The Riley Black Project

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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

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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

Send us Fan Mail
She showed up wearing a mask...

And somehow things got MORE chaotic from there. 😂

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we're joined by none other than Emily That Mom with a Laser for a conversation that starts with Laser Maker Con 2025 and quickly turns into entrepreneurship, burnout, creativity, health, ADHD, community, and one of the wildest stories we've heard in the maker space.

We dive into:

🔥 Everything you need to know about Laser Maker Con 2025
🔥 The incredible speakers, classes, giveaways, and new features coming this year
🔥 Why saying "yes" to everything can hurt your business and your health
🔥 Entrepreneurship, stress, burnout, and learning to slow down
🔥 ADHD, procrastination, and why some creators work best under pressure
🔥 Building a successful maker business without sacrificing yourself
🔥 The evolution of the laser community over the last five years
🔥 Hat engraving, Etsy growth, Pinterest marketing, and creative business strategies
🔥 Massive Laser Maker Con giveaways including lasers and a UV printer
🔥 The shocking story behind "That Mom With A Laser" and a years-long legal battle over her brand

Whether you're a laser owner, maker, content creator, or small business owner, this episode is packed with laughs, lessons, and a little bit of tea.

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
Want better content without spending hours editing, stressing over algorithms, or trying to go viral?

In this special compilation episode of The Riley Black Project, we're bringing together two incredible conversations from Facebook Live appearances with Emily (That Mom With A Laser) and Will (Crazy Laser Dad).

The focus?

Content creation that actually works for makers and small business owners.

As part of the launch of the new Content Creation Playbook Mini Course, we dive into the biggest mistakes makers make with content, why consistency beats perfection, and how to create videos that attract customers instead of just views.

In this episode we discuss:

✅ Why most makers overcomplicate content creation
✅ The biggest content mistakes hurting business growth
✅ How to create content even when you're busy
✅ Why authenticity beats polished production
✅ Building trust through video content

Whether you're a laser owner, maker, crafter, UV printer, woodworker, or small business owner, this episode is packed with practical advice you can start using immediately.

The Riley Black Project is where makers, creators, and entrepreneurs come together to talk business, creativity, content, and community.

 Check out the Content Creation Playbook Mini Course and start building content with purpose: https://stan.store/RileyBlackStudios/p/rbs-content-playbook

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
Life hit HARD this week.

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal finally sit down after a whirlwind couple of weeks involving a totaled car, injuries, family loss, traveling to Virginia for Jamboree, teaching content creation classes, and somehow still trying to keep business moving forward.

This episode gets real.

We talk about:

• Crystal’s car accident and recovery
• Navigating grief, stress, and entrepreneurship at the same time
• The emotional side of running a business during hard seasons
• Jamboree 2026 recap and teaching content creation workshops
• Why the laser community feels like family
• AP LazerCon prep and upcoming events

We also talk maker events, laser business growth, content strategy, teaching creators, and the behind-the-scenes reality nobody talks about online.

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