When Stephanie Shojaee stepped onto the glittering stage of The Real Housewives of Miami as its newest cast member, she didn’t just bring her Chanel hair clips—she brought a bold, unapologetic attitude that’s already shaking up Season 7. The Miami native and real estate mogul sat down with Entertainment Tonight at the show’s premiere party in June, dishing on her debut, her larger-than-life persona, and the buzz around her wealth. Labeled by some as the “nouveau riche” Housewife, Stephanie isn’t just owning the tag—she’s flipping it into a badge of honor with a twist that’s bound to leave jaws on the floor.
Embracing the ‘New Money’ Label with a Wink and a Sparkle
On the red carpet, when asked about the spotlight on her wealth, Stephanie didn’t miss a beat. “They say I’m ‘new money.’ I am!” she declared with a playful twirl, her Chanel accessories catching the light. “Can you tell by the clips?”
With a laugh, she leaned into her love for luxury. “I do like to dress expensive,” she admitted. “You never really know who’s the richest because some people have it and don’t flaunt it. But me? I tend to be one of the ones who flaunts it the most.” Her candor is refreshing, but it’s her confidence that steals the show. While others might shy away from the ‘new money’ jab, Stephanie embraces it, turning a potential dig into a celebration of her hard-earned success.
A Powerhouse in Real Estate
So, who is Stephanie Shojaee beyond the glitz and glamour? In a November 2024 interview with The Daily Dish, the RHOM newbie opened up about her role as president of Shoma Group, a South Florida-based real estate development company that’s reshaping the region’s skyline. Specializing in luxury residential and commercial properties, Shoma Group has built over 12,000 units and completed more than $6 billion in transactions under Stephanie’s leadership.
“There aren’t many female real estate developers,” Stephanie noted, her pride evident. “My job is buying the land, putting up an 800-unit high-rise, or building rental communities with a full leasing team. It’s a lot, but it’s so much fun.” Her journey from earning a marketing degree at Florida State University to becoming a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry is nothing short of inspiring.
A Dynamic Duo with a Side of Spice
At the heart of Shoma Group is a family affair. Stephanie works alongside her husband, Masoud Shojaee, who founded the company in 1988 after immigrating from Iran. Masoud serves as CEO, while Stephanie, who joined in 2013 as vice president and chief marketing officer before rising to president in 2022, brings her own flair to the business. Together, they’ve built an empire, but it’s their dynamic outside the boardroom that promises to captivate RHOM viewers.
“Working with your husband isn’t for everyone,” Stephanie told The Daily Dish with a knowing smile. “But people will see our relationship outside the office—it’s beautiful.” When she’s not closing multimillion-dollar deals, Stephanie and Masoud indulge their passion for Miami’s culinary scene. “We’re huge foodies,” she shared. “When I’m not being a workaholic, I’m unwinding at the best restaurants.”
The Twist That Changes Everything
While Stephanie’s wealth and confidence are front and center, the real twist lies in how she’s rewriting the ‘new money’ narrative. She’s not just flaunting her success—she’s redefining what it means to be a powerhouse in business and on reality TV. With her sharp wit, unapologetic style, and a marriage that thrives in and out of the office, Stephanie is poised to be more than just the “richest Housewife ever.” She’s a force of nature, ready to shake up RHOM with a story that’s as authentic as it is dazzling.