guess, Prada, Puma, and Speedo. In December 2025, he participated in Kim Kardashian's SKIMS holiday campaign, further boosting his visibility in the fashion industry.
Reality TV Breakthrough and DJ Success
Vansteenberghe gained widespread recognition as an original cast member on Love Island USA Season 7. His relationship with Olandria Carthen, dubbed "Nicolandria," captivated audiences and solidified his status as a fan favorite. Post-show, he has appeared on programs like the Today Show and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. Concurrently, he has built a DJ career, performing at events like Aguachella during Coachella and embarking on a North American tour in 2026. His track "3AM (Remix)" with Łaszewo has garnered millions of streams on Spotify.
Personal Life and Future Prospects
As of April 2026, Nic remains in a relationship with Olandria Carthen, dispelling rumors of a staged romance. He continues to balance his roles as a model, DJ, and media personality, with aspirations to join shows like Dancing with the Stars. His story exemplifies a successful transition from a stable healthcare profession to the dynamic world of entertainment, driven by talent and strategic career moves.
