A Quick Chat With Swimwear Designer & Fashion Model Paola Diaz

Paola Diaz is a model, swimwear designer and formerly one of Zillows top performing real estate advisors in Florida. Having obtained a degree from University of Miami during the pandemic, Diaz is currently launching her first entrepreneurial endeavor as the founder of Aqua Intima Swimwear. Diaz has also walked in the highly coveted Miami Swim week ever year since she was 17 and also speaks 5 languages.

Thank you for speaking with me today! We would like to know, what have you been working on the past year? 

Thank you for having me! In the past year I’ve been working on launching my swim brand as well as working in the real estate tech space so I’ve been pretty busy with that. It’s taken around 8 months to get my final swimwear launch collection ready- from designing to sampling- it’s been quite a journey!

What does a typical day look like for you?

The typical day for me is long, I wake up at 6:30am to do some morning cardio/workout. Working out in the morning really sets the tone for the rest of the day and leaves you feeling more energized. After working out, I work in real estate during the day and once it’s later in the day (at around 6) I work on my brand as well. 

For social media, I usually create content during the weekends and cue the posts for the coming weeks ahead.

You graduated The University Of Miami in 2020, what advice do you have for someone considering following in your footsteps and applying there?

The first and foremost thing I’d say would be to work hard but also have a good amount of extracurriculars and volunteering experience. The university does take those things into account as well. Attending the University of Miami was such a great experience. I came into Miami not knowing anyone here so I met a lot of my friends at school. 

You recently announced you are launching your own swimwear brand Aqua Intima. Please tell us more about this venture! 

Of course! I’m super excited to launch and have been working on the brand and concept for a few years now. My main focus was to create an ethical brand that reduces environmental impact. Every suit is made out of recycled plastics and is made to accentuate the figure. 

We should be launching this summer and shooting the campaign in the upcoming month! I will be posting a vlog about the campaign shoot and more details about the upcoming launch so be sure to follow my brand’s instagram to keep up! (@aquaintima)

Who is your greatest inspiration & why? 

My greatest inspiration is my parents, they worked very hard to get to where they are today and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. 

What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?

My favorite item in my wardrobe would have to be this corset top I have from Ravage. Ravage is a French brand from the 2000s that no longer exists but I was able to purchase this top from an online thrift store for designer items. It’s so cute and has knitted flowers on it. 

What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength is that I’m very determined so once I want something I will do it no matter what. I always figure out a way. 

What has been your most memorable photoshoot to date?

My most memorable photoshoot has to be my cover for Glamour, we shot it about a month ago. It comes out in a few days so I’m very excited about that!

You kickstarted your career in the modeling industry when you placed runner up in the Elite Model Look contest. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the modeling industry?

What I would tell someone looking to get into the modeling industry would be to be confident, determined, and consistent. The fashion industry is very hard to break into and it takes time. The main thing when a model is starting out is to begin building a strong book and sign with a reputable agency. Once you’re with a reputable agency they will start submitting you to jobs and castings.  

What are your goals for the next 5 years? 

Some of my goals for the next five years are to continue building my swim brand and to keep on progressing in my real estate career. I am very excited to see what the future holds. One of my goals is to present my swimwear collection in Miami swim week next year and beyond! 

Follow Paola on Instagram @PAOLA1DIAZ