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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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.
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Glowforge to Greatness: Letters From Me TX Story
Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, we’re joined by Jessica Raba of Letters From Me TX — known as The Keychain Lady! Jessica shares how she turned her creative passion into a thriving Etsy shop with over 10,000 sales in just 16 months, all while juggling motherhood, a full-time job in the oil industry, and marathon training. We get into:⚡ How a hand-me-down Glowforge launched a full-blown laser business⚡ The genius “sample name discount” hack that boosted her Etsy engagement⚡ How she uses local suppliers like Houston Acrylic to perfect color matching⚡ Why product photography doesn’t have to be fancy—just consistent⚡ Real talk about balancing life, burnout, and building something sustainable⚡ The creative overlap between Keychain Thingies and her custom acrylic designsThis episode is packed with insight, laughs, and real maker hustle energy — perfect for anyone building a business from their passion.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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Inside the CMB Open House: Makers, Machines & Community
Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, we’re back on the road for another unforgettable maker adventure—this time at the CMB Open House! 🎉From checking out brand-new laser gear to laughing with friends over late-night hangs, this episode is all about what makes the maker community so powerful: connection, inspiration, and hands-on experiences you just can’t get online.We cover:✨ Behind-the-scenes at CMB’s new space and their growing lineup of acrylic & machines✨ Why in-person meetups fuel motivation, friendships, and fresh ideas✨ UV printers, colorful tumblers, and how full-color customization is changing the game✨ Maker stories, from family road trips to hilarious “aha” moments with keychain demos✨ Shoutouts to our amazing patrons & community who keep this project alive 💪If you’ve ever thought about attending a maker meetup or just want to hear what the vibe is like inside this creative family, this episode is for you.👉 Catch us next at Printing United—and if you see us, say hi!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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Why In-Person Maker Events Hit Different w/ Sumita & Anuj
Send us a textIn this episode of The Riley Black Project, we hit the road to Atlanta for the Georgia Laser & UV Printing Business Meetup with Sumita & AnujWe dive into:✨ Why in-person events hit different compared to online groups and tutorials✨ The power of simple tools like Keychain Thingies—and why seeing them live makes it click✨ Lessons on outsourcing, staying organized, and investing in the right tools (like accounting & Shopify)✨ How makers are diversifying—from laser engraving and jigs to apparel, acrylic, and even video content✨ Real talk on balancing family, ADHD distractions, and scaling a creative business without burning outFrom hilarious stories to practical advice, this episode captures what makes the maker community so special: support, inspiration, and the push to keep creating.👉 If you’ve ever wanted to connect with other makers, grow your laser business, or just laugh at the behind-the-scenes chaos, this one’s for you.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