CHECKING IN WITH ... Laura Cano:

While the country celebrates its independence next week, Laura Cano will celebrate a milestone of her own: The Brazilian native moved to the United States 30 years ago on July 4, 1978. Cano founded Laura’s Beach Boutique at 2820 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach 19 years ago, and with the holiday approaching, she’s stocking up on patriotic colors again.

What’s the hottest-selling bikini this season?

At this moment, mostly what I’m selling is white, blue and red. I have a lot of American flag designs, and that’s what people are buying. But mostly, I specialize in girls who need a very large top. They don’t find them in Huntington Beach or Laguna Beach, so they have to come to my store.

How big do your tops get?

Double-D cup. When women read that, they are going to be so happy.

A couple times this year, Orange County has had record-breaking heat. Has that helped business?

You know, to tell you the truth, we were waiting for hot, hot weather, but it was too much. It helps, but only when it’s between 80 and 90 degrees. More than that, it’s too hot.

How do you do in the colder-weather months?

In the winter, I sell Halloween costumes. That’s what I do. I have a small selection of costumes for Halloween. I sell Santa Claus costumes, Santa and Mrs. Santa, at Christmas. That helps my business, too.

You call yourself a beach boutique. What motivates people to come to your store rather than Wal-Mart or Target?

People come to my store because I know what I’m doing, and I’m very honest. If something doesn’t fit or the color is not proper for that person, I will tell the truth. I always tell the customer if that’s OK, what they’re wearing. I’m very honest with that, and that’s what they like. It makes us different than the others.

Did you grow up near the beach in Brazil?

Oh, yes. Oh, yes.

Is it a lot like Newport Beach?

It’s different. But, you know, the young girls now [in Newport Beach], they are more like the ones in Rio de Janeiro. The girls are very risqué in their tops and bottoms. They want to be sexy. It’s different than it was 19 years ago. The swimwear industry became very sophisticated.

What do you like best about Newport Beach?

This is home for me, even if I wasn’t born here. I love the weather. I love the people. I love my customers, especially my repeat customers, the ones who have come to my store for 10 years or more. I feel at home here, really.

What drew you to the swimwear business?

I love swimwear. I loved growing up in a beach town.

MICHAEL MILLER may be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at michael.miller@latimes.com.