The Riley Black Project

Riley Black
  • 5.0 (42)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 3D AGO

    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

    1h 1m

  2. MAY 11

    How They Helped 100+ Makers Grow Online

    Send us Fan Mail Running a business is hard enough… Now try doing it while your co-host is out of state, your kids are running wild, and you’re juggling multiple businesses at once 😅 In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John holds it down solo (barely 😂) before being joined by Srishti & Arpit from Esenay Digital — a global agency helping makers and small businesses scale online the right way. From Mexico City to Colorado to Florida, this episode is a true remote podcast experience packed with real talk, real struggles, and real solutions. We dive into: • The chaos of running a business while your partner is away • Why so many makers struggle with websites, marketing, and scaling • The truth about Etsy vs Shopify (and why you need BOTH) • Why relying on one platform can kill your business • The biggest mistakes new business owners make when starting out • How Esenay Digital has helped 100+ makers build and grow online • What most agencies get WRONG (and why trust is broken) • Why building a website does NOT automatically mean more sales • The importance of owning your audience and customer data • SEO vs AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and the future of AI search • How AI is changing the way customers find and buy products • Why ChatGPT and AI shopping will reshape eCommerce • The power of community, education, and transparency in business This episode is part behind-the-scenes chaos, part business masterclass, and part wake-up call for makers who want to grow. If you’re a maker, content creator, or small business owner, this conversation will change how you think about your online presence. 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

    1h 7m

  3. MAY 4

    Inside UV Ink Fest: The Virtual Event Makers Need

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal record from two different states while juggling real life, real business, and everything in between. But this episode isn’t just a life update… We’re joined by Sumita & Anuj to break down UV Ink Fest, a brand-new virtual conference designed to bring real education to makers—without the need to travel. We dive into: • Why UV Ink Fest was created and who it’s for • The growing demand for UV printing education • Brand-neutral learning and why it matters in the maker space • The difference between entry-level vs production UV printers • How UV printing expands what you can offer your customers This episode is part real-life chaos, part business strategy, and part “this is what entrepreneurship actually looks like.” If you’re a maker, engraver, or small business owner, this one is packed with insights you can apply immediately.  UV Ink Fest Details: www.uvinkfest.com • Free virtual event (with optional upgrade) • 20+ speakers across UV printing, business, and marketing • Designed for beginners, intermediate, and advanced makers • Covers everything from workflow → pricing → AI → Shopify 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

    1h 14m

  4. APR 27

    He Lost 500K Followers… Then Built It Back Stronger

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to scale a creative business… without burning out or losing everything? In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Chantz from Custom Grains to talk about the real side of growth — the wins, the stress, the risks, and the lessons that come with building multiple businesses at once. From losing a massive TikTok following overnight… to investing hundreds of thousands back into his business… to launching a brand new hat company… This episode is packed with raw, honest insight for anyone trying to level up. We dive into: • How Chantz lost over 500K followers overnight — and rebuilt anyway • Why relying on one platform can destroy your business • The reality of scaling a product-based business • Investing $500K+ into growth (and the risks behind it) • Building multiple brands at once (Custom Grains, Laser by the Creek, Brim Co) • The truth about revenue vs actual take-home profit • Why diversification is no longer optional • Creating your own products to control quality and margins • The stress of employees, overhead, and responsibility • How collaborations and partnerships can grow your reach • The mindset shift from creator to CEO Plus, we get into the behind-the-scenes of launching Brim Co, building a U.S.-based plywood operation, and what’s next for Chantz as he expands into a brand new shop. If you’re a maker, business owner, or content creator, this episode is a must-watch. 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

    1h 2m

  5. APR 20

    Inside LazerCON 2026: AP Lazer’s Growing Community Event

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when frustration turns into innovation… and that innovation turns into an entire company? P.S. We lost Power at the end  In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Jenna from AP Lazer to break down how their machines were born out of a real problem engraving massive granite pieces that simply wouldn’t fit into traditional laser beds. That frustration led to something different… open architecture laser design. And now? They’re hosting LazerCON, a growing event built around community, connection, and hands-on learning. We dive into: • How AP Lazer started in the granite and memorial industry • Why traditional laser beds limit what you can create • The power of open-bottom laser design (and what it unlocks) • Engraving on massive objects like whiskey barrels, doors, and floors • Why larger-scale projects are an untapped opportunity • The real truth about “market saturation” in the laser space • How finding your niche changes everything • The difference between big expos vs smaller community-driven events • What makes LazerCON unique (and why people come back every year) • Inside the growing laser community and why collaboration wins Plus, we break down everything you need to know about LazerCON 2026—including speakers, classes, and why this might be one of the best events to actually connect and learn. If you’re a maker, engraver, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will completely change how you think about what’s possible with a laser. LazerCON Details: May 28–29 Round Rock, Texas (Kalahari Convention Center) Tickets available at AP Lazer’s website 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

    44 min

  6. APR 13

    K&G Jamboree: The Maker Event Everyone’s Talking About

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when two creators turn chaos into content… and accidentally build a movement? In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Kim & Garrett to talk about their journey building a brand through live content, community, and a little bit of “figure it out as we go” energy. From late-night prep sessions and sweaty live streams… to launching their Loot Box subscription and hosting their own maker conference (Jamboree) — this episode is packed with real moments, lessons, and laughs. We dive into: • The reality of going live (and what happens when things go wrong) • Why perfection is overrated and authenticity wins • How Test Cut Tuesday became a powerful content engine • The behind-the-scenes of launching their Loot Box subscription • Turning ideas into recurring revenue streams • The importance of community in growing your brand • What creators actually struggle with (and don’t talk about) • Building a hands-on event experience with their Jamboree conference • Why “just wing it” sometimes works better than overplanning Plus… we get into the funny moments, the real struggles, and the mindset it takes to keep showing up consistently. If you’re a maker, content creator, or small business owner, this episode is a blueprint for building something people actually want to be part of. 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

    1h 15m

  7. APR 6

    How She Built a Profitable Custom Sign Business

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when you stop trying to be everything… and finally lean into what makes you different? In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Jordan from Oak & Embers to talk about her journey from sewing business → laser artist → full-time creator building a brand rooted in custom, one-of-a-kind work. This isn’t just a maker story… it’s a masterclass in finding your lane, trusting your creativity, and building a business that actually fits your life. We dive into: • How she went from Glowforge beginner to full-time laser business owner • Why she refused to become a “cookie cutter” maker • The power of niching down and owning your style • Turning markets into networking opportunities (not just sales) • How custom signage became her most profitable lane • The mindset shift that changed everything in her business • Why you DON’T need to say yes to every project • Pricing, perfectionism, and learning to let go • The reality of feast-or-famine entrepreneurship • How growth doesn’t always show up as money (at first) Plus… we get real about burnout, time freedom, and why working for yourself is both the dream AND the pressure cooker. If you’re a maker, small business owner, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights that’ll hit you right between the eyes (in a good way). 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

    1h 7m

  8. MAR 30

    5 Canceled Flights… Was It Even Worth It?

    Send us Fan Mail Five canceled flights.  Getting stranded in Baltimore. …And somehow, it was still worth it. In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal break down their full experience traveling to and from the Michigan Maker Summit—including one of the most chaotic travel stories they’ve ever lived through. But this isn’t just a travel horror story… It’s about community, showing up, teaching, and why events like this matter more than ever. We dive into: • The Michigan Maker Summit experience from start to finish  • Teaching content creation classes (and why the smallest class mattered most)  • Why intentional content beats posting just to post  • The power of in-person community and networking  • Packaging, perceived value, and simple ways to increase product pricing  • Behind-the-scenes of filming, teaching, and connecting at events  • The unexpected reality of travel delays, cancellations, and problem-solving in real time  • Getting stranded in Baltimore… and how the maker community showed up for us  • Why sometimes the worst situations lead to the best connections This episode is part business lesson, part life update, and part “you won’t believe this actually happened” story. If you're a maker, creator, or small business owner, this one hits on everything from growth to grit. 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

    51 min
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5
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Riley Black
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    263
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Riley Black Project
  • Show Website
    The Riley Black Project

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