Liana Fuente is a fourth-generation entrepreneur, investor, preservationist, and creative force whose work bridges legacy, culture, business, and community.

 

A proud West Tampa native with deep Cuban roots, Liana comes from one of the most storied families in the premium cigar industry. Her great-grandfather, Arturo Fuente, founded the family company in Ybor City in 1912, beginning a legacy built on craftsmanship, perseverance, family values, and an enduring connection to Tampa’s “Cigar City.”

 

For more than 15 years, Liana helped carry that legacy forward at Arturo Fuente, serving as Vice President of Brand Development and focusing on areas such as global marketing, public/media relations, special events, and charitable/community outreach. As a member of the fourth generation, she loved being able to bring her own creativity, energy, and perspective to a century-old family tradition, and she is thankful to her abuelo, Carlos Sr. and father, Carlito, for giving her such amazing opportunity to learn and grow.

 

Today, Liana is building a chapter distinctly her own.

 

Her work now centers on real estate investment, historic preservation, creative development, entrepreneurship, and community-focused projects—all driven by her belief that history should not simply be remembered, but thoughtfully carried forward.

 

At the heart of that work is the Factory on 18th, Liana’s restoration and reimagining of the historic Fuente-Nieto Buckeye Factory in Ybor City, where her family’s cigars were handmade in the 1950s. Now formally recognized for its historic significance, this national landmark property represents an important surviving piece of Tampa’s cigar-making heritage, with such deep ties to Liana’s own family history.

 

For Liana, its preservation is both personal and purposeful: a living tribute to the immigrants, cigar workers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and families whose hands helped build Tampa and define the character of Ybor City.

 

Through historic preservation and adaptive reuse, Liana is transforming Factory on 18th into a mixed-use destination that brings together historic architecture, residential living, commerce, hospitality, storytelling, and community. At its core is a philosophy that guides much of her work: honor the roots, preserve what matters, and build something meaningful for the next generation.

 

Beyond real estate, Liana continues to pursue independent creative ventures, including Black Orchid & Co., exploring her passion for brand development, design, culture, and creating spaces and experiences with soul.

 

Community and philanthropy have remained constants throughout her career. Liana has dedicated years to charitable and civic initiatives, such as Centro Asturiano de Tampa, Animal Rescue, and annual fundraisers for breast cancer research.

 

Her leadership and contributions have earned recognition among 100 Women to KNOW in America and as a Top Woman to Know in Florida.

 

For Liana, however, legacy is about far more than a name or a title.

 

She believes legacy is not simply something you inherit. It is something you honor, protect, build upon, and ultimately leave stronger for those who come next.

 

Whether restoring a historic landmark, developing a brand, championing her hometown, preserving a family story, or creating something entirely new, Liana approaches her work with one guiding philosophy:

 

Stay rooted. Build boldly. Leave something behind that matters.

 

Liana lives in Tampa with her husband, Manny García, and their beloved dogs, lovingly known as the “Fuente Dog Pound.”