The Riley Black Project

Riley Black
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Where we talk about lasers, life and all the ish in between!

  1. vor 2 Tagen

    The Rematch Nobody Asked For But Everyone Needed

    Send us Fan Mail The rivalry is BACK. In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal welcome back David and Blake for David vs. Blake: Round 2. What started as a friendly feud in the Michigan maker community has turned into one of the funniest ongoing rivalries in the laser world. This year, the battle is headed back to Next Level, where votes, bragging rights, giveaways, and embarrassing ads are all on the line. We talk about: • The return of David vs. Blake  • How the rivalry started in the Michigan laser community  • Why the loser has to star in an ad for the winner  • Great Lakes Laser Supply updates  • UV printing hat clips, canvas prints, magnets, and golf products  • Refine Color UV printer talk  • Creative Cut Supplies updates  • Custom magnets, ornaments, displays, and product packaging  • CO2 Galvo lasers and why they are insanely fast  • Scaling production without losing your mind  • Why product displays and merchandising matter  • Shopify struggles, squirrel brain, and business focus  • The reality of having too many good ideas as a maker If you’re a laser owner, UV printer, maker, small business owner, or someone who enjoys a good friendly feud, this episode is packed with laughs, strategy, and practical business talk. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack

  2. 13. Juli

    Epoxy Cups to DTF, UV DTF & Monkeys

    Send us Fan Mail What do epoxy cups, DTF transfers, UV DTF, lasers, entrepreneurship, and pet monkeys all have in common? Apparently… 143 MTD. 😂 In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Ashley and Bethany from 143 MTD for one of the most unexpected and entertaining conversations we’ve had yet. Ashley shares how her business started as a side gig making epoxy cups, evolved into vinyl, sublimation, DTF transfers, UV DTF, laser engraving, embroidery, slick crewnecks, and eventually grew into a full creative business. We also talk about leaving traditional work, building a business around family, and what it’s like raising kids and grandkids around entrepreneurship. And then… the monkeys show up. Yes. Actual monkeys. We talk about: • How 143 MTD got its name • Going from epoxy cups to sublimation, DTF, UV DTF, and lasers • Growing from a backyard setup into a full creative business • Leaving law enforcement and call center work behind • Building a business that supports family and flexibility • Working with your daughter in the business • Why DTF and UV DTF are such powerful tools for makers • How UV DTF can help laser owners offer full-color products without buying a UV printer • The reality of owning monkeys If you’re a maker, laser owner, crafter, DTF seller, small business owner, or just someone who enjoys wildly unpredictable conversations, this episode is for you. 🎙️ The Riley Black Project Lasers, life, business, content creation, and all the ish in between. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack

  3. 6. Juli

    Stop Selling Products That Stress You Out

    Send us Fan Mail Sometimes business growth looks less like a huge breakthrough… …and more like admitting, “I don’t want to keep doing it this way.” In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down for a no-guest, real-life update episode about pivoting, product ideas, custom order stress, laser business decisions, and figuring out what actually feels sustainable. Crystal talks through her possible shift into custom laser engraved jewelry using Monarch Pine jewelry blanks, why she’s considering moving away from certain custom products, and how small personalized items may be a better fit for her creativity, workflow, and local market. We dive into: • Why custom orders can be more stressful than they look • The hidden time behind “simple” personalized products • Pivoting from random custom work to a more focused product line • Laser engraved jewelry and small gift ideas • Monarch Pine blanks, findings, and jewelry possibilities • Considering the xTool F2 for live engraving and small batch production • Why ease of use matters when choosing your laser tools • The difference between hobby gear, production tools, and what actually fits your business • Pricing custom work, design fees, rush fees, and customer communication • ADHD, creative burnout, and overthinking product ideas • UV printing struggles, acrylic blocks, photo gifts, and precision problems • Why sometimes the best business move is simplifying If you’re a maker, laser owner, crafter, small business owner, or creative entrepreneur trying to figure out your next product line, this episode will feel painfully familiar. This is the messy middle of business. And honestly? That’s where the good stuff usually starts. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack

  4. 29. Juni

    Behind GTS Awards: Education, Sandblasting & Industry Growth

    Send us Fan Mail Braden from GS2 Awards is back on The Riley Black Project! In this episode, we dive into the world of custom awards, sandblasting, UV printing, laser engraving, and the growing demand for premium personalized products. Braden shares how a simple shift into awards helped transform his business, why sandblasting remains one of the most powerful tools in the industry, and how the new Beyond the Beam Learning Center is helping makers, engravers, and business owners level up their skills. We also discuss pricing strategies, custom award design, production workflows, trade shows, hands-on education, and why creating unique products can separate your business from the competition. Whether you're running a laser engraving business, selling personalized products, exploring UV printing, or looking for new ways to increase profits, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience. Topics Covered: • Custom awards and trophy design • Sandblasting for laser businesses • UV printing opportunities • TROTEC Laser equipment • Ikonics Imaging sandblasting systems • Award business profitability • Glass engraving techniques • Beyond the Beam Learning Center • Pricing custom products • Growing a creative manufacturing business Connect with Braden & GS2 Awards: www.gs2awards.com Join the Riley Black Project Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rileyblackproject Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack

  5. 16. Juni

    This Episode Got Spicy FAST: Masks, Lasers & Legal Drama

    Send us Fan Mail She showed up wearing a mask... And somehow things got MORE chaotic from there. 😂 In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we're joined by none other than Emily That Mom with a Laser for a conversation that starts with Laser Maker Con 2025 and quickly turns into entrepreneurship, burnout, creativity, health, ADHD, community, and one of the wildest stories we've heard in the maker space. We dive into: 🔥 Everything you need to know about Laser Maker Con 2025 🔥 The incredible speakers, classes, giveaways, and new features coming this year 🔥 Why saying "yes" to everything can hurt your business and your health 🔥 Entrepreneurship, stress, burnout, and learning to slow down 🔥 ADHD, procrastination, and why some creators work best under pressure 🔥 Building a successful maker business without sacrificing yourself 🔥 The evolution of the laser community over the last five years 🔥 Hat engraving, Etsy growth, Pinterest marketing, and creative business strategies 🔥 Massive Laser Maker Con giveaways including lasers and a UV printer 🔥 The shocking story behind "That Mom With A Laser" and a years-long legal battle over her brand Whether you're a laser owner, maker, content creator, or small business owner, this episode is packed with laughs, lessons, and a little bit of tea. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack

  6. 8. Juni

    How Makers Can Create Better Content

    Send us Fan Mail Want better content without spending hours editing, stressing over algorithms, or trying to go viral? In this special compilation episode of The Riley Black Project, we're bringing together two incredible conversations from Facebook Live appearances with Emily (That Mom With A Laser) and Will (Crazy Laser Dad). The focus? Content creation that actually works for makers and small business owners. As part of the launch of the new Content Creation Playbook Mini Course, we dive into the biggest mistakes makers make with content, why consistency beats perfection, and how to create videos that attract customers instead of just views. In this episode we discuss: ✅ Why most makers overcomplicate content creation ✅ The biggest content mistakes hurting business growth ✅ How to create content even when you're busy ✅ Why authenticity beats polished production ✅ Building trust through video content Whether you're a laser owner, maker, crafter, UV printer, woodworker, or small business owner, this episode is packed with practical advice you can start using immediately. The Riley Black Project is where makers, creators, and entrepreneurs come together to talk business, creativity, content, and community.  Check out the Content Creation Playbook Mini Course and start building content with purpose: https://stan.store/RileyBlackStudios/p/rbs-content-playbook Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack

  7. 8. Juni

    From Car Accident to Jamboree in 48 Hours

    Send us Fan Mail Life hit HARD this week. In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal finally sit down after a whirlwind couple of weeks involving a totaled car, injuries, family loss, traveling to Virginia for Jamboree, teaching content creation classes, and somehow still trying to keep business moving forward. This episode gets real. We talk about: • Crystal’s car accident and recovery • Navigating grief, stress, and entrepreneurship at the same time • The emotional side of running a business during hard seasons • Jamboree 2026 recap and teaching content creation workshops • Why the laser community feels like family • AP LazerCon prep and upcoming events We also talk maker events, laser business growth, content strategy, teaching creators, and the behind-the-scenes reality nobody talks about online. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack

  8. 18. Mai

    Why Next Level Is No Longer Just a Laser Conference

    Send us Fan Mail Next Level is back… but this year, it’s bigger than lasers. In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Will and Mark to talk all things Next Level Maker Con 2026, the shift from Next Level Laser Conference to a broader maker-focused event, and why this year’s theme of “Refreshed” matters more than ever. We dive into: • Why the event changed from laser-focused to maker-focused • What “Refreshed” means for makers, creatives, and business owners • Why taking care of the maker matters just as much as growing the business • What to expect at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas • The value of smaller conversations, networking, and community • Why video access to classes is a huge win for attendees • The new Creator’s Corner and content creation spaces • Free professional headshots for all-access attendees • Breakout classes covering AI, pricing, marketing, Etsy, Shopify, garment decorating, UV printing, sandblasting, 3D printing, packaging, branding, and more • The charity partnership with Wipe Out Kids Cancer • Why Next Level feels more like a maker family reunion than just another conference Whether you’re a laser owner, UV printer, crafter, designer, content creator, or small business owner, this episode breaks down why Next Level Maker Con is becoming one of the must-attend events in the maker community. 📍 Next Level Maker Con 2026 https://nextlevelmakerevents.com August 27–29 Gaylord Texan Resort Grapevine, Texas 🎙️ The Riley Black Project — real conversations about creativity, business, community, and the makers building something meaningful. Support the show If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack

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Where we talk about lasers, life and all the ish in between!

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  • Erstellt von
    Riley Black
  • Jahre aktiv
    2021 - 2026
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    270
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    © 2026 The Riley Black Project
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