A cultural entrepreneur connecting Italy and California through travel, storytelling, and community engagement.
On a summer evening in Oceanside, California, as the sun dipped below the Pacific horizon and painted the sky in shades of fire and gold, Severino “Seve” Ricci stood at the edge of the pier. For a moment, it felt like Milan and California met in a single place. That evening reflected the essence of a journey he began years earlier: the creation of italy2california, a cultural and travel platform shaped by his passion for bridging stories, lifestyles, and experiences across two continents.
Origins in Italy and Inspiration from California
Severino Ricci grew up in Milan, immersed in Italy’s history, design, and cultural richness. Yet the expansiveness of California called to him with equal force. Its ocean horizons, surf culture, and spirit of openness inspired him to imagine more than visiting; he wanted to connect both regions meaningfully.
With a background in Customer Experience, Communication, and Marketing, he had the skills to shape ideas into lasting journeys. What he envisioned was not a traditional travel guide but a platform that would allow people to engage with culture authentically, creating deeper connections between Italy and California.
That vision became italy2california.
A Platform with a Purpose
From its beginning, italy2california has gone beyond highlighting destinations. It is about immersing travelers and audiences in the stories that define two cultures. Through digital storytelling, the platform reaches an engaged community of over 112,000 Instagram followers and thousands of blog readers worldwide.
“Italy and California are not just destinations, they are two worlds that inspire each other, and I have dedicated my life to building that cultural bridge,” Seve explains. His perspective reflects the mission of italy2california: to encourage exploration rooted in meaning rather than surface impressions.
Recognition in California
Seve’s work has led to significant community roles in California. He serves as Tourism Ambassador for the City of Oceanside, where he supports initiatives that showcase the city’s cultural diversity and coastal heritage to international audiences.
He also contributes as a Board Director of the California Surf Museum. In this position, he helps preserve and highlight surf culture, ensuring it remains connected to broader community and cultural narratives. These roles emphasize the recognition of his contributions and his ability to connect personal passion with institutional collaboration.
Professional Foundation and Breakthroughs
Creating a platform that spans two continents required more than enthusiasm. Seve combined his storytelling with a professional foundation developed over two decades in executive roles. His expertise in communication and marketing enabled him to shape italy2california into a trusted source for cultural and travel insights.
A breakthrough came with his certification as a USA Specialist by Brand USA. This distinction brought additional credibility and allowed him to deliver experiences and information with both inspiration and authority. The result was a platform respected not only by travelers but also by communities and organizations.
Expanding the Story through Books
Storytelling for Seve extends beyond digital media. He has authored two books: A Journey Through Two Worlds: Beyond Social Media and Point Break, ti porto in California. Both works highlight the connections between cultures and the transformative role of travel.
His upcoming publications continue to explore themes of cultural exchange, hospitality, and the enduring bond between Italy and the United States. These works reflect his belief that travel is not only about movement but also about meaning.
Defining Qualities
Several qualities distinguish Seve Ricci’s work and perspective. His lived experience in both Italy and California allows him to connect authentically with audiences from each region. Serving as Oceanside Tourism Ambassador and as a Board Director of the California Surf Museum positions him as a cultural advocate as well as a storyteller. His executive background ensures that his projects are built with strategic depth as well as creative vision.
Together, these elements give italy2california a distinctive place among cultural and travel platforms.
A Personal Mission
Behind the professional accomplishments, Seve’s mission remains personal. He sees travel as a means of connection and storytelling as a way of building community.
“My mission is to inspire people to experience the American Dream with an Italian touch,” he says. His work reflects this guiding idea, reminding audiences that meaningful journeys are those that create understanding and belonging across cultures.
Looking to the Future
The story of italy2california continues to evolve. With a growing audience, new projects in development, and ongoing cultural partnerships, Seve is extending the reach of his platform while remaining true to its purpose: building bridges across cultures.
His journey illustrates how passion, professional skill, and dedication can connect entire communities across oceans.
Explore Italy2California
Readers interested in exploring the blend of Italian and Californian culture can engage directly with italy2california. Through stories, books, and digital experiences, Seve Ricci offers a perspective that celebrates travel as connection rather than simply movement.
