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Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Nicoleta Forbes of Tampa Bay

We recently had the chance to connect with Nicoleta Forbes and have shared our conversation below.

Nicoleta, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I’ve come to realize that so many people are quietly carrying things we never see. Things like self-doubt, anxiety, feeling like they’re not enough, or just the weight of trying to keep it all together. I think about how often we put on a smile and say “I’m fine” when, in reality, we’re exhausted or hurting inside. I know I’ve had seasons where I’ve struggled in silence, and it’s a reminder to lead with compassion, because we truly never know the battles someone else might be fighting.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Nicoleta Forbes, a luxury real estate specialist with a focus on connecting buyers to some of Florida’s most exclusive properties, including the Viceroy Residences Clearwater Beach. My work goes beyond selling homes. It’s about curating a lifestyle. I take pride in offering a highly personalized, concierge-level experience, where every detail matters, from understanding my clients’ vision to ensuring the entire process feels seamless. What sets me apart is my ability to blend deep market expertise with genuine relationship-building, so clients feel not just represented, but truly cared for. Right now, I’m thrilled to be part of bringing the Viceroy Residences Clearwater Beach to life, an unparalleled combination of world-class amenities, boutique privacy, and the best of Clearwater Beach living.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who has taught me the most about work is my husband. We used to work together, and everything I know about real estate and how to truly connect with clients, I learned from him. He lead with care, integrity, and a genuine desire to help people, and that approach has shaped the way I do business. Watching him navigate challenges with patience, treat every client like they were the only one, and always put honesty above everything else showed me that success isn’t just about results. It’s about how you make people feel along the way. His example continues to guide me every single day.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’ve always been fairly kind to myself, but if I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to look deeper into my parents’ journey and truly understand their sacrifices. They came to the United States with nothing, determined to create a better life for us, and at the time, I didn’t fully appreciate the weight of what that meant. It wasn’t until my late twenties that I began to see the depth of their courage, resilience, and selflessness. I wish I had given them more credit earlier, but that realization has shaped the way I live now, rooted in gratitude and in constant appreciation for the foundation they built for me.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would tell you that my faith, my family, and my work matter most to me, always in that order. My relationship with God is what keeps me grounded and gives me clarity when making decisions. My family is my heart, they’re the driving force behind so many of my goals. And my work is deeply personal to me. Not just because I love real estate, but because it gives me the chance to serve people, build genuine relationships, and create something lasting that I can be proud of.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I’ve learned that you really can do anything you set your mind to. We all get dealt a certain set of cards in life, but how we play the game is completely up to us. For me, success isn’t just about what you achieve. It’s about who you become along the way. Watching my parents build a life from nothing and working alongside my husband in real estate showed me that integrity, relationships, and gratitude matter so much more than titles or accolades. Most people focus on the finish line, but I’ve learned to appreciate the journey and how it shapes you into the person you’re meant to be.

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Image Credits

Valerie Bogle, Flourish Photography

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