Send us a text

In 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 control

It’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 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 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 events

Whether 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 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 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 smarter

This 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/founders

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 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.