The Riley Black Project

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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

Want 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 Fan Mail
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

Want 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 Fan Mail
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

Want 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 Fan Mail
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

Want 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 Fan Mail
We’re back at APA Expo 2026 — and this year hits different.
In this special on-location episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Josh Perry to talk about what can happen in just one year when you show up, shake hands, and lean into community.
Last year, Josh walked into APA alone, looking for direction.
This year?
 He’s speaking.
 He’s upgrading machines.
 And he’s up for Retailer of the Year.
This episode dives into:
• How attending APA changed the trajectory of Josh’s business
 • Why connections — not machines — are the real investment
 • The unexpected power of sand carving vs laser engraving
 • What it feels like to go from attendee → speaker → award nominee
 • Why events like APA set the tone for your entire year
 • The difference between your first APA and your second
 • Behind-the-scenes of vending, content creation, and collaboration
 • Launching new sports-based product lines at the show
 • How partnerships and wholesalers are expanding Keychain Thingies
 • The reality of building momentum in the personalization industry
You’ll also hear John share what it’s like working APA as a videographer this year instead of being stuck behind the booth—and why capturing the story matters just as much as living it.
If you’ve ever wondered whether attending events like APA is worth it… this episode is your answer.
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

Want 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.