We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nicola ‘Nicki’ Riettie. Check out our conversation below.
Nicola ‘Nicki’, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
There’s just something about working out. I throw my hair in a messy bun, pop in my earbuds, and the second I touch those weights—it’s like the rest of the world disappears. Funny enough, I usually have worship music blasting. It’s that mix of focus and faith that gets me. I block out the noise, I tune into Him, and I find my strength—in the lift and in the worship.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a South Florida realtor, faith-driven entrepreneur, and founder of SE7EN Development Coaching – a new life and real estate coaching company that I’m currently launching. Born and raised in Jamaica, I bring my island girl roots, work ethic, and warmth into everything I do. I’m a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, an award-winning agent, a proud member of the Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle, an executive board member of the Parkland Chamber of Commerce and was formally honored as one of the Top 100 Women in Broward County.
I help clients buy, sell, and relocate with a blend of strategy, intention, and fierce dedication. While I’m savvy when it comes to the investment side of real estate, what drives me most is my love for the people behind the numbers. When I’m not working or coaching, you’ll find me in the gym, pouring into my vision, or soaking up joy and quiet moments with my two pups, Lucy Mae and Taz.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
A woman taught to take care of others before herself. Raised in the Caribbean at a time when it was still a very patriarchal society, I believed for a long time that my role was to submit, to support, to stay small. But through life and growth, I found my voice—strong, bold, and entirely my own. In my late 40s, something clicked. I realized my life and business were mine to lead. I stopped asking for permission and started trusting myself. That’s when I met the real me—and I’ve never looked back.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of my most defining wounds was the quiet battle I fought with alcohol. For years, I associated fun, confidence, and ease with drinking. It started with one or two drinks, but eventually became three or four—and I found myself needing it more than I wanted to admit. The hardest part wasn’t stopping—it was facing the feeling of failure that came with admitting it had gotten out of control.
I didn’t go the traditional route with AA. I turned to God instead. I journaled. I prayed. I built new habits around my health and fitness. And slowly, I found my way through. That healing became the beginning of everything else—the start of becoming the woman I was always meant to be.
It’s been 11 years since I quit drinking. I don’t miss it, because that season broke something in me that needed breaking—and it built something in me that’s unshakable. I share this because so many people struggle silently, realizing they have lost control, but thinking they have to white-knuckle it or pretend everything’s fine. But there’s freedom on the other side. Real, lasting, beautiful freedom. And I’m here to tell you—it’s worth it. You don’t have to keep numbing. You are strong enough to face it. You’re not alone, and you are absolutely worth fighting for.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That we’re in the sales industry. We’re not. I’m not here to “sell” something—I’m in the people business.
Real estate is deeply personal. I’m walking with people through one of the most emotional and financially significant transitions of their lives. Every step I take impacts their family, their security, their future. It’s not about selling a house—it’s about listening, understanding their story, and helping them make wise, informed decisions that align with their goals and dreams.
My job is to guide, to protect, to negotiate, and to advocate—sometimes fiercely. I once heard as a young agent, “If you care more about the client than the commission, you’ll never have to worry about money.” That stuck with me. I do care more. And honestly? I don’t worry about money. I’ve had times when I’ve had a lot of it and times when I haven’t. But I’ve always had enough – and if someone needed help and I was in a position to give it- I have always had enough for that. When you do the right thing, the results follow.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I truly cared—and that I never stopped trying.
I want to be remembered as extraordinary, not because of accolades or titles, but because of my passion, my commitment to people, and my refusal to settle. Mediocrity was never an option for me. I always believed we’re called to be, do, and give the very best we can with what we’ve been given.
I hope people say I served with excellence—regardless of the platform, the paycheck, or the recognition. That I gave fully. That I loved deeply. That I showed up, even when it was hard. That I lived my life all in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.riettiegroup.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/theriettiegroup
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.in.com/nickiriettie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theriettiegroup
