Stronger Together

Ever wonder what it's like to be an Instagram Influencer? Spoiler alert: there's a lot of DMs involved! Fielding hundreds of daily messages from friends, fangirls and sponsors, it was pure fate that Manders decided to click open a message from Austin, a stranger at the time. Austin is a gym owner and personal trainer; he was a follower on YouTube and had shared some of Manders nutrition videos with coaches and clients. His message to her was a simple rally of support to back her when a troll was making fun of her body type (too muscular), and a mutual friend gave Amanda the assurance Austin was trustworthy (and an all-around great catch). A nine-month, cross-country romance ensued and all of Instagram watched as the two grew closer. Finally, the love story culminated when Manders decided to trade sunny Florida for snowy Iowa, and move in with Austin. The two invited us in their new home to chat about common questions they get from their followers (children? marriage?) and their new life and routine together.