Stella Jets via website
We were introduced to Stella Jets, a women-owned private aviation company based in Southlake, two years ago.
Oh, the places they are going — and have been since lifting off as a charter broker.
Tia Minzoni, president and co-founder, and her co-founding daughter, Jasmine Johnson, have since launched two other Stella brands — StellaShAire and Stella Experiences — and, even more recently, have been introduced to a nationwide audience.
The company was featured in an episode of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Potomac” this week to show off the luxury private jet experiences it has to offer.
Stella Experiences, brand- and celebrity-curated travel events and sweepstakes, gives travelers a chance to hop on board with a favorite celebrity or athlete. StellaShAire is a members-only, by-the-seat private aviation service that bridges the gap between first-class commercial travel and full jet charter, offering private terminal access, concierge service, and a streamlined, stress-free flying experience.
“The production company had heard of us from some of their talent,” says Minzoni, who joked that she “never wanted to be famous. For me, everything is about the brand, and I was scared to death to see myself on TV. My friends were like, ‘Let’s do a watch party.’ And I’m like, no, no, no, no.”
Stella Jets
Tia Minzoni on the show.
The episode showcased Stella Jets’ white-glove concierge service as cast members experienced private jet travel. The appearance marks another milestone for the company, which has become a household name since its 2022 acquisition by Minzoni and Johnson.
The company offers access to nearly 7,000 aircraft operators worldwide through its three divisions. Next month, the company will have a ribbon cutting for the newest member of its jet fleet.
“Being featured on 'Real Housewives of Potomac' is our chance to shatter every outdated assumption about private aviation,” says Minzoni. “We’re not just accessible, we’re disrupting an industry that’s been gatekept for far too long. And we’re doing it with women at the helm, proving that luxury aviation can be exceptional for everyone.”
Gatekept refers to access to private aviation, implying that cost, culture, and entrenched power structures have historically kept the industry narrow, exclusive, and male-dominated.
Stella also has a new headquarters — Addison Airport — where the company operates from its own private terminal and luxury lounge, one of the few companies with dedicated private terminals. The company’s concierge team personalizes every detail, from in-flight catering to ground transportation, as showcased in the episode.
The opportunity to work with the women of “Real Housewives,” Minzoni says, “wasn’t just business, it was a statement.”
“We’re building the table we weren’t invited to, and we’re bringing other women with us,” she says.
The Bravo appearance also won’t be a one-hit wonder. Stella will get more exposure in an upcoming episode of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” this summer, as well as something to be announced with Netflix, Minzoni says.
“We’re excited about that,” Minzoni says. “We’re doing a lot of stuff with production companies and talent, especially under Stella Experiences, and putting together these cool experiences for the cast.”
Oh, and a shoutout to the hair and makeup artist, Minzoni makes sure to add.
“I actually didn’t hate seeing myself on TV. I thought it turned out really well. And then all the ladies that were on the flight — they are a hundred times more beautiful in person than they are on TV, which made me feel a lot better about how I look on TV.”