6 minute read
Tychon Carter: from Big Brother to wellness advocate
At just 29 years old, Tychon Carter has already made history and captured audiences across Canada and beyond. A frequent visitor to the twin islands’ shores, he proudly embraces his Antiguan heritage. In 2021, he became the first Black winner of Big Brother Canada, a victory that cemented his place as a game-changer in reality television. He went on to compete in The Amazing Race Canada, proving his resilience and adaptability on a whole new stage. His background in urban planning might seem like an unexpected start for a reality TV star, yet it speaks to his deep-rooted interest in building stronger communities, both online and in the real world. Now a sought-after motivational speaker and social media influencer, Tychon uses his platform to spark conversations on mental wellness, personal growth, diversity and the importance of staying true to one self. Whether he’s documenting his struggles with vulnerability or inspiring others to push past their limits, his authenticity resonates with his audience. The Citizen caught up with Tychon to talk about his journey, his Antiguan heritage, and how he continues to evolve in the spotlight.
Winning Big Brother Canada was a historic moment. Looking back, what do you think made your gameplay stand out?
My gameplay stood out because I approached it as a true social experiment. I was genuinely interested in getting to know everyone, which allowed me to build strong relationships. My ability to read people while remaining unreadable myself was a major advantage. Emotional intelligence - an often-overlooked skill in the game - played a huge role in my success. It helped me earn trust, strategically deceive when necessary, and ultimately convince a jury of my peers that I was the most deserving winner. That balance of strategy, connection, and adaptability is what made my gameplay stand out.
Reality TV often brings intense pressure. What did you learn about yourself from these experiences?
One of the biggest lessons I learned from reality TV is the importance of trusting my gut and moving at my own pace. In the real world, we often second-guess ourselves because we seek validation from friends, family, or outside sources. But in an environment where those influences are stripped away, you’re forced to rely on your instincts. I found that my successes came when I trusted myself, while my missteps happened when I let outside pressures dictate my choices. That lesson has stayed with me beyond reality TV.
Your background is in urban planning, a field quite different from entertainment. How do you think that experience has shaped your approach to life and your career?
I got into urban planning because I’ve always been fascinated by human behaviour and how environments shape people. That mindset hasn’t changed; it’s just evolved. Now, instead of designing physical spaces to improve communities, I focus on creating content and building platforms that help people grow and become better versions of themselves. Whether through social media, my podcast, or my work in mental health and wellness, the mission remains the same: impact lives in a meaningful way. It’s just a different vehicle.
You’ve transitioned into speaking and content creation. Was that always part of the plan, or did these opportunities naturally unfold?
I never planned to be a content creator or speaker - these opportunities found me. I believe in saying yes to what life presents, and I trust that God never gives me anything I can’t handle. Over time, I realised I was walking in my purpose, even if I didn’t initially recognise it. Life is a journey of self-discovery and self-mastery, and as I’ve gained more clarity on my purpose, it’s become easier to know what to say yes toand, just as importantly, what to say no to.
Community is at the forefront of everything you do. Why is it so important to you?
Life is about relationships, and community is built when people unite around a common goal. For a long time, I thought I had to do things on my own, but I’ve realised that isolation can be empty and unfulfilling. When you move as a community, everything has more purpose, passion, and soul. Community is the backbone of my life and work; it makes the journey richer and success more meaningful. Many hands make light work, and life is simply better when we do it together.
The beach is my happy place, and Antigua has plenty of them. It’s the people, the culture, and the energy that make it feel like home.
You openly discuss mental wellness and personal growth. What inspired you to use your platform for these conversations?
When I first gained a platform, I felt lost. I thought fame and financial success would bring me happiness, but I quickly realised they didn’t. That realisation made me have deeper conversations about fulfilment, purpose, and personal growth. The more I opened up, the more I saw that so many people were struggling with the same things regardless of their circumstances. I knew my voice had impact, and I wanted to use it to help others, not by positioning myself as someone who has it all figured out, but by sharing my own journey of growth. My platform isn’t about saying I’m better than anyone - it’s about showing that I’m in the process of becoming better, and I invite others to join me on that journey.
Antigua is a sought-after wellness destination. Do you find it to be a place where you can reset and recharge?
Absolutely. Antigua is one of my favourite places to recharge - I come about five times a year. The slower pace forces you to be present, and that’s something I love. With 365 beaches, fresh foods, and an incredible community, it’s the perfect place to reset. The beach is my happy place, and Antigua has plenty of them. It’s the people, the culture, and the energy that make it feel like home.
How important is your Antiguan heritage to you?
My Antiguan heritage is extremely important. As much as it’s crucial to know where you’re going, I believe it’s just as important to know where you came from. Learning more about my roots has deepened my sense of identity and helped me understand myself on a deeper level. Being in Antigua allows me to connect with my history, my family, and my culture in a way that grounds me.
What’s your favourite spot in Antigua?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I’d say the beach if I had to choose. Jolly Beach, Fort James, and Dickenson Bay are a few of my favourites. If there’s a beach on the west or south side of the island, you’ll probably find me there.
What’s next for you?
Growth - both personally and professionally. I want to continue expanding my wellness platform and my impact, particularly in working with men. My goal is to move beyond just local community-building and take my work to an international level. Antigua plays a significant role in that vision. I see an opportunity to integrate the island into my brand, whether through retreats or other initiatives that align with my mission. So, what’s next? More growth, more impact, and more international expansion - starting with Antigua.
