Meet Paola Diaz | Founder & Fashion Designer of Aqua Intima

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

Hi Paola, why did you pursue a creative career?
That’s such a thoughtful question, and honestly, it’s a story I love to tell because it feels so uniquely me.

You know, ever since I was a little kid, I basically lived and breathed fashion. I was always sketching, dreaming up clothes, and then, at 14, I actually got to step into that world as a model. So, in a way, the creative industry always felt like home, a place where I truly belonged and could express myself.

But, funnily enough, when I went to the University of Miami, I actually started out pre-med. I think part of it was this idea of pursuing a “stable” or “traditional” path, and I genuinely cared about helping people. But deep down, it just never quite clicked. There was always this creative itch I couldn’t scratch. My mind would wander to fabrics, silhouettes, how things felt on the body… even during anatomy class!

It became pretty clear, pretty fast, that my heart just wasn’t fully in it. The call of the creative world was too strong to ignore. And honestly, I’m so grateful I listened to it. Modeling kept me immersed in that world, constantly learning about design, production, and how clothes make you feel. All those years in front of the camera, trying on countless pieces, really shaped my vision for what I wanted to create.

So, why the creative industry? Because it’s where I feel most alive, most authentic. It’s where I can take something from my imagination – like those childhood mermaid dreams for my recent Oceana collection, or the strong, sleek vibe of my previous Night Vision collection – and actually bring it to life. It’s about creating something that impacts how people feel, not just how they look. And to be here now, after all these years, presenting Aqua Intima on the runway at Miami Swim Week… it just confirms that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. This isn’t just a career; it’s truly my passion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For me, Aqua Intima isn’t just about making swimsuits; it’s about creating “intimates for the water.” It’s art that you wear, that moves with you, and that makes you feel incredibly confident and comfortable. What sets us apart, I think, is that deep connection to how swimwear feels, not just how it looks. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I practically lived in a swimsuit, but I always felt something was missing – that feeling of personal support and comfort you get from your favorite lingerie. So, I set out to bridge that gap. Every piece is meticulously designed to be an extension of your body, blending that intimate comfort with beautiful, empowering aesthetics.

I’m probably most proud of how our collections truly tell a story. Last year, we had Night Vision, inspired by the sleek, powerful confidence of The Matrix – all about strength and modern sophistication. And this year, we just launched Oceana, which is a total dream come true for me. It’s directly inspired by my childhood fascination with mermaids, H2O: Just Add Water, and the Aquamarine movie. It’s playful, graceful, and designed to make you feel like your inner mermaid. The ability to translate these personal inspirations into wearable art that resonates with others is what genuinely excites me.

Getting to where I am today professionally – from modeling since I was 14, to starting Aqua Intima, and now presenting at Miami Swim Week – has been anything but easy. One of the biggest challenges was simply the learning curve of entrepreneurship. I had to learn everything from sourcing fabrics and managing production to marketing and running a business, often through trial and error. I remember buying my first sewing machine and spending countless hours, days, even weeks, just trying to perfect a single seam or silhouette. I still personally sew samples to this day because that attention to detail, that commitment to unmatched quality, is fundamental to Aqua Intima.

I’ve learned so many lessons along the way. The most important? Resilience and persistence are everything. There will always be setbacks, but believing in your vision and pushing through those tough moments is what makes the difference. I also learned the immense value of community and collaboration. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with so many talented photographers, models and designers throughout my modeling career and with Aqua Intima. They’ve all played a part in shaping my artistic eye and bringing my vision to life.

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?
We’d definitely start with a classic South Beach vibe, strolling through the Art Deco District. For food, we’d hit up Greenstreet Cafe in Coconut Grove for brunch – such a lively spot! And for a chill evening with amazing views, Monty’s Coconut Grove is a must. We’d absolutely spend a day on Key Biscayne for some beach time and ocean air, maybe even visit the lighthouse. And for a dose of beauty and history, Vizcaya Museum is always incredible. Of course, no trip to Miami is complete without getting lost in the art at Wynwood Walls! It’s such a perfect mix of my favorite Miami spots.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The entire creative community I’ve been so lucky to work with over the years. From my early days as a model, every photographer, stylist, makeup artist, and fellow designer I’ve collaborated with has taught me something invaluable. They’ve helped me see different angles, push creative boundaries, and understand the magic that happens when a vision comes to life through teamwork. Each person has contributed to my growth, inspiring me and helping me shape the aesthetic of Aqua Intima.

Website: https://aquaintima.com

Instagram: @aquaintima and @paola1diaz

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

Other: TikTok: @AquaIntima

Image Credits
Natasha Perez, Larry Barnard, Thomas Concordia