The Art Agency

 

 

Our Story

We are a minority, woman owned small business that connect Hawai’i artists and commercial clients

We provide the perfect solution for every vision

Our Values

Integrity Always
Unsurpassed Quality
Service Focus
Servant Based Leadership

Our Mission

We are passionate about collaboration, inspiration and accountability

We are committed to giving back to our community and mentoring emerging artists

 

Our Team

 

 
 
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Naomi Gauthier | Co-Founder

Naomi Gauthier is a dynamic business leader and the visionary Co-Founder of The Art Agency, a company dedicated to connecting Hawaii's talented artists with commercial clients locally and globally. Drawing from decades of senior leadership experience across retail and wholesale operations, Naomi combines strategic business expertise with a passion for fostering creative collaborations that enrich Hawaii's cultural and business landscapes.

As Chief Executive Officer of The Art Agency, Naomi has established a robust organizational structure, recruited exceptional artistic talent, and developed streamlined solutions for commercial art projects of all sizes. Her ability to identify and address client pain points has positioned The Art Agency as a trusted partner for businesses seeking innovative, cost-effective artwork solutions that resonate with their audiences.

Naomi’s entrepreneurial mindset and expertise in strategic planning, business development, and P&L management underpin her approach to building high-performance teams and delivering measurable results. She is skilled at identifying market trends, driving profitability, and facilitating change, ensuring The Art Agency remains at the forefront of Hawaii's evolving business environment.

Her professional journey includes leadership roles at DFS, Macy’s and Maui Divers Jewelry, where she spearheaded transformative initiatives such as launching retail concepts, developing service and training curriculums, and overseeing multimillion-dollar operations. Naomi’s bilingual proficiency (English and Japanese), combined with her global outlook and local insight, enables her to connect with diverse clients and partners effectively.

Committed to excellence and collaboration, Naomi continues to champion creative partnerships that celebrate Hawaii’s unique cultural heritage while delivering exceptional business value.

 
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Earl Cachola | Co-Founder

Earl Cachola is a seasoned sales professional and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the travel and tourism industry. As Co-Founder of The Art Agency, he brings a passion for building meaningful partnerships and driving business growth. Earl has a proven track record, employing a consultative approach to understand client needs and foster mutually beneficial relationships.

Earl's commitment to excellence extends beyond his professional achievements. He has demonstrated a deep dedication to community service, volunteering his time on the boards of the Hawai’i Lodging and Tourism Association and Meeting Professionals International, where he has contributed to the advancement of the industry and its professionals.

A proud graduate of the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Earl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which has enriched his ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and deliver tailored solutions for his partners.

Outside of work, Earl is a devoted father and husband, a self-proclaimed foodie, and an avid (if occasional) golfer. Known for his positive attitude and collaborative spirit, Earl embodies the values of hard work, empathy, and giving back.

 
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Cheryl Sora | Project Director

Cheryl Sora possesses a unique multicultural approach to business development, honed through her diverse international experiences and deep roots in Hawai’i. Born and raised on Kauai, Cheryl’s global perspective was shaped by summers spent in Japan, where she learned to communicate fluently in Japanese and cultivated a nuanced understanding of cross-cultural communication.

Throughout her career, Cheryl has distinguished herself by building robust networks and forging meaningful relationships. Her dedication to service has been a cornerstone of her professional journey, allowing her to expand her contacts and contribute to the betterment of our community. She remains actively involved with several government and business organizations across the islands, leveraging these platforms to drive positive change and foster collaboration.

Cheryl is known for her ability to inspire both clients and colleagues, bringing energy, empathy, and innovation to every interaction. Her commitment to excellence and her tireless service to the community underscore her reputation as a trusted advocate.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cheryl is deeply invested in Hawai’i’s vibrant culture and economy. Her work reflects a passion for bridging diverse perspectives and creating opportunities for growth and connection.

Cheryl’s unique blend of local insight, global experience, and unwavering dedication positions her as an invaluable asset to any organization she collaborates with.

 

Robert Balagtas | Project Director

Robert Balagtas leverages his extensive expertise in retail to transform creative visions into impactful, market-driven initiatives. With a unique blend of strategic insight and operational excellence, Robert plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between artistic innovation and commercial success.

Robert’s deep understanding of the retail landscape informs his approach to curating and executing projects that resonate with diverse audiences. From high-profile art installations to bespoke retail campaigns, he ensures each endeavor aligns with client objectives while capturing the essence of artistic expression.

With a background rooted in visionary leadership and strategic thinking, Robert excels in guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional results. His talent for fostering collaboration among artists, designers, and retailers has consistently driven project outcomes that surpass expectations.

A skilled communicator and conflict resolver, Robert adeptly navigates the complexities of creative projects, ensuring smooth operations and timely delivery. His expertise in change management has been instrumental in adapting to the fast-paced demands of the retail and art industries, driving innovation while maintaining operational integrity.

 
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Anika Gauthier | Digital Media

Anika Gauthier brings a fresh perspective and innovative energy to the Hawai’i business community with her extensive experience in social media and digital engagement. Her passion for creating impactful online content began early—at just 10 years old, she launched a website that attracted over 110,000 hits in a single week, showcasing her innate talent for connecting with audiences.

As a key contributor to the launch of The Art Agency into Hawai’i’s commercial art market, Anika has demonstrated her ability to craft compelling narratives and build dynamic online communities. Her social media expertise has propelled many of her posts to viral success, and she is dedicated to bringing that same level of excitement and visibility to The Art Agency’s initiatives.

Anika is also a walking encyclopedia on football, music, and movies, captivating clients and colleagues alike with her depth of knowledge and engaging personality. Her unique combination of creativity, passion, and digital savvy makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

Currently a student at Kapiolani Community College majoring in Liberal Arts, Anika balances her academic pursuits with her professional ambitions. Her drive and innovative mindset position her as a rising star in Hawai’i’s business and creative communities. Anika is eager to continue contributing to the local art and business ecosystem while inspiring others with her enthusiasm and dedication.

 

William Bud Moore | Co-Founder

William “Buddy” Moore brings a wealth of expertise in sales, marketing, and leadership. With a career spanning over two decades across Hawaii and beyond, Buddy is a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for bridging creativity and commerce.

Having held executive roles with prominent organizations such as Maui Divers of Hawaii and Morris Media Network, Buddy’s deep connection to Hawaii’s business community informs his approach to fostering partnerships and driving impactful initiatives. As Vice President at Maui Divers, he strengthened brand presence and elevated customer engagement, while his tenure as Director/Group Publisher at Morris Media Network saw him spearheading strategic growth for iconic publications in the islands.

Buddy’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his co-founding of Ni Hao Media, where he led cross-cultural media ventures across New York, Los Angeles, Hawaii, and Shanghai. This global perspective enhances his ability to position the Art Agency as a hub for innovative projects that resonate locally and internationally.

As President of M3 Media, Buddy continues to demonstrate his expertise in sales and marketing, developing cutting-edge strategies to align creative endeavors with business goals. His leadership fosters collaboration, creativity, and results-driven execution, making the Art Agency a trusted partner for Hawaii businesses seeking to amplify their brand through art and design.

With a commitment to excellence and a deep respect for Hawaii’s unique cultural landscape, Buddy is dedicated to helping businesses thrive by blending artistic innovation with strategic vision.

Allison Maertens | Project Director

Allison Maertens is a seasoned marketing and communications executive with over 20 years of experience creating impactful strategies that drive brand growth, enhance organizational culture, and deliver meaningful results. Allison applies her extensive expertise in brand development, strategic communications, and project management to lead innovative initiatives that inspire audiences and achieve client goals.

Throughout her career, Allison has spearheaded high-profile projects, including the multi-year renovation of a 10-story headquarters for Hawaii’s largest credit union, a transformative effort that prioritized wellness, collaboration, and community. She has also led comprehensive rebranding efforts, developed community relations strategies, and crafted internal communications frameworks that foster positive company cultures.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Ethnic Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Master of Arts in Communication Management from the University of Southern California, Allison combines academic rigor with hands-on expertise.

Allison’s commitment to aligning communications with organizational values and strategic objectives has made her a trusted leader in marketing, branding, and cultural alignment. She is passionate about using her skills to empower organizations, inspire creativity, and drive long-lasting impact through art.