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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

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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

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