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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

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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

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