Reality Check: Shoma Group's Stephanie Shojaee on Business, Branding, and Breaking Barriers

When Stephanie Shojaee steps into a room—or onto the screen—it’s hard not to pay attention. As the President of Shoma Group and one of the newest cast members on Bravo's The Real Housewives of Miami, she’s proving that bold leadership, vision, and unapologetic authenticity aren’t just welcome in real estate—they're necessary.

“I think it’s so important to be impossible to ignore,” Stephanie tells us. “If you’re not memorable, you basically become invisible.”

Stephanie’s presence is anything but. Under her leadership, Shoma Group—a development powerhouse in South Florida—has expanded its creative scope, disrupted local markets, and launched high-profile projects that blend lifestyle, design, and impact. From transforming North Bay Village with Shoma Bay to breaking ground on the new Ponce 8 live-local development, Stephanie is steering the firm into bold new territory with a style all her own.

A Reluctant Entry into Real Estate, Then a Relentless Rise

“I didn’t plan on real estate being my career,” Stephanie admits. “I only got into it to help my dad with a deal. I was in my early 20s, mostly just translating for him. But something in me loved the challenge.”

That challenge soon became a passion—and ultimately, a career. After obtaining her license, Stephanie began selling Shoma's pre-construction projects. It wasn't until years later—after proving herself on the sales floor and building a name through unconventional, attention-grabbing marketing—that she stepped into an executive role.

“I didn’t start as president. That’s the biggest misconception,” she says. “I started in sales. Then I took marketing into my own hands—not using the company’s resources, just doing it myself. That’s when Massoud [Shojaee, her husband and Shoma’s CEO] saw what I could really do.”

From there, her rise was organic: marketing director, chief marketing officer, and eventually, president—a title she initially turned down.

“It felt too big,” she says. “But I thought about it for months. Then I decided, if I’m going to do it, I’m going to own it.”

Redefining the Shoma Brand: From Risk-Taking Slogans to Zen Lounges

What differentiates Shoma under Stephanie’s leadership? A willingness to take risks.

“I’m not basic,” she says. “I love turning heads and making people talk."

Her bold approach extends into product, design, and amenities. “People want magazine-worthy design that also makes their life easier,” she explains. At Shoma Bay, that means rooftop lounges, curated wellness spaces, and even digital detox lounges. “I don’t even know how to relax,” she laughs. “But people are craving places where they can disconnect.”

And she doesn’t play favorites—every project, whether luxury condos or rental communities, gets the full Shoma treatment.

“I study all the comps. I get every brochure. I make sure we one-up them—not just to compete, but so I can go to bed knowing I killed it.”

A Vision for Neighborhood Transformation

Shoma Group isn’t just building buildings—they’re reshaping communities.

“I love finding hidden gems—cities with potential where we can come in and create buzz,” she says. “I want to be the one setting the standard. Let everyone else play catch-up.”

Take North Bay Village, where Shoma was among the first to plant a flag with Shoma Bay. Or the upcoming Ponce 8—a live-local project that’s proving luxury can coexist with accessibility.

“Even if the footprint is smaller, the energy we bring is the same,” she says.

On Housewives, Branding, and Being Unapologetically Real

Joining The Real Housewives of Miami wasn’t an overnight decision—it took three years.

“I wanted people to see the woman behind the brand. The late nights. The all-Latina, all-women team of 10 that works their asses off. I wanted people to feel that.”

She’s aware not everyone is a fan. “Some people can’t stand me. But they’re talking about Shoma—and that’s a win.”

Stephanie’s not interested in polishing herself to fit into a corporate mold. “There’s so much facade in business. But authenticity is magnetic. The person you see on the show is the same one in business meetings.”

Leading With Purpose: Women, Leadership, and the Power of Details

As one of the few women in many development and construction meetings, Stephanie knows the weight of her presence.

“Men are macro. We’re micro,” she says. “It’s the details that make the difference. And women see those details. We feel them.”

She’s built an entire department on that philosophy, recruiting and training women straight out of college—even when they had no real-world experience.

“I wanted to give women a chance to prove themselves. I could train them. And in return, I’d get a team built in my vision.”

Advice to Women Entering Real Estate?

“Thick skin,” she says without hesitation. “Confidence is everything—but you need to back it up. You’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. Know your stuff, deliver results, and speak up. Don’t wait for permission.”

She adds, “Sometimes I still have to work on that thick skin. Men don’t even realize they’re making you second-guess yourself. But you can’t let that stop you.”

What’s Next for Shoma?

Right now, all eyes are on Shoma Bay. “It’s ultra-luxury. It’s going to set the tone for the future of the brand,” she says. “Every inch—from the closets to the amenities—has been obsessed over.”

And while Shoma continues to expand its rental and condo portfolio, Stephanie’s mission is the same: push boundaries, elevate neighborhoods, and build projects that spark conversation.

“I hope people see I’m ambitious and unapologetic—but still fun,” she says. “At the end of the day, being yourself is the secret. And if you’re bold enough to own that, people will notice."