It’s been 8 years since Austinite Amber Lee Diamond was on the hit show “Are You the One?,” where she met her “perfect match” (now husband) Ethan. 

With the resurgence of the show (now streaming on Netflix), fans all over the world–including this binge-watching writer–have tuned in to the fairytale story, and the native Texan has become a favorite for fans of finding lasting love.

Amber Lee Diamond was born and raised in the Capitol city to Taiwanese parents. While modeling, she was scouted to audition and join the first season of “Are You the One?.” Amber wanted to make the most of her experience and quickly connected with Ethan Diamond. 

As the only couple to remain together through and beyond the show, the Diamonds have beaten the odds in the world of televised romance. They’re the longest lasting and most successful couple in the series history!

The realty TV series first aired back on MTV in 2014, bringing together young singles to try to find love (and money). A group of men and women were secretly paired together by producers based on a matchmaking algorithm. While living together, the contestants had to figure out who their perfect match was. If they all succeed, the entire group shared a prize of up to $1 million. 

The contestants would pair up in a matching ceremony and learn how many perfect matches they had, and which matches were correct. They would go on dates with partners determined by competitions (or by the so-called fate button in the seventh season) and have the opportunity to learn in an aptly-named truth booth if a given couple is a correct match.

Once the truth booth confirms a perfect match, the couple then heads to the luxurious honeymoon suite and is automatically paired up for the remainder of the match ceremonies. All couples in the first seven seasons were male-female, while in the eighth season a contestant’s match could be any gender. 

The drama was organic, but so was falling in love! At the reunion special, Ethan proposed, and Amber happily accepted. They’ve been inseparable ever since, raising their two beautiful daughters, Scarlett and Serena.

We caught up with this reality star to discuss her experience on the show and the secret to beating the odds in the world of televised romance.

You’re a born and raised Austinite. What was it like growing up for you?

I am a die hard Austinite, I love to travel but don’t think I could live anywhere else. Growing up in Austin had a very big city with a small town feel. Everything, including my public school experience, really highlighted the importance of fine arts which I feel really helps shape the unique personality of Austin.

I’m a huge fan of “Are You the One?” Why do you think the show became an instant success?

Not only is the show drama-filled, but it also has adventurous dates and competitive challenges. Who wouldn’t want to watch couples chugging pigs feet in shaved ice? Also, the game show portion really engages followers to try and figure out the perfect matches themselves. I always loved it when fans would send us photos of their perfect match statistic charts. 

Tell us about your experience on the show.

 It was unlike anything else I’d experienced. Other than finding the love of my life there, of course, I met some hugely diverse personalities and lifelong friends. The hardest part was being in front of cameras 24/7 with no access to phones, music, books, TV, anything really. Being so isolated really helped us all get closer to each other, but it also made me question everything I said and did.

Any tips for anyone going through the turmoil of love, both on and off camera?

Communication is everything. Also, learn to be independent while fully supporting one another. It’s when relationships start to feel codependent that the pressure can really start to drive a wedge. I love that Ethan and I have very aligned values for our family as well as our own personal endeavors that we work really hard on. 

You and Ethan beat all the odds in the world of televised romance. What’s the secret?

 Just being extremely honest and understanding with each other. Transparency is important in any relationship. But when your relationship is public for everyone to judge, it becomes crucial to be honest about exactly where you stand in the relationship. After 6 years of marriage we’ve learned to work through our issues privately and together without airing out dirty laundry out to all our friends and followers. Lots of fun and creative dates help too. That I have Ethan to thank for, he’s the KING of surprises and romantic getaways. 

What have you been up to since the show wrapped?

As soon as we found out we were pregnant shortly after getting engaged at the “Are You The One?” Reunion, we both quickly turned over a new leaf and put family before everything. Ethan hurried to finish his last bit of college back in Colorado (27 credit hours in one semester) all before the baby was born. Once Scarlett was born, Ethan worked an internship and waited tables while I took evening classes to graduate myself.

Since then, we’ve moved up quickly in our careers and have bought 2 houses, 2 cars, had 2 girls, and continue our plans on growing our legacy. So, I’d say we’ve chosen an extremely normal yet excellent life for our family and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Follow along on our Instagram ( @amberleediamond and @ethan.g.diamond) to watch our life unfold! We have lots of loyal followers that have been keeping up with the Diamonds since the show first aired in 2014. 

What’s next for you and Ethan?

We have a couple projects we can’t quite disclose yet. Other than that, I love sharing our life with my amazing followers while also sharing tips on marriage, motherhood, fashion and beauty. 

Cover photo courtesy Kelsie Raney

Leean Vargas is an Editorial Assistant at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of

Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations.