A Conversation with Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Cofounder of Flag Luxury Group

The Empowering Vision of Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos: Bridging Art and Business

Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos is a name that resonates in both the realms of real estate development and art collection. As the co-founder, president, and COO of Flag Luxury Group, she has made significant strides in creating spaces that not only cater to luxury but also celebrate the arts. Her philosophy on collecting art is simple yet profound: “When you really love something, you’re always going to love it.” This sentiment encapsulates her approach to both her personal collection and her professional endeavors.

A Platform for Women in Business

Olarte de Kanavos recently hosted the Business of Art Women’s Power Breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. This event brought together a diverse panel of influential women from the art world, including public art leader Yvonne Force and gallerist Nicola Vassell. The gathering was not just a networking opportunity; it was a manifestation of Olarte de Kanavos’s commitment to empowering women across various industries.

The Women’s Power Series, which she launched with her daughter Sophia Kanavos, aims to create accessible platforms for women to share knowledge and experiences. Inspired by International Women’s Day, the series addresses the barriers many women face in attending high-profile business conferences, which can often be prohibitively expensive and exclusive. Olarte de Kanavos recognized the need for a more inclusive approach, leading to the creation of a single-day event format with a sliding scale of ticket prices. This initiative has already seen great success, with over 450 women attending the inaugural event in Miami.

Fostering Community and Collaboration

The Women’s Power Breakfast series has evolved to include various cities and themes, with the New York event focusing specifically on the art world. Olarte de Kanavos collaborated with Yvonne Force to curate a panel that featured women from different sectors within the art industry, fostering a sense of community rather than competition. The audience was a mix of media professionals, entrepreneurs, gallery owners, and aspiring artists, all eager to engage in meaningful conversations and support one another.

Olarte de Kanavos emphasizes the importance of collaboration among women in the arts. She notes that attendees did not view each other as competitors but rather as allies in a shared mission to uplift and empower women in the industry. This spirit of camaraderie is a cornerstone of the Women’s Power Series, which seeks to create a supportive environment for women to thrive.

The Intersection of Art and Real Estate

Olarte de Kanavos’s passion for art is not merely a personal interest; it is intricately woven into her professional life. She has been collecting art since the age of 25 and is a prominent figure in the New York and Miami art scenes. Her curated collection at the Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad features works by renowned artists such as Ross Bleckner and Pat Steir, reflecting her commitment to showcasing contemporary art that resonates with the essence of New York.

In her own collection, Olarte de Kanavos is drawn to works that feel authentic, often gravitating towards Latin American artists. She believes in the power of art to inspire and transform spaces, and this philosophy extends to her work in hospitality. The art displayed in the Ritz-Carlton properties is carefully selected to reflect the local culture and attract a younger audience, creating a unique experience for guests.

A Continuous Journey of Learning and Inspiration

For Olarte de Kanavos, the intersection of art and business is a source of continuous inspiration. She finds joy in collaborating with creative individuals, stating that spending time with artists and fellow professionals enhances her own capabilities. This symbiotic relationship between her personal interests and professional responsibilities is a highlight of her career.

As she continues to expand the Women’s Power Series and her art collection, Olarte de Kanavos remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive. Her vision is clear: to create spaces that celebrate creativity, empower women, and bridge the gap between art and business.

In a world where women are often underrepresented, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos stands as a beacon of empowerment, proving that passion and collaboration can lead to transformative change in both the art world and beyond.