Send us a text

In 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 online

This episode is packed with laughter, honesty, and the kind of real talk every maker, mom, and entrepreneur needs to hear.

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’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 designs

This episode is packed with insight, laughs, and real maker hustle energy — perfect for anyone building a business from their passion.

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’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 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 hit the road to Atlanta for the Georgia Laser & UV Printing Business Meetup with Sumita & Anuj

We 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 out

From 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 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’re joined once again by our friends Len & Stan from LensDigital—the minds behind some of the most innovative rotary attachments in the laser engraving industry.

We cover everything from the affordable Piburn Light (built for makers testing the waters with tumblers) to the Vertigo—a next-level rotary that’s turning heads across the laser community.

Inside this episode:
⚡ What makes the Piburn Light the perfect entry rotary for new makers
⚡ How the Vertigo evolved from sketch to Kickstarter success (funded in under an hour!)
⚡ Live demos, design details, and the “Iron Man” R&D energy behind LensDigital’s process
⚡ Why shows like Next Level prove the power of live engraving and customer interaction
⚡ Kickstarter perks, retail pricing, and what’s next for LensDigital innovations

Whether you’re running a laser side hustle, a full-time engraving business, or just geeking out on cutting-edge maker tools, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and big reveals.

👉 Don’t miss your chance to back the Vertigo on Kickstarter and grab early perks before retail pricing kicks in.

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

On this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Roy from Industrial Fringe to dive into his journey from DJ booths and Disney clubs to the laser world.

Roy shares how he went from sublimation to lasers after picking up the xTool F1, and how documenting his learning process turned into a YouTube channel with 21K+ subscribers. We get into:

How sublimation, tumblers, and snarky coaster designs led to building Industrial Fringe

What it’s really like to balance creating vs. selling products as a maker

The power of short-form content and YouTube monetization (the lessons nobody tells you)

Affiliate marketing done right—why credibility matters more than commissions

Roy’s hilarious time as an extra on Miami Vice 

Why laser communities and conferences are game-changers for makers

We also talk gear—xTool F1, F1 Ultra, WeCreate Lumos, and more—plus why finding equipment you actually enjoy using is key to success.

👉 Check out Roy’s designs at IndustrialFringeDesigns.com
 and his channel Industrial Fringe on YouTube.

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 episode of The Riley Black Project is unlike any other—we’re live on the road from Next Level Laser Conference 2025! 🙌

Join us as we share the behind-the-scenes of our 17-hour road trip, connect with amazing makers, and rally together for a powerful cause. From beard-off fundraising to surprise donations, this episode is packed with laughs, heartfelt stories, and community spirit.

We dive into:
✨ Supporting our friend Mario as he battles stage 4 cancer—raising funds in the most creative ways possible
✨ The power of community at maker conferences and why showing up matters
✨ First-time attendee experiences and making real-life connections
✨ Hilarious beard-off moments and a live shave for charity
✨ How events like Next Level fuel motivation, friendships, and growth in the laser & maker community

Whether you’re a seasoned maker or brand new to the industry, this episode will leave you inspired, laughing, and maybe even a little emotional. 💪❤️

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment sharing your favorite maker conference memory or how community has impacted your business.

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

Hit the road with us for this special Riley Black Project episode, recorded on the way to the Next Level Laser Conference 2025! 🚗✨

We cover everything from road trip snacks and travel stories to how fast laser technology is evolving, the rise of UV printing, and how makers can use these new tools to test markets and grow their businesses. Plus, we dive deep into AI in content creation, sharing how we use tools like ChatGPT and automation in our podcast, video editing, and daily workflow.

You’ll also hear:

🎒 Our favorite road trip hacks & snacks

⚡ How entry-level machines like Glowforge evolved into today’s powerhouse lasers (xTool, Thunder, and more)

🖨️ Why UV printing is becoming the next big thing for makers

🤖 Practical ways AI is reshaping small business and content creation

💡 Tips on how to get noticed when you’re just starting out in business

🎨 The story behind our red + black branding and the meaning of “Riley Black”

Whether you’re a maker, small business owner, or just love a good road trip vibe, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and real talk about navigating growth, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

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

On this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Frankie from Trotec to talk about life on the road with the TroVan. Frankie shares how he’s turning a ProMaster into a mobile demo hub, traveling from Florida to Michigan, Miami, Atlanta, and beyond—bringing the Trotec Speedy 360 right to makers’ doors.

We dive into:

What it’s like running laser demos out of a van (yes, even in bank parking lots!)

Frankie’s transition from electrical engineering and defense contracting to lasers

The future of mobile laser education and demos

Why events like Next Level Laser Conference, Printing United, and Grand Prix are must-attend for makers

Real talk on AI design, content creation, and building your own niche in the laser world

This episode is packed with stories—from crazy Florida headlines to whiskey stone engraving to why content doesn’t always need to be fancy to work. If you’re into laser engraving, small business growth, or just love hearing unique maker journeys, this one’s for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment about the wildest place you’ve ever seen a laser demo!

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 joined by Sara, the virtual assistant who has been saving businesses (and our sanity) one task at a time — and now she’s taking it to the next level with her new subscription service, My Social Companion.

We talk about:

How a VA can free up your time and streamline your business

Why most makers and small business owners post sporadically (and how to fix it)

The real benefits of batching content vs. posting daily

Why email marketing is still king — and how it can save your business

Pricing, planning, and perks of a done-for-you social media content calendar

The behind-the-scenes reality of creating and managing content

Plus, plenty of laughs, a few dog stories (shoutout to Joel 🐶), and some eye-opening talk about finding time for marketing when you’re running everything else.

If you’re a maker, entrepreneur, or small business owner looking to stay consistent online without losing your mind — this episode is for you.

Website: www.MySocialCompanion.com
FB: @MySocialCompanion
IG & TikTok: @My.SocialCompanion 

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.