She’s not just selling homes-she’s rewriting the blueprint for what generational wealth, luxury, and leadership look like for Black and brown communities. Meet Nicole Handy, Co-CEO of Braden Real Estate Group, marketing strategist, visionary, and unapologetic force in the world of luxury real estate. With every key handed over, Nicole is unlocking something bigger: representation, power, and purpose. In her words, ‘Luxury is more than a lifestyle-it’s a mindset.’ And she’s making sure others learn to wear that mindset like a crown.
REDEFINING THE DEAL: WHO IS NICOLE HANDY?
Raised on legacy and rooted in purpose, Nicole Handy is more than a real estate powerhouse. She’s a woman of vision, style, and strategy who walks into every room with intention and impact. As the Co-CEO of Braden Real Estate Group, Nicole is dedicated to expanding homeownership and wealth-building opportunities in historically underserved communities. But beyond the title, she’s the definition of a SITI Girl-confident, community-centered, and committed to breaking ceilings with grace and grit.
TRAILBLAZING WITH PURPOSE
Nicole’s journey is anchored in legacy and motivated by representation. Growing up in a family that valued ownership and financial literacy, real estate wasn’t just a career path-it was a calling. Braden isn’t just another real estate firm-it’s a movement. At its core, it’s about education, empowerment, and accessibility. Under Nicole’s leadership, Braden is bridging the gap between communities and the keys to generational wealth.
“Every time I close a deal, I know I’m shifting the narrative,” she shares. “I’m showing young Black women that leadership, influence, and excellence are not just possible-they’re ours to claim.”
THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS: CONFIDENCE + CONSISTENCY + COMMUNITY
Success for Nicole isn’t found in numbers-it’s built in daily discipline. “You have to create the opportunities you’re waiting for,” she says. For her, perseverance means showing up-especially when the odds are against you-and bringing others along for the climb.
Nicole defines her signature style as effortless excellence-and it shows. Whether she’s leading a high-stakes negotiation or stepping out in a piece from the Nicole Handy Collection, her presence speaks volumes. “I don’t conform. I elevate,” she says. Her leadership is refined but bold, feminine yet fierce. She believes power looks good in stilettos-and it sells.
TURNING CHALLENGES INTO CHECKPOINTS
Being a Black woman in luxury real estate hasn’t always been smooth. Nicole’s had to navigate rooms not built with her in mind-but that didn’t stop her from owning them. “We don’t just sell homes. We build futures. We create legacy.”
“Every space I walk into is an opportunity to disrupt with excellence,” she says. “I’m not here by accident-I’m here on assignment.”
GIVING BACK IS BUILT IN
Mentorship is a cornerstone of Nicole’s mission. From guiding new entrepreneurs to developing a marketing course for new realtors, she’s opening doors and showing others how to walk through them with power and poise.
USING HER PLATFORM WITH PURPOSE
Whether hosting homebuyer workshops, speaking on wealth-building, or sharing the raw realities of entrepreneurship, Nicole’s platform is a source of education and elevation. “I’m not here to just inspire-I’m here to equip,” she says. “I want people to walk away not just motivated, but empowered.”
THE LUXURY OF SELF-CARE
For Nicole, luxury and self-care go hand in hand. From spa days and globe-trotting to mental wellness and intentional boundaries, she curates her lifestyle with as much purpose as her brand. “My peace is non-negotiable. Self-care is how I refuel to keep leading.”
WISDOM FOR THE NEXT WAVE
To the next generation of SITI Girls, Nicole offers this:
“Walk into every room like you belong there-because you do. Don’t wait for permission. Be bold. Be brilliant. Be undeniable.”
HER LEGACY IN THE MAKING
Nicole wants to be remembered as the woman who made homeownership, wealth, and luxury feel attainable-not just aspirational-for Black and brown families. A woman who proved that luxury is how you lead, not just what you wear. At her core, Nicole finds joy in family, travel, and celebrating others’ wins. “The most beautiful part of building a life you love is watching others do the same.”
WHAT’S NEXT? THE EMPIRE EXPANDS
- Growing the Braden Real Estate Group empire
- Launching new ventures that fuse lifestyle + legacy
- Creating tools to empower Black women in luxury real estate
- And continuing to raise the standard-for herself and everyone watching
“Don’t let anyone place limits on your vision. Own your space, own your journey, and most importantly-own your power.”
