August 10, 2021 | St. Lucie Cultural Alliance | Member Spotlight – Ohana Group Powered by Sellstate Realty – Kai Vincente & Allen A. Kavanaugh
Contributed by Dorothy Kamm
Member Spotlight – Ohana Group Powered by Sellstate Realty
Business partners Kai Vincente and Allen A. Kavanaugh were walking around downtown Fort Pierce seeking a location for their real estate company’s new office. Being art lovers, they wandered into the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance’s gallery at 111 Orange Avenue and met Executive Director Alyona Ushe. Recognizing that newly occupied homes and businesses require artwork to add character, impact and appeal, Kai and Allen partnered with the organization to establish a symbiotic relationship beneficial to all. “The idea is to get quality art in front of potential buyers of new homes and new décor,” says Alyona. In return, the real estate office has access to original art for decoration.
Kai and Allen recently opened The Ohana Group Powered by Sellstate Realty, located at 124 N. 2nd Street in between Sailfish Brewery and 2nd Street Bistro. Kai, who is from Hawaii and grew up in Vero Beach, explains that the word ohana means family in Hawaiian. Kai and Allen chose the name The Ohana Group because “Homes are all about family,” says Kai.
While their office space possesses high-end designer style, Kai and Allen cater to a range of budgets and all types of clients, including residential, commercial, and rental. They also offer concierge real estate, connecting buyers with service providers who will fulfill their needs.
They have filled their high-traffic office with all types of art from members of the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance. Here visitors will find pictures, accessories, and even jewelry displayed on walls and shelves. Adjacent to the pieces are the artist’s business cards, so anyone interested in a particular piece may contact the artist directly.
“What better way to showcase local art and expose the artists’ work to home buyers and commercial tenants,” says Kai. “Our local artists have amazing talent, and Allen and I are excited to offer members of the Cultural Alliance another outlet to get their creations in front of the public and potential buyers.”
Art personalizes spaces. Chosen artwork offers a glimpse into a person’s taste and vision and serves to start a dialogue about a particular piece: who created it, what it represents, and how it was made, for instance. Kai points out that art need not be expensive. “One can purchase a piece of art for $15, or spend thousands of dollars. The cost doesn’t determine the value: it’s how one feels about the art,” says Kai.
Kai and Allen also cross promote neighboring businesses. “We purchased office accessories from local stores and have fresh flowers. When clients comment about something, we direct them to the local shop where we purchased the item,” says Kai. “We succeed by helping one another.”
The Ohana Group will be participating in Art Walk on Friday, August 20, 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Be sure to stop in, have a bite to eat and something to drink, and enjoy the art and music.
Looking towards the future, Kai and Allen plan to host fashion shows twice a year. They will convert a walkway in the office to a runway and feature the creations of local fashion designers. “Fashion is another form of artistic expression,” points out Kai. “We are pleased to offer fashion designers a chance to promote their own product.”
Kai and Allen love downtown Fort Pierce. They have found much to do and numerous places to visit, from a wide range of dining options to axe throwing to attending Friday Fest and the weekly Downtown Farmer’s Market. They gladly point out these assets to newcomers looking to relocate here. “Fort Pierce is a place where everyone is comfortable and enjoys life,” says Kai. He and Allen believe that downtown will develop into an arts and cultural attraction, similar to Delray Beach. The Ohana Group encourages other businesses to get involved with the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance to help the local community achieve its dream as a desirable destination.
For more information about The Ohana Group Powered by Sellstate Realty, call 772-241-5295 or email ohanagroupfl@gmail.com. The office, located at 124 N 2nd Street in downtown Fort Pierce, is open seven days a week.
To learn more about the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance and the benefits of membership, please visit ArtStLucie.org, email: info@artstlucie.org or call 772-462-2783.