"Soaring Success: "Tasha Funes 'Goes from Lead Flight Attendant to Chartering for Celebrities, Government, and the Obamas" 

Reach for the skies with Exclusive InFlight Business Owner Tasha Funes, the Southern aviation gem, as she goes from serving top-tier celebrity clients to catering to the Obamas in private jets. Get ready to be inspired by her incredible journey to new heights!   

INTERVIEW BY: GINA SEDMAN, WRITER/JOURNALIST & HEAD EDITOR 

Tasha Funes is a dynamic powerhouse in the aviation industry, a force to be reckoned with! With a wealth of experience spanning years as a dedicated flight attendant on commercial jets, Tasha didn't stop there. She took her passion for aviation to new heights by founding her own premier company, Exclusive InFlight, proving that she is truly unstoppable. 

Starting her illustrious career in 2000, Tasha joined the ranks of top-tier airlines as a commercial flight attendant. Her quick wit, adaptable nature, and impeccable service quickly propelled her to the position of Lead Flight Attendant on international routes. Her journey from serving everyday travelers to the elite world of charter, government, and private aviation is a testament to her versatility and drive.  

But Tasha's story doesn't end there. Her unparalleled ability to understand and cater to the unique needs of executives and high-profile clients has made her a highly sought-after professional among multibillion-dollar corporations. She is known for her exceptional quality of work and meticulous attention to detail, guaranteeing that she will continue to be sought after for many years.  

I had the privilege of catching up with this southern gem between flights, and her insights and experiences are as inspiring as her career. Here's what she shared! 

Hello, Tasha. Hi, Gina. How are you?  

I'm fine. How are you? I'm great!  

Well, thank you so much for meeting with me today. Well, thank you for having me. I'm so excited!  

Oh, I am too. Welcome to the UK. Thank you.   

My pleasure! I want to tell you how incredibly proud I am of you and all you have accomplished in your amazing career. You are incredible, and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to interview you today. Thank you so much.  

You’re welcome. Now, I have to admit, I don't know much about aviation, so this is a wonderful opportunity for me to learn more about your world. There may be things I'm not as well-versed in, so I'm sure you'll help both me and our readers understand more about the fascinating world of aviation.  

I've interviewed many incredible entertainment artists, so it's wonderful to take a brief break and learn something new. Let's dig in. Okay.  

So, where are you originally from, and where are you currently residing? I'm originally from Louisville, KY. I was born and raised there, so I'm a country girl. However, I currently reside in San Diego, CA.  

Awesome. I've been there once. It's a beautiful place. I loved the green trees, just gorgeous! When you look back over your childhood, can you identify moments or experiences that sparked your interest in aviation? Yeah. My parents often took my brother and me traveling. We were always on airplanes for vacations. I was always intrigued by the flight attendants. I remember telling my mom and dad, "These girls are so pretty. I like the way they look; they're so well put together. I want to do whatever it is that they do." And my mom told me, "Honey, it's not just about being pretty; it's about serving the passengers on the plane." Then I was like, "Okay, I want to do it!" From that moment, becoming a flight attendant piqued my interest.  

So, when you got older and figured out your career direction, what led you to becoming a flight attendant? Well, when I got older and decided which direction to take with my career, it brought me full circle back to aviation and becoming a flight attendant.  

How beautiful is that! Awesome. So, there was absolutely no fear of flying? I hate to fly because I don't like turbulence. (laughs) Absolutely not. We were always on planes, taking trips to Florida, New York, and across the country. We loved flying.  

Did you get a chance to meet some of the pilots when you were younger and talk with them about your interest in a career in aviation? I did. Do you remember TWA?  

Yes, I do. I remember TWA and Pan Am. I also remember the first remote-controlled TV and the first microwave. (laughs) So yeah, that's the era I grew up in. (Laughs) Back then, passengers were allowed to come up front and talk with the pilots, and they used to give children little pilot wings. They would even let you sit up there and take photos. But now, things are different. Those times are long gone.  

Sadly, that's true. But I'm so glad you had the opportunity to experience that. So, Tasha, as you grew up and went through high school, did you automatically feel like you were steering yourself toward a career in aviation? What were your steps after high school? To be transparent and honest, I was in school for business management. I thought I needed something firm to fall back on. After I graduated, I had $200.00 in my pocket and decided to go to Texas for a flight attendant interview. My family thought I was crazy, but I said, "I'll figure it out as I go." So, I packed up and went down for the interview, and it was successful. Thank God they had a place for me to stay.  

That's awesome! I didn't know they provided a place to stay. Yes, after the interview, you can transition right into housing. They provide you with food, meals, and all sorts of things. It felt like destiny, and I knew I was meant to become a flight attendant.  

And yes, you are! That's wonderful! Thank you for sharing that beautiful journey. Now, at some point, you took that experience and created your own business. I'm excited to get into that, but first, let's talk about your experience as a flight attendant. Can you share a memorable story? Sure. When I started in aviation, I was a commercial flight attendant. Growing up we did not do much traveling internationally. So, I didn’t get to experience traveling abroad. Becoming a flight attendant allowed me the opportunity to experience firsthand so many regions of the world and an immense variety of cultures worldwide. Being in places like London, China, and Japan broadened my horizons. Then, when I transitioned to private aviation, it was a different ball game, interacting with elite clientele and experiencing grandiose things.  

I'm sure your commercial flight experience helped you a lot. It looks like God was positioning you for the next phase of your life. While serving in private aviation, who are some of the people you've serviced in air, and can you tell me about your fun experiences? Most notably, I've flown the Obamas, which was an incredible honor. Meeting and serving the 44th president of the United States and his family was a significant moment. I've also worked for Mr. Sean "P Diddy" Combs, flying him for the last couple of years. One highlight was being in Venice, Italy, and experiencing the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show and shopping experiences, something I wouldn't normally be exposed to.  

That sounds amazing. Now, Tasha, can you share the courageous moves you took to start your own business in aviation? After being in aviation for a while, I realized something was missing. There weren't many minority women in the industry. I wanted to start an operation that made me in demand, servicing high-profile clients and providing a one-stop shop for all aviation needs. Whether it's customizing jets, training flight attendants, or creating operation manuals, I've been able to offer those services.

Tasha, what sets you apart from other aviation one-stop-shop companies? I didn't want to be just a flight attendant. I made it my goal to be in high demand and service all aspects of aviation.  The ability to serve as a single point of contact for all of my clients’ needs not only saves time and reduces the complexity of managing various vendors, but it also enhances the overall quality and consistency of the services I provide. This is a key differentiator that sets me apart from my competitors, who may only offer a limited scope of services.   

Absolutely, most people want everything in one place and want it to be high quality. Well done, Tasha. How did you personally contribute to your advancement as a lead flight attendant? I worked my way up the corporate ladder, learning key essentials in leadership and curating them into one comprehensive approach. This made me a great leader and ambassador for my flight attendants and the company.   

Awesome. It's so important to have a servant's heart, and it seems you have a beautiful heart for serving others. Can you tell me about a time you went above and beyond for your clients? There have been times when clients have flown in for the Grammy Awards or other red-carpet events, traveling with their makeup and essential people, but there's always something they forget.  

What makes me a strong candidate as a flight attendant is that I carry a little gift bag with me. It contains many unexpected items that people often need.  

One particular client had a dress but didn't have the sticky tape to hold it up. You'd think her makeup and wardrobe team would have everything, but she was panicking, wondering what to do. I assured her, "Don't worry, I got you!" I reached into my little red bag of goodies and pulled out the bra tape. She looked at me, amazed, saying, "You've got to be kidding me!" (laughs) I told her, "There's not much a flight attendant doesn't have," and that's what sets me apart. Being able to anticipate what people might need on a jet is crucial. 

Absolutely. I love it! If I were on your flight and had a big show with a track coming loose, I'd feel confident you'd have some weave thread in that red box, maybe even a full lace wig in 1B, curly. You go, Tasha! I don't like flying, but if I ever needed private services, I know you would have my back! (laughs) Yes, onboard our aircraft, we have food, snacks, and drinks. We have it all! (Laughs) 

Tasha, I've been watching some hilarious aviation reality shows lately. It's funny to see all the different characters, especially those who've had too much to drink! I don't drink, nor do I like alcohol, but I'm curious: on charter flights, is there a limit to how much alcohol passengers can have before boarding? Or is it more relaxed? I imagine private flights have different rules compared to commercial ones. Can you shed some light on that? Yeah, you hit it right on the head. Private flights are very different from commercial ones, but it's important to observe how much a person consumes, whether it's commercial or private aviation. Overall, we're there for their safety. People often don't realize that drinking on land affects the body differently than drinking in the air. At 36,000 feet, the sensation is heightened and doubled. Many don't consider they'll be a bit loopy once they're on the plane. 

That's so true. Now, how do you deal with people who are afraid of flying and start freaking out during the flight? Absolutely. We see that all the time, even on private jets. The funny thing is, it's often the big, burly, strong men who are the biggest babies. When I see them squirming in the corner, I'll just chat with them, ask how they're doing, and if there's anything I can teach them. They gradually open up, saying they hate flying or have a fear of it. In those times, I try my best to make it as calm and comfortable as possible.  

Once I had everything set up and running smoothly, I realized I could offer my services to a wide range of companies. One of my main goals was to diversify the pool of flight attendants our clients were exposed to. I wanted to change the narrative, and it is imperative that we recognize the diverse qualifications and attributes that each flight attendant brings to the table, rather than categorizing them based on subjective measures of desirability. I was determined to create a company that wasn't driven by race, sex, or any other discriminatory factors. This determination was the driving force behind my entire company. 

I recall seeing a TV show discussing the strict requirements for flight attendants, including weight, height, race, and even hair type. As a woman of color, it made me wonder how things have evolved since you began your career as a flight attendant. Oh my gosh, it's changed drastically. It's funny you mention weight and hair because when I started, we got weighed in, and people can't believe it when I tell them. That was just a few years ago, and they still did it then. 

That was the norm, but now I feel really proud when I see so many people of diverse colors and nationalities on commercial jets, wearing pins of honor from their cultures and environments and wearing their hair the way they want. Once, that wasn't even an option. 

Yes, that's wonderful that it has changed. Is there anything else you'd like to share about your amazing company and how people can learn more about you? Sure. At Exclusive InFlight, we assist with training candidates looking to become flight attendants or wanting to transition from commercial aviation to private aviation. Our mission is to teach them all the fundamental skills they need to facilitate their transition. 

We assist with curating their aircraft, customizing manuals, and providing a comprehensive range of services so that we can meet the needs of our clients under one roof.  

There's a lack of women, especially minorities and African American women, in the aviation industry. I want representation to continue not just on commercial jets but also in the private sector. I want them to know it is obtainable and that they can do it. Let’s normalize seeing women of color in all sectors of Aviation. As long as we keep inspiring and pursuing our dreams, we can go far. 

It's truly inspiring to see your commitment to creating opportunities for everyone, particularly for women of color. Often, our community faces many fears and uncertainties. My hope is that we can rise above those fears and embrace the best lives we can lead. Before we wrap up, could you share some encouraging words for young individuals dreaming of a career in aviation, whether as a flight attendant or a pilot? Your insights could really motivate them! Yes, stop being afraid to be yourself. We've often redefined our identities to look like what we were told is the standards. We need to be comfortable in our own skin and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. There will be times when you may be the only African American on board the jet or in the company but believe in yourself and trust that you're setting the stage for those who come after you. It is imperative that we recognize the significance of giving back to our community. As a woman of color, it is our duty to ensure that the next generation has similar or even greater opportunities. 

Oh, that is so beautiful. Once again, it has been a complete honor and privilege to interview you. I feel like I'm watching history being made and being a part of it. I know you're extremely busy, so thank you for giving me a slice of your life. I pray that God will continue to bless the works of your hand be it done according to His will for your life.  

May He bless you, your company, and your beautiful family, keep you safe and protected, and bring wonderful, supportive people into your path. Last, I'm incredibly proud of every achievement and milestone you've reached. I'm rooting for you 100%. Thank you, Gina. I really appreciate it, and I'm honored to be interviewed by you. The work you're doing is definitely God's work, so I appreciate you. 

Thank you again, Tasha. Have a great day. I'm so proud of you. God bless you. 

Thank you, bye. 

End of Interview

Follow Tasha Funes CLICK HERE