Strive 305 HUB

In this episode of the Strive305 Podcast (part of the Beacon Council Foundation), Tico Casamayor and co-host Irvans Augustine sit down with artist Ricky G (Richard Peace) for a powerful conversation about purpose, resilience, and creating art with soul.

Ricky G takes listeners through an unforgettable life story: a 30-year career as a celebrity tattoo artist touring with major music acts, the opening of his first tattoo shop in Hialeah, and the health crisis that changed everything—leading him to fine art, storytelling, and community work.

Ricky shares how surviving a near-death medical emergency reshaped his mission: painting with purpose, creating original work rooted in lived experiences, and giving back through workshops for kids and community programs. His message is clear: art without story feels empty, but art with meaning connects—and heals.

Key Topics Covered

• Home + commercial applications (offices, gyms, daycare, clinics, etc.)
• Ricky G’s path: from graffiti & drawing → tattoo apprenticeship → opening a shop in Hialeah
• Touring as a celebrity tattoo artist with major artists and athletes
• The health crisis: misdiagnosis, severe decline, and a near-death emergency that reset his life
• How storytelling became the foundation of his art (and why “pretty art” isn’t enough)
• Creating original characters/books inspired by his kids (Little Miss Boo Thing, Little Boy Blue)
• Commission work: turning clients’ stories into paintings
• Community impact: workshops for kids, charity work, and supporting the homeless
• Advice to artists: “Paint with your heart”—soul and story are what set you apart

Memorable Moments

• Ricky’s reminder that there is no “right time”—you only get one shot.
• The idea that people don’t just buy art—they connect to the story behind it.
• How trauma and survival can become fuel for purpose-driven creativity and community service.

About the Guest

Ricky G (Richard Peace) is a Miami-based artist and former celebrity tattoo artist who now creates purpose-driven fine art rooted in storytelling, lived experience, and community inspiration. His work often includes a signature “Easter egg” heart—symbolizing love, resilience, and intention.

Links & Resources

• Ricky G (Instagram): @richard_pis_aka_rickyg
• Website: artbyrickyg.com

In this episode of the Strive305 Podcast, Tico Casamayor and co-host Irvans Augustine sit down with Dan and Sergio Martini from Eco Innovation Services (Eco360) to talk about a chemical-free approach to cleaning and sanitizing using ozonated water and a surface protectant designed for high-traffic environments.

Dan and Sergio explain how their technology turns regular tap water into a powerful sanitizer—without harsh chemicals, strong smells, or residue—plus how their protectant treatment can help keep surfaces protected for up to 30 days. They also share how the business was born during the COVID era, the challenges of educating customers who expect “foam and bleach smell,” and how they’re approaching growth through services, product sales, and future licensing/franchise opportunities.

They also explore real-world use cases—from schools, buses, and gyms to airports, cruise ships, and even pet grooming—and discuss why eco-friendly solutions can reduce costs, waste, and plastic disposal.

Website mentioned: https://ecoinnovationsservices.com/ 

Key Topics Covered

• What ozonated water is and how it works (sanitizing with just water)
• The difference between a cleaner vs. a protectant that keeps working after application
• Why this can be useful in high-traffic spaces (schools, transit, gyms, hospitals, airports)
• Why adoption is hard: people expect a bleach smell and suds
• How Eco Innovation Services started during COVID from a restoration/construction background
• The eco-friendly angle: fewer chemicals, less PPE waste, less storage/transport/disposal
• Ideas for scaling: service model, product sales, and future licensing/franchise

Memorable Moments

• The “no foam, no smell” challenge: proving cleaning works without the usual cues.
• The shopping cart wipe example: how wipes can spread germs and create waste if not paired with longer-lasting protection.
• The “no planet B” mindset behind eco-friendly business decisions.

About the Guests

Dan Martini and Sergio Martini are the father-son team behind Eco Innovation Services (Eco360), offering chemical-free solutions that combine ozone-generated water with a surface protectant treatment designed for high-touch and high-traffic environments.

Links & Resources

• Eco Innovation Services: https://ecoinnovationsservices.com/

Have you ever hit a wall of bureaucracy or didn't know where to turn to grow your business in Miami-Dade? In this revealing episode, we break down the myths and connect the dots. An architect and contractor on the front lines  sits down with us to talk real resources, permits, strategies, and how collaboration between business and government is building our community's future. If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or just passionate about local development, this is for you.

Today's Guests:

• Luzyanis Fraga – Architect, General Contractor, and founder of Fraga Builders. An immigrant, single mother, and entrepreneur on a mission to build homes and communities with purpose.
• Mark Gomez – Director of Business Relations & Sponsorships for the City of Hialeah. His new role is to be the bridge that removes barriers and fast-tracks business success in the city.

Hosted by: Tico Casamayor and Irvans Augustine.

Key Conversation Points:

• [00:01:00] The Strive305 Mission: Connecting businesses to resources (and the first episode's success!).
• [00:05:30] Luzyanis shares her story: from immigrant to architect and contractor, building a legacy in Miami.
• [00:12:00] The real challenges for a small business today: uncertainty, clients on hold, and the support network.
• [00:17:30] Mark reveals his new role: What is a "Director of Business Relations" and how can he help YOUR business?
• [00:25:00] The permitting process: From months to weeks. How Hialeah is using tech to make business easier.
• [00:33:00] Case Study & Heart: Lucanis's powerful story of helping a widowed teacher with 9 kids rebuild her home after a fire.
• [00:45:00] How to access networking events, ribbon-cuttings, and city marketing support.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Strive305 Hub: Your resource map for business in Miami-Dade. https://www.strive305hub.com/
• City of Hialeah - Business Relations Department.
• Hialeah Chamber of Commerce.
• Access Helps (accesshelps.org) – Resources for single mothers and families.

Follow Strive305 & Our Guests:

• Podcast: @Strive305hub on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn.
• Luzyanis Fraga: @Fragabuilders [or her personal handle if shared].
• City of Hialeah: @CityofHialeah (Instagram) / @HialeahFL (Twitter).

About the Strive305 Podcast:
A podcast from Miami Community Newspapers, hosted by Tico Casamayor and Irvans Augustine. We connect entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community leaders with the resources, stories, and strategies they need to thrive in the 305. More than news, we're your bridge to growth.

About Miami Community Newspapers:
Your go-to source for community news in Miami. Daily updates, podcasts, magazines, and multimedia content covering local events, business, and lifestyle across Miami-Dade County. Family-owned, community-hearted.