What factors influenced your decision to open your business on Lincoln Road?

Lincoln Road is the iconic heartbeat of Miami Beach. Its vibrant energy, international foot traffic and artistic soul align perfectly with the spirit of my brand. As a Latina entrepreneur who values connection, community and creativity, I knew Lincoln Road would offer the visibility to share the LILIANA MONTOYA Swim lifestyle with the world. 

How long have you been open on Lincoln cai? Same location, or have you relocated within the BID area?

My brand has been in business for almost 20 years, but we’ve been proudly open on Lincoln Road since July 2022 – this summer marks our third anniversary. Our boutique is more than just a storefront; it’s my creative sanctuary, where I design each collection and connect personally with clients to understand what they love about the brand. It’s also my office for planning fashion shows, casting models and hosting influencers.

How did you assess the demographics and target market surrounding the destination before selecting your business location? Please explain.

As a brand rooted in empowerment and the beach lifestyle, it was essential to be near one of the most iconic beaches in the U.S. – Miami Beach. Lincoln Road, the largest open-air shopping destination in South Florida, immediately stood out. I spent time observing the flow of visitors and their habits and quickly realized it attracts a unique mix: international tourists from cruise ships, stylish locals, and families seeking meaningful shopping experiences. Its energy aligns perfectly with the ethos of LILIANA MONTOYA Swim.

What specific advantages do you feel Lincoln Road offers for your business? Please elaborate on your answer.

Lincoln Road is a cultural landmark with a walkable, open-air layout and a vibrant calendar of events that draws consistent foot traffic from around the world. Its diverse audience allows us to share the deeper story behind each handmade piece: empowerment, joy and sustainability.

For me, it’s also deeply personal. Lincoln Road is where I brought my dream to life as a Latina entrepreneur. It symbolizes my journey of resilience, creativity and belief in the American dream. It’s not just a location; it’s home. With a heart as our registered trademark brand’s signature symbol, we feel we’re creating a legacy rooted in passion, purpose and love – one step at a time.

In what ways does Lincoln Road’s energy and mix of locals and tourists complement or inspire your brand’s aesthetic and customer experience?

My brand is rooted in storytelling and curated activations that create meaningful experiences for our community. The energy of Lincoln Road, with its live music, cultural diversity and family-friendly atmosphere, perfectly reflects the spirit of my brand. 

Our 111 Lincoln Road storefront is more than a boutique; it’s a stage for connection. We regularly host wellness events, bringing together coaches to lead activities like Pilates, yoga and body movement, blending our beach lifestyle with holistic well-being. Lincoln Road provides the perfect setting to nurture empowerment, celebrate community and, soon, even host our fashion shows.

What distinguishes the in-store experience at Liliana Montoya, and what innovative approaches do you use to create a shopping environment that captivates both local visitors and tourists on Lincoln Road?

Our store is a “bikini paradise” full of color, intention and care. Every element is designed to make customers feel seen and celebrated. One of our signature experiences is the Mermaid Fitting Ritual, a personalized process that helps guests find their perfect bikini while feeling empowered and confident. It’s shopping reimagined.