From Media Activism to Sustainable Enterprise

Behind Artesano Bonafide, Lucid Imaging, and CocoBling stands one person with a multi-faceted journey through media, design, and sustainable innovation. This is the story of how these seemingly disparate elements weave together into a cohesive vision.

By The Numbers

• 17+ years of social media experience across multiple platforms
• 13+ million views on Google Maps photography
• 200+ followers on Lucid Imaging's Facebook page
• Multiple platforms managed including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Medium, Youtube, Bigo and LinkedIn
• Diverse content strategies across advocacy, politics, and business pages

"Find a need, fill a need." This philosophy borrowed from an animated film has become the backbone of my entire approach to business and life.

The Media Journey

My career began behind the microphone in California radio, where I evolved from on-air talent to production manager and finally into radio sales. This foundation in media communication sparked a passion for storytelling that continues to this day.

17 years ago, I launched Lucid Imaging on Facebook with a mission to challenge mainstream media narratives that felt disconnected from reality. I created a platform to showcase stories that mattered—activism, foreign policy issues, and perspectives often overlooked by headline media.

Since then, my digital presence has expanded across multiple platforms—managing pages for CocoBling, cannabis legalization advocacy, political discourse, and social connection. Each platform has its own unique objectives and content strategies, all informed by nearly two decades of social media experience.

The Analytical Voice

My commitment to political analysis and investigative writing earned recognition when my blog was featured on Africa News Agency—a testament to my analytical skills and perspective that now inform my published e-books on Amazon. This foundation in thoughtful analysis connects directly to the content I create and curate across all my platforms.

The Visual Creator

Seeking to further develop my creative skills, I moved to Puerto Rico and earned a degree in Graphic Design from UAGM in Cabo Rojo. My journey as a photographer has run parallel to these efforts, with over 13 million views on Google Maps capturing moments and places that resonate with viewers worldwide.

The Artistic Evolution

My creative path took an unexpected turn when I began transforming everyday objects into art. What started as painted glass bottles evolved into an official venture when I registered as an artisan specializing in coconut-based creations under the name "CocoBling."

While my initial artistic ambitions may have been fueled by optimistic expectations, they led me to explore deeper questions about purpose and sustainability.

"My profit is about reinvestment. I support the concepts of a circular economy and utilizing local waste for sustainable solutions."

My Personal Philosophy

Conventional capitalism focuses solely on profit—my approach is different. My business exists to generate profit for reinvestment rather than extraction. I believe deeply in the principles of a circular economy where waste becomes resource and local materials support local communities.

The end goal of my coconut husk composite material project isn't just to create a product, but to establish a small-scale business workflow that can be replicated throughout the Caribbean—transforming environmental problems into economic opportunities.

The Taino Heritage Connection

My store at ArtesanoBonafide.com features merchandise that celebrates cultural heritage through my original graphic designs of Taino artwork. These indigenous-inspired creations appear alongside products showcasing my photography—shirts, bags, and laptop covers that transform my visual work into functional art.

My Cultural Roots

Though my website and social media presence operate primarily in English, my heritage runs deep with Mexican and Puerto Rican roots. I represent the Puerto Rican diaspora—born and raised outside the island but drawn back to reconnect with my ancestral home. Now, I'm raising a child born here on the island, creating a new generation of connection to this place.

English remains my first language, and I'm candidly working on my Spanish—a genuine challenge that I continue to pursue despite not practicing as much as I should. This linguistic journey mirrors my broader path of reconnecting with cultural heritage while bringing my unique perspective to the island.

My Puerto Rico Connection

After living nowhere longer than 7 years throughout my life, Puerto Rico has been my home for 17 years—yet I still sometimes feel like an outsider. What keeps me rooted is my daughter, who has known no other home. My work here is deeply personal: I want to help shape this island in her favor, building something she can either participate in or benefit from in the future.

This connection to place—both as an outsider and through my daughter as an insider—creates a unique perspective that informs everything I create.

The Sustainability Challenge

Currently, my online store operates on a dropshipping model, allowing for low startup costs but presenting challenges in terms of carbon footprint. One of my core ambitions is transitioning to locally-produced merchandise by partnering with Puerto Rican printers for my clothing items.

The ultimate goal is to phase out fashion merchandise entirely once my sustainable coconut composite material project reaches maturity—redirecting focus toward products with genuine environmental benefit.

"I want to create a new coconut industry in the Caribbean—from geo textiles to coir pith for gardening and pressed composite wood."

The Coconut Revolution

The most transformative discovery came when I questioned how my creations could better support conscious consumerism. This led me to explore the hidden potential of coconut husks—a waste product in many regions.

Through experimentation and determination, I've developed a process to transform this overlooked resource into valuable building composite materials, moving from decorative art to functional innovation.

Future Vision

My five-year plan extends beyond personal business success to industry transformation. I envision creating a functioning small-scale operation for coconut husk recycling, then franchising this model throughout the Caribbean.

The goal is nothing less than establishing a new coconut industry in the region—one that produces everything from geo textiles to coir pith for gardening and pressed composite wood. This distributed network of small businesses would create jobs, reduce waste, and establish a truly circular economy built on local resources.

Looking Forward

Today, I've re-enrolled in Western Governors University to study Marketing, adding formal business expertise to my creative foundation. Every purchase from ArtesanoBonafide.com contributes to acquiring specialized equipment—starting with a proper coconut husk shredder and eventually a composite wood compression machine.

Website in Progress

I'm building this website independently while pursuing my bachelor's degree, which means updates happen gradually. If you sign up for the newsletter, please understand that communications may be intermittent until after I complete my studies.

I welcome your patience during this process and appreciate any feedback. If you encounter challenges with the site or have suggestions for improvement, please share them through the contact form—community notes help me create a better experience for everyone.

Open to Collaboration

I am actively seeking partnerships with environmental organizations and community support initiatives. If your agency or project aligns with sustainable practices, cultural preservation, or community empowerment, I welcome the opportunity to collaborate. Whether you're looking for a mention on my site or interested in being interviewed for Lucid Imaging, please reach out—I believe in the power of collective action to create meaningful change.

How It All Connects

While operating under different names—Artesano Bonafide (the website), Lucid Imaging (the Facebook page), and CocoBling (the legal DBA)—all are expressions of one cohesive vision:

• Lucid Imaging provides the platform for media awareness, political analysis, and photography
• CocoBling serves as the official business identity for my artisanal work
• ArtesanoBonafide.com brings it all together as the commercial hub where my writing, photography, design work, and sustainable innovations find their audience

One Person, Multiple Dimensions

There is no corporate "us" behind this venture—just one individual with determination, creative vision, and a willingness to evolve. What unites these seemingly disparate elements is a commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and challenging conventional narratives—whether through words, images, art, or innovation.

Join This Journey

Ready to be part of something meaningful?

• Shop Mindfully: Every purchase directly funds sustainable innovation and local production efforts
• Follow Lucid Imaging: [Follow on Facebook] for perspectives that challenge mainstream narratives
• Read My E-Books: Discover my analytical voice through publications on [Amazon]
• Connect for Collaboration: Have an environmental or community initiative? [Contact me] to explore partnership opportunities
• Share Your Feedback: Found a bug or have a suggestion? Your community notes help this site grow
• Share Your Story: Building sustainable communities requires many voices—I'd love to hear yours

This isn't just business—it's a movement toward conscious creation and consumption. Your support today helps build a more sustainable tomorrow.

— André Yeampierre, Founder of Lucid Imaging & CocoBling

[Contact andre@artesanobonafide.com]