We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Paola Diaz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Paola below.
Paola, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
In a world where stability often reigns supreme, my path to success took an unexpected turn. This is my story, a tale of resilience and determination, where I transformed a layoff from a top Fortune 500 company into the catalyst for my entrepreneurial journey with my swimwear brand, Aqua Intima (“intimates for the water”) .
I can still remember the day vividly. The sun was shining, but my world seemed to darken as I received the news of my layoff from a prestigious Fortune 500 company. Although I was a top performer, the whole department was being shut down so it was out of my control. The initial shock and uncertainty were overwhelming, but I chose to see a silver lining in the situation.
The generous severance package provided me with not only a financial cushion but also a symbol of hope. Instead of dwelling on disappointment, I viewed this setback as an opportunity to chase my dreams and make waves in the swimwear industry with Aqua Intima.
Taking a leap of faith, I decided to use a portion of my severance to turn my swimwear brand dream into a reality. The road ahead was filled with challenges and uncertainties, but I remained undeterred. The courage to embrace the unknown and bet on myself was a defining moment in my journey.
As any entrepreneur knows, the swimwear industry is competitive and demanding. I encountered financial hurdles, faced tough decisions, and worked tirelessly to build Aqua Intima from scratch. But I persevered, fueled by my unwavering determination and belief in my vision for stylish, eco-conscious swimwear.
With resilience as my guide, Aqua Intima started making waves in the swimwear market. My commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability earned me a loyal following of customers who appreciated our unique approach. Slowly but steadily, my small swimwear startup transformed into a thriving brand.
My story is a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. I turned a seemingly devastating layoff into a golden opportunity to create a swimwear brand that blends style and sustainability – Aqua Intima. My journey serves as a reminder that, in the face of adversity, one can not only survive but thrive by embracing change and pursuing their dreams. It’s a story that encourages us all to take risks, follow our passions, and never underestimate the transformative power of a second chance in the sparkling world of swimwear fashion.
Paola, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
At the age of 14, I stumbled into the world of fashion modeling, a journey that would set the stage for my eclectic career path. My passion for fashion took root during those early days and never wavered.
Balancing my modeling gigs with academics, I went on to graduate from the University of Miami. Armed with a degree and an insatiable curiosity, I ventured into the fintech and prop tech sectors, where my adaptability and innovative mindset served me well.
But my heart still yearned for fashion. Thus, Aqua Intima, my swimwear brand, was born, blending style and sustainability. Last summer was a turning point when our brand’s designs graced Times Square billboards and made their debut at Swim Week. These moments were a testament to our commitment to eco-conscious swimwear and an exciting milestone in my personal journey.
Aqua Intima distinguishes itself in the swimwear market through its unparalleled commitment to unique and trendsetting designs. Unlike other brands that may stick to tried-and-true styles, we embrace innovation with every collection. Our swimwear captures the essence of individuality and showcases distinctive patterns, colors, and cuts that make a bold statement and cater to diverse tastes. We pride ourselves on consistently pushing the boundaries of swimwear fashion, ensuring our customers always enjoy something fresh and exciting when they choose Aqua Intima.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How To Make the Most of Them” profoundly influenced my entrepreneurial journey. Dr. Meg Jay’s insights emphasized the critical nature of our twenties and encouraged me to seize opportunities, invest in my skills, and embrace challenges. This mindset, instilled by the book, has been instrumental in the success of my swimwear brand, Aqua Intima, and my broader professional endeavors.
One of the book’s central messages that really hit home was the idea that our choices in our twenties can significantly shape our future. It was a wake-up call that motivated me to seize every opportunity and chase my dreams with unwavering determination.
As I immersed myself in the book’s wisdom, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the notion of early investment in skills and passions. This revelation propelled me with the knowledge and confidence to take the leap and create Aqua Intima.
“The Defining Decade” also became a source of resilience for me. It reminded me that challenges are simply stepping stones to personal and professional growth. This perspective has been my North Star as I navigated the hurdles of building Aqua Intima from scratch.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being both a model and a creative is the opportunity to be a living canvas for artistic expression. When I step in front of the camera or onto the runway, I become a part of a larger artistic vision. It’s a thrilling experience to collaborate with photographers, designers, and makeup artists to bring their ideas to life through my body and presence.
As a model, I also have the privilege of embodying different characters and emotions, telling stories without words. It’s a unique form of storytelling where my body becomes a vessel for conveying a wide range of emotions and concepts. This ability to connect with viewers on a deep, visual level is incredibly fulfilling and allows me to leave a lasting impression through my work.
Furthermore, being a model has opened doors to a diverse range of creative opportunities, including my venture into entrepreneurship with Aqua Intima. It’s a dynamic journey where my experiences as a model have enriched my creative endeavors, and vice versa, creating a harmonious blend of artistic expression and entrepreneurial spirit that continues to be incredibly rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: aquaintima.com
- Instagram: paola1diaz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-diaz-79142b1ab
- Other: Brand IG: @aquaintima
Image Credits
1st photo: Vivian Arthur 2nd photo: Olly Vento