Meet Ana Mota

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Mota and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Passion and Vision are what drove me to start my own business. As a Latina woman with an entrepreneurial spirit, I have always wished to create something meaningful that celebrates individuality and offers people a chance to connect with themselves in a unique way.
Fragrance has always fascinated me because it’s more than just a luxury, and to be honest, for many, we consider fragrance a necessity. Fragrances in general tell a story, hold memories, and become part of who we are, as fragrance is known to generate memories.
I have been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. I recognized that Miami, with its rich diversity and thriving hospitality scene, was missing an immersive luxury experience where people could not only enjoy perfume, which is evident from the many fragrance retailers, but also create it. I asked myself, how can I bring something new and unforgettable to the fragrance market while staying true to my values? That question led me to Tijon Miami, an entity where passion intersects with opportunity and where every guest leaves with something that is truly bespoke to them.

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Thank you for asking! As mentioned, my career has been shaped by over two decades in the hospitality industry, including obtaining a master’s degree in Global Hospitality Management from New York University to enhance my “on the ground” experiences. from which I learned the importance of service, attention to detail, and creating unforgettable experiences. What sets me apart is my ability to combine my many years in the hospitality sector with the creativity and passion for fragrance, allowing people to express themselves in a most personal and intimate way. Due to my entrepreneurial orientation, I am most proud of launching Tijon Miami, a boutique space where guests do not just enjoy luxury fragrances; they become part of the immersive creation process, literally developing a scent that is truly their own.

This journey has not been easy; building a business from the ground up has challenges, from navigating the complexities of the luxury sector to balancing creativity with standardized operations. I overcame these challenges by staying committed to my vision, learning from my mentors, and surrounding myself with a team that shares my passion. The lessons I’ve learned along the way are simple but powerful: trust your instincts, value every relationship, and never underestimate the impact of small gestures of care and attention. I want the world to know that Tijon Miami is not just about perfume; it is about creating memories and experiences that are as unique as each client who walks through our doors. My story is one of passion, persistence, and the belief that luxury is not defined by a price tag or a label; luxury should be immersive, personal, and unforgettable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Miami, I’d want them to experience the city the way I do. One word comes to mind: vibrant, including the colors of the ocean/foliage, energy, culture, and of course, creativity! I’d start with a few days exploring Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. Breakfast at Greenstreet Café in Coconut Grove, the coconut-crusted French Toast is a must, followed by a stroll through local art galleries and boutique shops.
While I may be biased, I would also take them to Tijon Miami for a perfume creation experience because it’s one of my favorite ways to show people the personal side of Miami luxury and creativity. If their time is limited, I would present to them our four (4) unique fragrances developed specifically for the Miami market: Ocean Drive, Coral Way, Calle Ocho, and Coconut Grove. Each pays homage to these uniquely Miami neighborhoods. The four can only be purchased at Tijon Miami and make the perfect keepsake of their time in Miami.
Art is a huge part of me and the Miami experience, so we’d spend time in Wynwood to see the iconic Wynwood Walls and explore smaller galleries, as well as the Design District for contemporary art exhibits and installations. I’d also include the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) for modern and contemporary art, and the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Miami Beach. The art for the four unique Miami fragrances was done by a Dominican Artist, Ramses Mejia, again respecting Miami’s visual arts scene.
Of course, we would embark on Miami’s classic experiences: walking the Art Deco District and Ocean Drive, enjoying the beach, having lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab, and catching a sunset at South Pointe Park. For dinner, I’d take them to a mix of hidden gems and standout spots, like Bazaar by José Andrés or Mandolin Aegean Bistro. And to round out the week, I’d make sure we enjoyed Miami’s vibrant nightlife and live music, balancing it with quiet, cultural moments like a boat ride along Biscayne Bay or exploring Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.
Miami is a city of contrasts, and I love showing friends how you can go from luxury and creativity to art, sun-soaked beaches, and cultural adventures all in one week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, support, and encouragement of the people around me. First and foremost, I want to recognize my family, especially my husband Vinicio and my parents, who always believed in me even when the path wasn’t evident. Their unconditional support provided me the courage to take this leap.
I am also grateful to the many mentors and colleagues I have met throughout my 20+ years in the hospitality industry. Each one taught me lessons in service, creativity, and resilience, traits and experiences that became the foundation for Tijon Miami. And, of course, I must acknowledge my incredible team. This journey is never a solo effort; their passion and dedication are what truly bring our vision to life every day.

Website: https://www.tijonmiami.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tijonmiami

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anajmota/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/tijon-miami

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568530194453

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tijonmiami

Other: Tiktok: @tijonmiami

Image Credits
Photographer @dickson_manrique Art & paint bottle by Ramses Mejia / Dominican Artist