We specialize in managing America’s finest rental properties, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and hassle-free ownership. With a commitment to quality, we handle every detail so owners can enjoy truly passive income. From seamless bookings to pristine maintenance, we make renting homes effortless and rewarding.
It all began in 2017 with a romantic journey when Alan Mels, one of our co-founders, traveled to Europe to marry Ayla Mels, another co-founder. While waiting for Ayla’s permission to enter the United States, Alan rented out his upscale apartment in Bellevue, Washington, to fund their overseas stay. To their surprise, the rental not only covered their expenses but also generated a significant income. This experience sparked the idea for Alan and Ayla to expand their focus beyond their primary careers and invest in high-quality short-term rentals (STRs).
Here are some pictures from that trip:
When Alan and Ayla returned to the U.S., they wasted no time turning their newfound passion into action. What began as managing a few of their own homes in Texas, Colorado, and Washington quickly grew into something much larger. They poured intention into every detail — thoughtful design, comfort-driven amenities, and warm, reliable hospitality — and soon friends and acquaintances began asking for help with their properties as well. A personal venture naturally evolved into a growing, trusted operation.
In 2021, that momentum became official with the launch of HomieBees, a Texas-based property management company rooted in one core mission: discovering the “secret ingredients” that transform a simple stay into an unforgettable experience. That mission became the foundation for our next chapter — the evolution into StellarStay, a brand that reflects our expanded vision, elevated standards, and commitment to exceptional hospitality across every home we manage.
Since our early beginnings in 2017, StellarStay has grown into a multi-state operation, curating warm, welcoming spaces that feel like home the moment guests walk in. Today, with 58 properties under management, we have proudly serviced over 17,300 nights, completing more than 4,690 check-ins and check-outs. Our dedication to excellence has earned us a 4.9/5 Airbnb rating, supported by countless 5-star reviews from guests who consistently describe their stays as comfortable, seamless, and memorable.
But StellarStay is built on more than guest experiences — it’s built on trust. We’ve cultivated strong, lasting relationships with property owners who rely on us to care for their homes as if they were our own. Through steady growth, brand evolution, and an ever-expanding portfolio, our focus remains unchanged: delivering unforgettable stays while giving property owners complete peace of mind through expert, full-service property management.
Alan Mels
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Alan Mels combines decades of experience in technology, management, and entrepreneurship to deliver exceptional short-term rental services. With a master’s degree in International Law and Economics (MILE) from the World Trade Institute in Bern, Switzerland, Alan’s career spans roles in IT leadership, digital innovation, and property management.
Alan has a proven track record of creating innovative solutions, including founding an IT company specializing in secure and reliable data systems for businesses. Since 2017, his focus has been on the short-term rental market, where he has turned his passion for exceptional service into a thriving business.
Under Alan’s leadership, StellarStay is dedicated to helping property owners maximize their rental income while providing guests with unforgettable experiences. His expertise and forward-thinking approach ensure that StellarStay remains at the forefront of the short-term rental industry.
Ayla Mels
Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer
Ayla Mels brings her expertise in international relations and her passion for exceptional hospitality to the world of short-term rental management. With a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the Kyrgyzstan Russian Slavic University, Ayla began her career working briefly for the Government of Kyrgyzstan before emigrating to the United States.
Since 2017, Ayla has shared her husband Alan’s enthusiasm for the short-term rental market, combining their talents to build a business focused on helping property owners achieve success while providing unforgettable guest experiences. Ayla specializes in consulting short-term rental investors on interior design, ensuring spaces are both functional and inviting. She also oversees the coordination of housekeeping, cleaning, and contractor teams across multiple states, ensuring compliance with policies and maintaining the highest standards.
Ayla’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to excellence make her an integral part of StellarStay’s success, ensuring every property meets and exceeds expectations.
Like hardworking bees in a hive, our dedicated team members work tirelessly across regions to ensure seamless operations, exceptional guest experiences, and thriving success for property owners.
Russel Ruzakh
Maintenance Manager for North Colorado
Russel plays a crucial role in ensuring all StellarStay properties in the region are in top-notch condition. Known for his reliability and expertise, Russel handles all maintenance matters with efficiency and dedication. From urgent repairs to routine upkeep, he is always there when needed, ensuring that every property is safe, functional, and welcoming for guests. Russel’s commitment and skill make him an invaluable part of the StellarStay team.
Tonisha Robinson
City Manager for Peoria, Arizona
Tonisha Robinson plays a pivotal role in StellarStay’s operations in Peoria. Beginning her journey with StellarStay as a cleaner, Tonisha’s outstanding organizational skills and unwavering dedication quickly propelled her into a leadership position. Today, she leads the team responsible for managing all properties in Peoria, Arizona, ensuring they consistently uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and guest satisfaction. Tonisha’s commitment and leadership have been crucial in solidifying StellarStay’s reputation for excellence in the city of Peoria.
Aygul Beken
Regional Manager for the Smoky Mountains area
Aygul plays a key role in ensuring StellarStay properties in Gatlinburg and the surrounding cities are impeccably managed. Starting with StellarStay as part of the cleaning team, Aygul’s dedication and exceptional organizational skills quickly propelled her to a leadership position. Today, she oversees the cleaning and maintenance teams, ensuring every property meets the highest standards of cleanliness and guest satisfaction. Aygul’s commitment and attention to detail are central to StellarStay’s success in the Smoky Mountains region.
Yulia Bashtan
Regional Manager for the Dallas area
Yulia ensures StellarStay properties in the region are impeccably maintained and guest-ready. After immigrating from Ukraine with her husband and young son to escape the war, Yulia brought her resilience and dedication to StellarStay. Her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail quickly earned her a leadership role. Today, Yulia oversees the cleaning and maintenance teams, ensuring every property meets StellarStay’s high standards of cleanliness and guest satisfaction. Her commitment and determination have made her an invaluable part of the StellarStay team in Dallas.
Zarina Baisal
Regional Manager for Dubai
After living and working in education management at the best universities across Eurasia, Zarina Baisalova migrated to Dubai in 2022 and was captivated by the city’s dynamic real estate market. Zarina delved into property investments, as well as took over short-term rentals at a leading local real estate agency. As her portfolio of managed properties expanded, she sought a more structured approach to managing the growing business. After learning about StellarStay and engaging in intensive consultations, Zarina embraced StellarStay’s proven practices and adopted their powerful automation platform. Today, Zarina is proud to be StellarStay’s first representative across the Atlantic, bringing exceptional service and expertise to Dubai’s thriving rental market.
Olga Rubashka
Regional Manager for South Colorado
Olga has been a vital part of StellarStay’s operations in the region. Starting her journey with StellarStay as a cleaner, Olga’s exceptional organizational skills and dedication quickly earned her a leadership role. Today, she oversees the team responsible for maintaining all properties in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas, ensuring they meet the highest standards of cleanliness and guest satisfaction. Olga’s commitment and leadership have been instrumental in maintaining StellarStay’s reputation for excellence in South Colorado.
Asher Dane
Property Manager for Austin, Texas
Asher Dane, based in Austin, balances his studies in the Health Sciences program at Austin Community College with managing StellarStay properties throughout the Austin area. His strong work ethic, organizational skills, and commitment to excellence ensure every property under his care is well-maintained and guest-ready. Asher’s ability to successfully manage both his academic path and property responsibilities makes him a highly valued member of the StellarStay team in Austin.
Aigerim Erkinbek
Regional Manager for the Cancun Region, Mexico
After migrating from Kyrgyzstan to Mexico in 2023 with her husband and daughter, Aigerim fell in love with the Cancun region after exploring different parts of the country. They decided to settle in Cancun, where her husband works as an IT specialist, and Aigerim joined the StellarStay Team to manage properties in the area. She quickly mastered StellarStay’s procedures and successfully adapted practices refined in the U.S. market to the Mexican market. Under her management, the Cancun properties rapidly gained traction, earning highly satisfied 5-star reviews from guests.
Antrice Jackson
Regional Manager for the San Antonio area
Antrice plays a vital role in maintaining StellarStay’s high standards in one of Texas’s most vibrant cities. Starting her journey with StellarStay in property care, Antrice’s exceptional dedication and organizational skills quickly earned her a leadership position. Today, she oversees the team responsible for cleaning and maintaining all properties in San Antonio, ensuring they meet the highest levels of cleanliness and guest satisfaction. Antrice’s commitment and leadership are essential to StellarStay’s success in the region.
Dmitry Rubashka
Maintenance Manager for South Colorado
Dmitry ensures all StellarStay properties in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas are impeccably maintained. With a focus on efficiency and reliability, Dmitry oversees all maintenance needs, from routine upkeep to urgent repairs. His dedication and expertise ensure that every property meets the highest standards of safety and functionality, making him an essential part of the StellarStay team.
Elmira Dane
Regional Manager for the Fort Worth area
Elmira plays a key role in ensuring StellarStay properties in the region are expertly managed and guest-ready. Recently immigrating from Kyrgyzstan, Elmira joined StellarStay with a strong commitment to excellence and a meticulous eye for detail. Her organizational skills and dedication to maintaining high standards quickly earned her a leadership position. Today, Elmira oversees the cleaning and maintenance teams, ensuring every property in Fort Worth meets StellarStay’s reputation for quality and guest satisfaction. Elmira’s hard work and passion make her an integral part of the StellarStay team.
Salta Beken
Regional Manager for North Colorado
Salta has been an integral part of StellarStay since its inception. Starting in a housekeeping role for the very first properties in Colorado, Salta’s dedication and attention to detail quickly set her apart. Today, she oversees a team of cleaners responsible for maintaining all properties in the Denver area, ensuring they meet the highest standards of cleanliness and guest satisfaction. Salta’s leadership and commitment have been instrumental in StellarStay’s growth and success in the region.
Let StellarStay handle your short-term rental property with the care and expertise it deserves. From maximizing your income to ensuring seamless guest experiences, our reliable and dedicated team is here to make property management truly hassle-free!
