Meet Paola Diaz | Fashion Model & Designer

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

Hi Paola, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to have my own clothing brand. I’ve been modeling since 2012 and realized the impact that fast fashion brands have on our environment as well as the working conditions involved in producing fast fashion. I decided to start my brand in order to create designs made out of recycled plastics and reduce environmental impact. My brand allows me to express my creative vision and I felt it perfectly aligned with my modeling career due to all the connections I have made throughout the years.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m a jack of all trades of sorts. I used to work for a Fortune 100 company as a top real estate advisor and I still work in real estate tech/fintech. On top of that, I run my own swim brand and do all of the marketing and photography for it. When I’m not doing those, I also model and have brand partnerships on social media. It’s honestly a lot of work and I’m always busy but it’s all worth it because I’m doing what I love every day! If you told me a few years ago this is what my life would look like I wouldn’t believe it. I always thought I would end up becoming a doctor or be working a 9-5 and have to give up my creative side. However, I’ve come to realize that life is what you make of it and you can build a life for yourself that you love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take them to my favorite spots in Miami. I’d say we would definitely go to Key Biscayne for a beach day, I love Key Biscayne because it’s so peaceful and has less tourists. Another place I would take them to is Montys’ in Coconut Grove, I love Monty’s and used to go there a lot during my time at the University of Miami – their happy hour is the best! I would definitely also want them to check out the Wynwood walls/bars as well as the Wharf. A weekend brunch would definitely be in the plans and if there is time, I would want to show them the Keys as well!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this to my parents, they worked very hard to be where they are today. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would also like to give a shout out to Mel Robbins for her book “The 5 Second Rule” it really changed my habits and I was able to build my brand from scratch pretty quickly with the advice given in the book.

Website: www.aquaintima.com

Instagram: paola1diaz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-diaz-79142b1ab

Other: Brand Instagram: @aquaintima

Image Credits
Vivian Arthur, Danny Diaz