Small Business Reality Check – Wins, Fails & Fresh Starts
Send us a text In this week’s episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal share a real-life business update—talking openly about burnout, shifting gears, and keeping momentum through the slow seasons. From dealing with canceled trips during the government shutdown to landing their biggest tumbler order ever, this episode is full of truth bombs and laughs. They also dive into: ✨ How a simple print-shop contract changed their business trajectory ✨ The emotional rollercoaster of testing materials and chasing perfection ✨ Why customs can drain your energy (and what to do instead) ✨ The switch to new tools like Stan Store and lessons from Kajabi and Go Modern ✨ Why every creator and small business owner NEEDS an email list NOW ✨ Local Lens growth, landing sponsors, and the importance of community collaboration ✨ Upcoming events, markets, and how Riley Black Studios is helping local businesses shine This one’s a mix of behind-the-scenes honesty, practical maker tips, and encouragement to keep pushing through—even when business feels tough. 🎙️ Whether you’re a laser maker, small-business owner, or content creator, this episode will hit home. 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.
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Collaboration Over Competition: The Glow-Up of Yay Gifts & Cards
Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal catch up with Desiree Townsend of Yay Gifts & Cards — a laser maker, designer, and longtime community member who’s taken her business to the next level with her first real studio space! 🎉We talk about the highs and lows of expanding your creative business — from working out of your house (and spilling into every hallway 😅) to signing that first lease and making it official.Inside this episode: ✨ Desiree’s journey from beginner to Mira 9 pro ✨ How she went from home hustle to her first commercial shop space ✨ The real cost vs. reward of renting a studio as a small business owner ✨ Why collaboration beats competition every single time ✨ The City of Centennial project that featured her engraved tumblers 🙌 ✨ The unexpected benefits of networking, showing up, and letting go of controlIt’s a real, relatable conversation about growth, courage, and community — the kind of maker talk that’ll have you nodding the whole time.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.
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1:06:34
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1:06:34
UV Printers, Sandblasters & More: Inside Printing United 2025
Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, we’re switching things up—recording from Riley Black Studios instead of the garage! 🎥Join John and Crystal as they take you behind the scenes of Printing United 2025 in Orlando, one of the biggest print and laser industry events of the year. From mind-blowing UV printers to massive laser machines and live sandblasting demos, this episode is packed with new tech, vendor insights, and real talk about what’s next in the maker world.We cover:✨ Our favorite finds and vendors from Printing United (Iconix, LogoJet, Summit, and more)✨ A look at the Iconix sandblaster and why it’s stealing attention across the laser space✨ Coolest gear we saw—from giant print cutters to color printers the size of a car✨ The behind-the-scenes of running Riley Black Studios shoots in between industry eventsWhether you’re a laser business owner, print pro, or just love seeing the latest creative tech, this episode has it all—heart, humor, and hustle.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.
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Building Wealth as a Maker: Simple Investing Tips with Tess
Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Tess from Wealth With Tess, a former aerial acrobat turned investing educator, who’s helping creatives, makers, and small business owners take control of their money and build long-term wealth. 💰✨Tess shares how she went from performing high above cruise ship decks to buying her first investment property after a single Google search—and eventually creating an entire brand to simplify investing for self-employed entrepreneurs.We talk about:⚡ The biggest money myths holding creatives back⚡ How to start investing with as little as $10 (yes, really)⚡ Why small business owners should open a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA⚡ Building wealth when you have inconsistent income⚡ Finding the right financial advisor (and what red flags to watch for)⚡ Tess’s free Founders Mini Course for business owners ready to invest smarterThis episode is packed with practical steps, relatable maker stories, and simple money tips that anyone—from side hustlers to full-time entrepreneurs—can apply today.👉 Check out Tess’s free mini course at WealthWithTess.com/foundersSupport 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.
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1:04:14
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1:04:14
From Bartender to Hat Queen: Cindy’s Laser Business Glow-Up
Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Cindy from Saltwater Stitches & Hat Co., who went from bartender and busy mom of four to running a booming hat patch and leather business that’s making waves in the laser community. 💥Cindy shares her incredible journey from buying her first laser while pregnant to building a loyal customer base, growing through local markets, and ultimately scaling her business online — all while balancing family life and major moves across the country.Inside this episode:✨ How a single market booth turned into a thriving hat patch empire✨ The power of saying yes before you’re ready and learning as you go✨ Why she pivoted from charcuterie boards to leather and hats✨ Lessons from moving cities, starting over, and finding community online✨ How she mastered airbrushed leather patches that stand out in a crowded market✨ Building loyalty and trust so strong that customers literally defend her brand onlineThis episode is packed with laughter, honesty, and the kind of real talk every maker, mom, and entrepreneur needs to hear.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.
Ireland