We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Forbes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My mother came into a substantial sum of money and turned to me for advice on how to invest it wisely. I promised to explore her options and guide her. But life took an unexpected turn when a man from her past resurfaced, proposing an investment in a fishing boat business.

Despite my concerns, her lack of experience in the industry, the risks involved she decided to move forward with the venture. What followed was a heartbreaking spiral. The boat demanded relentless, costly repairs, depleting her savings installment by installment.

In the end, her funds were gone, the boat was never completed, and my mother faced a grim financial reality. Forced to consider selling her home just to stay afloat, she was already battling health challenges. The mounting stress pushed her into a dark place, confusion, depression, and frequent hospital visits became her new normal.

From afar, I tried to support her as best I could. But the demands of her life were overwhelming. Managing medications for herself and my grandmother, keeping up with bills, and handling the daily grind left her with little energy or clarity.

A few years after my mother’s passing, I found myself in real estate. As I began building my career, I sought ways to connect with people who might benefit from my services. That’s when I started attending networking events for medical professionals. At first, I wasn’t sure why I felt compelled to be there, what was my place in these rooms? But something kept urging me to return.

One day, it all clicked: these were the professionals who could have supported my mother or guided me as I struggled to help her.

Motivated by the pain of her experience and the realization of how crucial it is to prepare for life’s unexpected challenges, I made a commitment: to serve seniors and their families with care and expertise. That commitment inspired me to earn designations as a Certified Senior Housing Professional and a Senior Real Estate Specialist.

Today, I am dedicated to continuing my education and expanding my skills to provide even greater value to my clients. My mission is clear: to empower seniors and their loved ones to make informed, confident decisions during life’s most challenging transitions. I carry my mother’s story with me every day, using it as a source of strength and purpose to guide others through the moments that matter most.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Ageless Lifestyle Solutions, is more than just a real estate service; it’s a heartfelt mission to support individuals aged 55+ and older adults as they navigate the often overwhelming journey of downsizing, moving, and selling their homes. This work is deeply personal to me, inspired by my own experiences with my mom. Walking alongside her through life’s transitions taught me the profound emotional and logistical challenges that families face. It’s these lessons that drive my compassionate and holistic approach, ensuring that every step of the process is handled with care and understanding.

I take immense pride in my commitment to continuous growth and learning. Earning certifications and specialized expertise has allowed me to serve this community with confidence and skill. But my work goes far beyond real estate transactions. Through decluttering, downsizing, packing, and moving services, as well as empowering workshops, I help older adults and their loved ones tackle topics like rightsizing, choosing retirement communities, and creating accessible living spaces that feel like home.

Getting to where I am today has not been without challenges. Understanding the depth of emotions tied to leaving a cherished home or adapting to new circumstances required perseverance, empathy, and an unwavering focus on building trust. I’ve faced these hurdles by listening deeply, learning constantly, and embracing a support first approach that prioritizes the well-being of every family I work with.

The most valuable lessons I’ve learned are the transformative power of empathy, the importance of education, and the strength of collaboration. These principles not only shape my business but also form the foundation of the meaningful relationships I build with my clients.

Through Ageless Lifestyle Solutions, I aim to do more than assist with transitions, I strive to touch lives. My goal is to help older adults and their families find dignity, confidence, and peace of mind as they embrace the next chapter of their lives. It’s not just about finding a new home; it’s about creating a brighter, more secure future filled with possibilities.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: A Warm Welcome
Morning: Start with brunch at Press Cafe, a scenic spot by the river with amazing views and a farm-to-table menu.
Afternoon: Stroll along the Fort Worth Botanic Garden or explore the Japanese Garden for a peaceful introduction to the area.
Evening: Dinner at Joe T. Garcia’s for legendary Tex-Mex
Day 2: Western Heritage
Morning: Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards to experience Texas’ cowboy culture, complete with the cattle drive.
Afternoon: Lunch at Riscky’s BBQ and check out the local shops and the Stockyards Museum.
Evening: End with a night at the drive in movie theater at Coyote.
Day 3: Art and Culture
Morning: Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery before heading to the Cultural District to explore the Kimbell Art Museum and Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Afternoon: Grab lunch at Rodeo Goat for creative burgers.
Evening: Dinner at Reata Restaurant, a rooftop spot offering a mix of Southwestern and Texan cuisine.
Day 4: Outdoor Adventure
Morning: Hike along the Trinity Trails.
Afternoon: Enjoy the view of people paddleboarding at Panther Island Pavilion, followed by lunch.
Evening: Relax with dinner at Waters Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood.
Day 5: Shopping and Entertainment
Morning: Breakfast at The Original Pancake House, then head to Clearfork for upscale shopping and coffee at Ascension Coffee.
Afternoon: Visit Sundance Square downtown for boutique shopping and lunch at Bird Cafe.
Evening: Catch a show at Bass Performance Hall for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Day 6: Day Trip
Morning: Drive to Dallas for a change of scenery. Visit the Dallas Arboretum or the Sixth Floor Museum.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at Pecan Lodge for some of the best barbecue in Texas.
Evening: Head back for a casual dinner at Heim Barbecue in Fort Worth.
Day 7: Relax and Reflect
Morning: A leisurely breakfast at Magnolia Table in Waco
Afternoon: Spend the day relaxing, indulging in a spa treatment at Woodhouse Day Spa.
Evening: Wrap up the week with a sunset at Eagle Mountain Lake and dinner at The Blue Bayou.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support and encouragement of the incredible people around me. First and foremost, I want to dedicate my heartfelt gratitude to my family. They have been my rock, offering boundless love, patience, and inspiration through every challenge and triumph. Their belief in me has been my guiding light.

I also owe so much to my colleagues and clients. Each conversation, collaboration, and shared experience has shaped me, teaching me invaluable lessons and reminding me why I’m so passionate about the work I do. You’ve all been part of my growth and purpose.

A special thank you goes to the voices of wisdom that have guided me, especially Amy Cameron O’Rourke and her book The Fragile Years. Its compassionate strategies for caring for aging loved ones resonate deeply with me and have become a guiding principle in my life and work.

Success, I’ve learned, is never achieved alone. It truly takes a village, and I’m endlessly grateful for mine. Thank you for being part of my journey.

Website: www.aliciaforbes.kw.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agelesslifestylesolutions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaforbes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agelesslifestylesolutions

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkubqDcbGTsamRcxPNrFlSQ

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