The Riley Black Project

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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

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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

Send us Fan Mail
Next Level is back… but this year, it’s bigger than lasers.

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Will and Mark to talk all things Next Level Maker Con 2026, the shift from Next Level Laser Conference to a broader maker-focused event, and why this year’s theme of “Refreshed” matters more than ever.

We dive into:

• Why the event changed from laser-focused to maker-focused
• What “Refreshed” means for makers, creatives, and business owners
• Why taking care of the maker matters just as much as growing the business
• What to expect at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas
• The value of smaller conversations, networking, and community
• Why video access to classes is a huge win for attendees
• The new Creator’s Corner and content creation spaces
• Free professional headshots for all-access attendees
• Breakout classes covering AI, pricing, marketing, Etsy, Shopify, garment decorating, UV printing, sandblasting, 3D printing, packaging, branding, and more
• The charity partnership with Wipe Out Kids Cancer
• Why Next Level feels more like a maker family reunion than just another conference

Whether you’re a laser owner, UV printer, crafter, designer, content creator, or small business owner, this episode breaks down why Next Level Maker Con is becoming one of the must-attend events in the maker community.

📍 Next Level Maker Con 2026
https://nextlevelmakerevents.com
August 27–29
Gaylord Texan Resort
Grapevine, Texas

🎙️ The Riley Black Project — real conversations about creativity, business, community, and the makers building something meaningful.

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