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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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From pyrotechnics at Universal Studios to becoming President of the Awards & Personalization Association (APA) — Justin’s journey is one you don’t hear every day.

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Justin Varn of Awards4U to talk about growing up in the awards industry, stepping into a family business, and eventually becoming APA President.

But the story goes deeper than that.

Justin shares the emotional moment when his father presented him with APA Speaker of the Year, making history as the first father and son to both serve as APA President.

We also dive into:

• What it’s really like taking over a family business
• The pressure of being “the owner’s son” and earning respect
• His background in live show design and pyrotechnics at Universal Studios Orlando
• How entrepreneurship impacts family life
• The power of betting on yourself
• Balancing business, parenting, and leadership
• ADHD, entrepreneurship, and learning differently
• How AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming the awards industry
• Why embracing AI now will give makers a massive advantage

Whether you're in the laser engraving, awards, maker, or personalization industry, this conversation is packed with insights about leadership, technology, and the mindset required to build something meaningful.

And yes… we also talk about kids helping with orders, the chaos of entrepreneurship, and how family businesses really work behind the scenes.

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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Breaking news in the laser world… and a powerful conversation you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Brandon of Szuch Design to talk about:

• The acquisition of Aeon Laser USA by Aeon China — and what it could mean for the industry
• Building a woodworking and CNC business from scratch
• Turning upcycled black walnut rounds into scalable, profitable products
• Transitioning from hobby → CNC → laser → UV
• Selling to the laser community through Facebook groups
• The realities of bulk pricing, website strategy, and scaling smart
• Balancing National Guard service, deployments, and entrepreneurship
• Running a family business while raising young kids
• Navigating insurance battles and legal stress as business owners
• Why mindset and the Golden Rule matter more than any machine

This episode is real. It’s not just tools and tactics — it’s about resilience, flexibility, and doing business the right way.

You’ll hear how Brandon built a business model around upcycled materials, how a single Father’s Day product turned into 500+ units sold, and why community support inside the maker world changes everything.

And yes… we also talk tariffs, bottle opener chaos, and website frustrations.

If you’re in the laser, CNC, or personalization space — this one hits.

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