Aniya Harvey walks into the EBONY office building, her gorgeous brown skin glistening, wrapped in a long column dress. She is tall and lithe, a sign of her days as a middle blocker on the Florida Atlantic University volleyball team. With just a simple “hello,” Harvey has the whole lobby in a trance, and rightfully so.
Harvey was one of Love Island USA, Season 8’s most endearing islanders. While the outside world could feel her princess potential, the Tyrone, Georgia native had a roller coaster of a time inside the villa. First paired with KC Chandler, where the relationship seemed more convenient than chemistry, fans rooted for a different romantic path for Harvey—one with Casa Amor bombshell Carl Schmidt —though it took two tries for them to finally be together and create #Carlniya.
“I’m really strong on ‘everything happens for a reason,’ and I love that fate brought us back together,” Harvey told EBONY. “I’m really glad that I ended up with Carl because he’s so perfect.” The couple, the season’s runner-ups, have since been spotted together in New York City, San Diego, California, and with Carl’s family in Nantucket, Massachusetts. They will share more about their experience in and outside the villa when Love Island USA Season 8 airs its reunion next week.
Now back in the real world, Harvey did her first solo sit-down interview with EBONY to reveal how she felt about her Love Island USA experience, thoughts on the show’s most explosive moments, her new love, and what she hopes the future brings.
EBONY: Looking back at the villa and all the love for you on the outside, what was one of the first things that went through your mind just seeing all that love?
Aniya Harvey: Honestly, it was such a surreal feeling. There was an abundant amount of support, and I cherish every single person who has messaged me or just been by my side. My family, friends—the support is just unreal.
Let’s go back to your villa days. You got put last-minute with KC. Did you say to yourself, “Okay, I’m gonna try to make this work; let me get to know this person?” How did you feel?
Honestly, when I was first put up with KC, I was happy. I thought he was very handsome, and I thought he was nice. It was new, and I was excited to meet him, see if we had anything in common, and see where our connection could go. He was a big part of my journey, so I thank KC for being there for that part.
How difficult was it when he chose Tierra “Titi” Davis? I know there were a lot of heightened emotions in the moment.
I feel like I have really strong intentions and really strong signs of discernment. Going into it, I wasn’t upset that he chose Titi because I feel he chose what was best for him. I was more upset with myself because I feel there were signs going into it that I wish I had acknowledged. But that’s the only thing I would say [about] it. I’m happy he found someone who was good for him, and I’m happy I found someone who was good for me.
And then there was Carl! Do you wish you had initially picked Carl at the Casa Amor pairing?
Carl is so understanding; he was very receptive to everything that was going on. I feel like that made us stronger, because we were very transparent with one another and have really good communication. I’m happy how everything worked out. I was finally able to watch back some of the episodes, and even the small things he said in private really bring a smile to my face.
People loved your final island date and your fairy tale book.
I love the book. I’ve already added pictures from the photo booth in the villa and plan on adding so many more memories to the book. It’s something that I literally have hung up in my room, on display. It means so much to me, and I’m so glad that I was able to take a piece of Love Island USA and my journey with me back home, so I can look over it and remember it for the rest of my life.
How has your connection been with Carl outside the villa?
I talk to Carl every single day. We FaceTime and text each other. I feel like I learn new things about him every day. It’s such an amazing journey. I’m excited for everything, honestly.
What are you two thinking about for the future?
He said I can stay as long as I want in Nantucket, so I’m excited for the future. I feel like it’s a bright one, and Carl makes me really happy. He’s just a really good partner, and I’m excited for what the future holds.
We know our community supports our own, so let’s talk about what representation meant for you, especially in a season with candid discussions about being a dark-skinned woman.
I really want to prioritize that it’s okay to be vulnerable; it’s okay to be yourself. From watching previous seasons, I really looked up to all the women on the show. I feel like they really showcased themselves so well. So my main goal going into the show was to go in with confidence so that when people look at me, they’re inspired to do the same.
How are your relationships with all the other female islanders from the show?
I’m really close with the girls, like all the girls. I just saw my girl Trinity [Tatum]. I love every single one of them on the show. We really grew a family in there, and those girls are like my sisters. It really brings such a big smile to my face even talking about them.
What keeps you grounded with all this new attention?
I would like to thank all the fans who watched. I would say my family is my number one. They’re always with me through everything. And then I would say my friends. And lastly, I would say the support is unreal. At first, no one knows you, then you get an abundance of support from everyone. I’m just so grateful to have people by my side. It’s super motivating, and it makes me want to go stronger and harder every single day.
Your parents (former NBA player Donnell Harvey and shoe designer and author Natischa Harvey) have such a wonderful love story. What have you learned from your parents about love?
Seeing how receptive they are to one another, how they communicate, and how family-oriented they are is a highlight of my life and shows me how I want to be with my significant other. It’s amazing that I can even talk about their journey because I think they have such a beautiful love story. They were together when they were so young, and they haven’t left each other since then. They’ve been tied at the hip, so I’m hoping for the same with me and my journey.
Speaking of your journey, what will the next Aniya era be?
I’m really open to every opportunity; it just has to align with my morals, of course. I don’t know what’s next, but I just know it’s gonna be great. With the love and support that I have behind me, I’m excited for the next journey I’m about to enter.
Love Island USA introduced you to the world, but what’s the one thing people still don’t know about you off-camera?
I feel like one thing I wish people could see more of is that I’m very funny. I feel like I have a really good comedic side. So if there was anything I want people to know, I want everyone to know that I have a very funny side.
If you had to sum up your Love Island USA experience in one word…
Thrilling!
Love Island USA, Season 8 finale airs Monday, August 31 on Peacock.
- Hair: @Maurice Cornell
- Makeup: @Kenya Alexis
- Stylist: @KJ Moody
- Dress : @DATT
- Shoe : @JESSICA RICH
- Jewels : @Avianne & Co.