We were lucky to catch up with Maurisha Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maurisha , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Brown Estates Aviation began with a vision to blend the warmth of family with the refinement of flight. I believe luxury isn’t just about leather seats or champagne. True luxury is care, intention, and being seen.

“Family Crafted, Luxury Defined” isn’t just a tagline, it’s a philosophy. Each experience is rooted in legacy, love and attention to meticulous detail. This business represents my standard: excellence without coldness, luxury without ego, and hospitality rooted in heart. We’re not here to meet the industry standard. We’re here to raise it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Maurisha Brown, and I’m the founder of Brown Estates Aviation, a luxury aviation brand rooted in legacy, intention, and personal history. My journey in aviation is deeply personal my grandfather, Alphonso Brown Jr., was a Tuskegee Airman cadet. His involvement in that historic program at a time when African Americans had to fight for the right to fly, left a legacy that runs deep in my spirit. While his time in the program was brief, the fact that he stepped into that space when so few could, speaks volumes. His story, though not widely documented, was passed down through my family and became a quiet source of strength for me. It reminded me that representation in the skies matters. That history planted a seed that would later grow into Brown Estates Aviation, a brand built on intention, pride, and purpose. That seed was nurtured by my father, Maurice Brown, who encouraged me to fly and by my mentor, Princy LaLa, who guided me through my first discovery flight in Florida. That moment changed my life.

With Princy’s guidance, I purchased my very first plane, a 1961 Piper Colt, from Kevin. I affectionately named my plane Parker, in honor of my late uncle. The experience was more than a transaction, Kevin and his entire family were truly amazing. Not only did I buy a plane, but I also found a sense of family. Their support and kindness throughout the buying process made it an unforgettable experience
Flying Parker cross-country from St. Cloud, Florida to Fresno, California was one of the most defining moments of my life. With the skilled support of Certified Flight Instructor Kelly Wong, who flew the first half of the journey with me, and retired pilot Duen Mallard, who flew the second half, we safely completed the trip. Bringing my aircraft, and a piece of my dream, home.

Many years ago, I drove my 1994 Buick Regal from New Jersey to California chasing the sun. Now, I’ve flown a plane across the country chasing purpose and legacy. It still feels surreal.

I founded Brown Estates Aviation to create something meaningful: a luxury brand that feels both elegant and personal. Our motto, “Family Crafted, Luxury Defined,” reflects that spirit. We’re currently building the business with care and vision, focused on delivering experiences that are curated, intentional, and rooted in hospitality.

There are some phenomenal aviation companies out there, and I respect the work being done. For me, this isn’t about competing, it’s about contributing something unique. I want people to feel cared for, remembered, and at ease when they fly with us. I’m proud of the foundation we’re laying, and even prouder of the legacy we’re carrying forward one flight at a time.

This isn’t just business for me, it’s legacy work.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

For me, resilience looked like moving forward before everything felt “ready.” It meant taking a leap into aviation an industry that requires deep commitment, resources, and a strong sense of purpose, even when I didn’t have every answer.

One of my most defining moments was flying my first aircraft, a 1961 Piper Colt, across the country. But the real resilience wasn’t just in the flight but it was in everything that came before it: learning to navigate an unfamiliar industry and airspace, making major decisions with limited guidance, and staying focused on a vision no one else could fully see but me.

Building something from the ground up has required patience, faith, and constant recalibration. Resilience, for me, means trusting the process and staying committed to the bigger picture, even in moments of uncertainty.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I had to unlearn was that everything needed to be perfect before I could begin. I used to delay progress waiting for the “right time,” the perfect version, or all the answers. But I realized clarity often comes through movement, not stillness. Once I embraced progress over perfection, things started aligning and I gave myself permission to grow while building.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Brownestatesaviation
• Other: M.L. Brown
  [email protected]

Image Credits

Maurisha Brown pictured in a Piper Tomahawk at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (KFAT).
Photo Credit: Photo by Drew Rodaniche

Maurisha Brown with mentor Princy Lala, who guided her through her first discovery flight and supported her early aviation journey.
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Maurisha Brown

Celebrating a proud achievement-Maurisha Brown with her parents after successfully passing her checkride and earning her Private Pilot Certificate. This milestone was accomplished through training at Springfield Flying Service, a respected flight school based at Columbia Airport (O22) in Columbia, CA. Instructor Darryl Fisher and DPE Kenn Cobb were instrumental in guiding her through the process.
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of KING TUTMOSIS @apphilms

After completing the final leg of her cross-country flight, Maurisha Brown arrives in Fresno, CA, greeted by her parents. Retired pilot Duen Mallard, who co-piloted the last half of the journey, helped bring Parker home.

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Lauree ( Duen’s daughter)

Maurisha Brown inflight with Certified Flight Instructor Kelly Wong, who co-piloted the first half of her cross-country journey from Florida to California.
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Maurisha Brown

Maurisha Brown finalizes the purchase of her first aircraft, a 1961 Piper Colt, with seller Kevin. This milestone marked the beginning of her journey with Parker, the plane she named in honor of her late uncle.
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Norma