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In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we welcome Bill and Anne of  MBZ Designs to talk shop — from navigating laser upgrades and UV printing to the chaos of Amazon box piles and unexpected spider roommates. 🕷️

We dive deep into:
 -The real-life realities of creating content when you don’t feel like it 🎥
 -How the Glowforge “gateway drug” led to serious business upgrades 🔥
 -Fiber internet woes, tech fails, and why backups save your sanity 💾
 -Business partnerships, vendor collabs, and the power of networking 💡

The problem with black quarter-inch acrylic addiction... and what to do with it 😂

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.

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In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Jess of Script & Grain — a former teacher turned full-time laser business owner, mom of five, and early riser (seriously... 4am!). She shares her journey from calligraphy and wedding signage to launching her own creative laser brand, all while juggling a big family and building a life of freedom.

We dive into:

-Her bold leap from teaching to entrepreneurship
-How maternity leave (or lack of it) shaped her decisions
-The power of collaboration in the maker community
-Why representation matters for creative kids
-How AI and audiobooks are transforming small biz owners
And yep... we even chat about weddings and go-away pricing 🤣

This one’s equal parts real talk, resource gold, and inspiration for any maker or creative on the rise.

👇 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway or favorite quote!

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.

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In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we reconnect with Jason from LightBurn to talk all things LBX—the LightBurn Experience that blends community, learning, and laser innovation like never before. We dive into what makes LBX unique (spoiler: it’s not your typical expo), the evolution of LightBurn’s software, and what it takes to keep users excited and empowered in the maker world.

Plus, we share stories from past events, talk awkward fan encounters, parenting with a side of F-bombs, and the tech meltdowns that come with running your own shop. From design frustrations to LightBurn for fiber lasers, this one's got it all!

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.

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This week on The Riley Black Project, we're joined by the unforgettable Steve from PDS — a man who's done everything from accidentally hooking his lip to his nose while fishing 🪝, to becoming the top Mimaki dealer in the U.S. five years in a row, and recently being crowned Supplier of the Year at APA!

We dive deep into: 🎣 Wild stories (African water buffalo, anyone?)
🖨 The UV printer boom and how to prep for success
📦 The real talk behind small-scale vs. production-grade machines
🧠 Marketing without a degree & the power of learning your way
🎤 A sneak peek at upcoming events like Cerulean Tides and UV Energize

Whether you're in the laser community, thinking about jumping into UV printing, or just want to laugh and learn — this episode’s packed with gems, real talk, and a whole lot of personality.

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 a text

This week on The Riley Black Project, we’re hanging out with the dynamic duo Kim and Garrett — returning guests and makers turned event planners — as they drop the details on their upcoming Laser Jamboree 🎉

We talk all things:

-How their cruise meetup inspired a full-on summer camp-style maker event (complete with loot bags and karaoke)

-What it’s really like running a business with your spouse 👫

-Behind-the-scenes planning chaos and the beauty of keeping things casual

-The value of real in-person connections in the laser and maker     communities 

There’s laughter, chain tangles, event sneak peeks, and even some spicy troll talk near the end. 👀

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 a text

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we kick off our four-part series spotlighting this year's must-attend laser and maker events—starting with the fan-favorite: Next Level Laser Conference! 🛠️✨

Crystal and John are joined by Mark of Big Blue Laser Designs and MJ of Casa De Huevos lol (yes, she’s really starting a farm!) to chat about the conference that feels more like a family reunion than a business event. From networking and vendor rooms to bathroom-break interruptions and laser husbands uniting, we cover it all.

We dive into:

• What makes Next Level so special
• The real ROI of in-person events
• Planning chaos, time zone fails, and frazzled speakers
• How vendors accidentally start acrylic addiction
• Why you should bring your reluctant spouse (and an empty suitcase)
• Crystal’s guilt-based Patreon perks 😅

Plus: Mark’s podcast dreams and John’s latest client curveball 🎬

If you’ve ever wondered if attending a laser conference is worth it, this episode is your sign to get that ticket.

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 a text

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Melody of The Uncommon Melody to talk all things laser biz—real talk, real burnout, and real growth. 🎧✨

We dive into:

🧷 How Melody launched a successful earring bar experience

🧠 Dealing with imposter syndrome & burnout

💸 Learning to set boundaries and finally charge what you're worth

🎯 The transition from free work & bartering to paid gigs

👨‍👩‍👧 Navigating the juggle between business, family, and mental health

This one’s for every creative entrepreneur who’s felt overwhelmed, underpaid, or unsure if they’re "doing it right." (Spoiler: You're not alone.)

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 a text

This week on The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Diane of A Wee Bit Southern – a Scotland-born, North Carolina-living serial crafter who's turning creativity into community and commerce. Diane opens up about her health journey and how laser crafting became both a creative outlet and a business opportunity.

We dive deep into: 🛠️ Her start with a WeCreate laser
🖼️ The transition from selling products to files
🧠 How designing helped her find peace during personal chaos
💻 Why she loves Cuttle and how it’s helping her and others create faster
🤝 The power of connection, collaboration, and community in the laser world
💡 Plus, we reflect on the recent loss of beloved designer Katie Stone and the legacy of file-based income

Whether you’re a seasoned laserpreneur or just starting out, this episode is full of relatable moments, practical tips, and creative motivation.

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 a text

🚀 From Side Hustle to Thriving Business! 🎯 Cheyenne of Paisley Co. Designs Shares Her Journey

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Cheyenne from Paisley Co. Designs to talk about her incredible journey from the corporate world to full-time laser crafting! 🎨🔥

We dive into:
✅ How she built a successful laser business from scratch
✅ The power of craft shows & live engraving for boosting sales
✅ Insider networking tips to grow your brand locally
✅ Managing time, motivation, and the challenges of being your own boss
✅ The surprising trends and products that sell best at events

Plus, we chat about her $1,900 sales day at a craft fair, how she juggles it all as a mom, and what she wishes she knew before starting!

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 a text

Hold onto your laser-cut hats—this episode of The Riley Black Project is a wild ride! We welcome back Stephanie and Dawn, the dynamic duo behind the Unhinged Maker Society, who have combined forces to shake up the maker community. From the struggles of branding to the untold chaos of setting up a business (Kajabi nightmares, anyone?), they spill the unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship.

We dive into: 

🔹 How they joined forces and built Unhinged Maker Society
🔹 The behind-the-scenes madness of launching an online business
🔹 Breaking past fear, overthinking, and just doing the damn thing
🔹 Why the "economy" excuse doesn’t cut it (yes, people are still buying!)
🔹 A hilariously off-topic discussion about OnlyFans (wait, what?!)

This episode is packed with motivation, laughs, and tough love. If you’re a maker struggling to turn your craft into cash, this is your sign to take action!

Social Media:   
Website (Aff link):  https://www.unhingedmakersociety.com/a/2148062394/zsTr95zw

FB Page: 
https://www.facebook.com/share/164fSpEKor/?mibextid=wwXIfr

IG:  
https://www.instagram.com/unhingedmakersociety?igsh=eHV4cjEyOTV4bmFi&utm_source=qr

TikTok:  
https://www.tiktok.com/@unhingedmakersociety?_t=ZT-8uY430JnnKg&_r=1

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.