When Sally Abdella received the news that she had been named Venice City Lifestyle’s Remarkable Woman of the Year, her reaction was disbelief.
“My first thought was, ‘are you kidding me?’” she said with a laugh. “I was somewhat embarrassed. I’m just doing my thing on a daily basis, trying to live a life I can be proud of.”
But to those who know her, this recognition can’t be a surprise. Sally is a force of nature—a real estate professional with Coldwell Banker with a business website called sallysellsneartheseashore.com, a passionate community volunteer, and someone who approaches life with unshakable positivity and purpose.
“For me, there’s just this fire in my heart to help others,” Sally explained. She’s always been this way, but two years ago, she experienced a deeply personal transformation at Lift Church. “I received a peace from God,” which she described as a deep trust in the way things will unfold. “I hadn’t realized it was missing, but it changed everything—my perspective, my approach to challenges, and my outlook on life.”
That sense of peace now guides her in real estate, charity work, and daily life. “Real estate is a crazy business, and I’ve learned to focus on what I can control and let go of what I can’t,” she said. “I coach my customers to trust that things will happen in their own time. Patience is key.”
Her generosity extends far beyond her career. Sally is actively involved in Foster the Family Florida, a program in partnership with Lift Church that supports foster families and adopted children. "Within 48 hours of placement, we provide foster children with food, clothing, and essentials. We also offer wraparound care and a Kids Night Out, giving foster parents a break while children connect with peers in a safe space."
This month, Sally is leading a fundraiser for teens in foster care. “People can drop off items at my Venice office, Coldwell Banker on Venice Avenue,” she said. “We’re collecting gift cards, pajamas, shorts, T-shirts, and underwear. I might even take some teens shopping—I have no idea what they like anymore!”
Abdella’s commitment to charity doesn’t stop there. She’s also a team lead within Coldwell Banker CARES, a massive fundraising initiative for all of Florida that raises money for local nonprofits.
In addition, Sally officiates weddings as an ordained minister, and creates engaging videos showcasing wedding venues, local entrepreneurs and her real estate business. “I just made one about affordable wedding locations, including under the banyan trees on Venice Avenue,” she said.
Sally also highlights inspiring women, including Barbara Bria Pugliese of Just/Because, who temporarily reopened in Venice’s Mercado after Hurricane Milton destroyed her St. Armands shop, and Norhala Houck, owner of Sunbug and Twist boutiques. “These women have overcome so much—they’re like mentors to me.”
What makes Sally remarkable? “I thrive even in adversity,” she said. “I wake up every morning and choose joy. The real estate market is challenging right now, but I believe everything will work out.”
Where does she find the energy to do it all? “We only have so much time on this earth, and we all know people who have passed away too soon,” she reflected. “There’s so much I want to experience and do. Whether it’s going to a concert or traveling with my mom, I want to embrace every moment.”
At 59, Sally is focused on making memories. “My mom is turning 83, and I want to travel with her. I want to spend time with my sister, family, and friends. I’m always looking forward to new experiences and new friendships. The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror, after all.”
At her core, Sally is a deeply genuine person. “When I meet people—whether they’re buying a house or not—I want to hear their story. Their greatest joys, their hardest struggles. People want to be seen and heard.”
She also believes in surrounding herself with exceptional professionals. “I have a high emotional quotient and a strong drive for leadership and personal excellence. That energy rubs off on people. I surround myself with the best lenders, bankers, insurance agents, and tradespeople—people I know I can count on.”
What’s next for this remarkable woman? “I’m not one to plan things out too much,” she admitted. “I just stay open to whatever wonderful opportunities come my way.”
Her advice for others? “Get up earlier and do something good for yourself. It takes 21 days to change your mindset. Start by waking up 15 minutes earlier, then read something inspirational, stretch, find a yoga class on YouTube. Just start.”
We only have so much time on this earth, and there’s so much I want to experience and do.
I’ve learned to focus on what I can control and let go of what I can’t. I coach my customers to trust that things will happen in their own time. Patience is key.