The Riley Black Project

Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Whitney of Whitney's Crafty Tings for a wildly inspiring conversation about resourcefulness, maker growth, and doing whatever it takes to get started—even if that means using a magnifying glass before you ever own a laser. 🔍🔥Whitney shares her journey from burning designs by hand to running a full laser setup out of her garage in Florida, juggling machines, markets, dogs (yes… Great Danes 😅), and real-life constraints that every maker can relate to.We get into:Starting a maker business with almost nothingWhy resourcefulness beats fancy equipmentGoing from a magnifying glass to a full-size CO₂ laserGarage studios, tight spaces, and Florida heatThe reality of upgrading machines mid-growthThis episode is proof that you don’t need the perfect setup to start—you just need the willingness to begin and figure it out as you go.Support the showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlackWant more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful,and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, John & Crystal sit down with Jeff and Anna of Lancaster Supplies for a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes world of laser blanks, sourcing, scaling, and what it really takes to build a supplier brand from scratch.From waking up at 4 AM with no alarm, bowling in the 200s, and balancing multiple businesses… to accidentally engraving on your spouse’s belongings (we’ve all been there 😂)… this episode blends business strategy, maker humor, and real-world insight from a supplier growing fast.We dig into: ✨ How Lancaster Supplies started from a simple idea ✨ Going from 5 tumblers… to 20… to full product lines ✨ Why sourcing takes MONTHS (and why samples lie 👀) ✨ The struggle with minimum orders, shipping costs, and warehouse space ✨ What makers actually need from suppliersPlus: 💬 Exclusive discount code for listeners 💬 Lancaster’s plans for 2026  💬 A preview of the conversation continuing in Patreon After DarkWhether you sell blanks, buy blanks, engrave all day, or just love hearing how maker businesses grow, this episode is PACKED with value, laughs, and reality.Support the showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlackWant more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful,and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Stephanie of Pretty Pitty Design for one real maker conversation — covering craft shows, pricing pressure, brand loyalty, machine obsession, and why markets are about more than just sales.From starting with a Cricut and Glowforge to running multiple lasers, Stephanie shares the behind-the-scenes truth of doing vendor shows in different seasons, choosing machines you trust, and navigating an economy where customers are spending smarter than ever.We talk about:- How vendor markets have changed (and what that means for makers)- Why business cards still matter- Selling during an unpredictable economy- Brand loyalty vs upgrading machines- Laser addiction- Choosing the right events, not just more events- Turning slow shows into content + future sales- Pricing pressure when competitors undercut you- Creating a brand that stands for something (and not just products)- The emotional story behind Pretty Pitty Design and dog rescueThis episode is for every creative entrepreneur who’s:✔️ Wondering if markets are still worth it✔️ Debating another machine purchase✔️ Feeling the slow season✔️ Trying to survive rising costs✔️ Building something real, not just chasing trendsSupport the showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlackWant more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful,and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Lanie & Alex of Hialeah Fine Jewelry for a raw, funny, and inspiring conversation about building a business, raising a family, and navigating entrepreneurship as a couple — all while welcoming a brand new baby into the mix. 👶💍From launching a jewelry brand without formal training to selling out at conferences and moving across states to find balance, Laniey and Alex open up about the real side of creative entrepreneurship.We get into:✨ How Hialeah Fine Jewelry was built from scratch✨ Transitioning from piercing & tattoo shops into business ownership✨ When growth forces you to bring your partner into the business✨ Creative burnout and protecting your joy as a maker✨ Selling out product drops and prepping for conferences✨ Running a business during pregnancy (and right after birth 😳)✨ Why creators struggle with systems like email lists, automation, and operations✨ Making your own money vs. working for someone elseThis episode is honest, relatable, and wildly motivating for anyone trying to build something of their own — especially if you’re a creative, a parent, or building alongside a partner.Support the showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlackWant more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful,and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Joshua Perry, the award-winning creative behind Perry Design Tulsa — a laser business born from a long career in the salon industry. ✂️➡️🔥Joshua shares his inspiring transition from 22 years as a salon owner to running a thriving design and laser engraving studio known for its next-level branding work, stunning shop décor, and signature custom pieces.We talk about: ✨ How a salon background built the perfect foundation for client trust and design success ✨ The creative spark behind Perry Design’s signature laser workspace aesthetic ✨ Tips for balancing multiple businesses, parenting, and creative burnout ✨ The fine line between personal relationships and professional sales ✨ How networking, community, and meetups can change your maker journey forever ✨ Why sand carving is making a comeback — and how it compares to laser engravingThis one’s packed with laughs, lessons, and maker motivation — from crashing your first laser head (we’ve all done it 😂) to mastering business relationships and chasing new creative outlets.🎙️ Stay to the end for Perry Design’s exclusive discount code for The Riley Black Project listeners!Support the showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlackWant more info on Aeon Lasers?? If so, show me some love by clicking on my partner link below and then hit the "Get Started" button! If you found my content helpful,and decided to call or DM instead, make sure to mention "Crystal Aguila" as the referral.