The Riley Black Project

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In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down for a raw, unscripted conversation about real life, business pressure, community, grief, and navigating uncertainty when things don’t go according to plan.

What starts as a casual catch-up quickly turns into a deep reflection on survival vs thriving, the emotional weight of January, and the reminder that nothing is guaranteed. From losing someone whose message still echoes loud, to questioning every next move, this episode captures what it feels like to keep showing up when the path forward isn’t clear yet.

We talk about:

Why last year felt like survival mode — and the desire for less panic, less stress, more abundance

Losing someone important and carrying their message forward

The danger of “I’ll live later” thinking

Vendor shows: what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned

Using what you already have instead of over-spending

Booth setup mistakes, display clarity, and engagement tips

Pricing, pivoting, and adapting in real time

This episode is honest, reflective, and deeply relatable for creators, makers, and small business owners who feel like they’re constantly adjusting while trying to stay hopeful.

If you’ve ever questioned your direction, felt stuck in a pivot, or wondered if you’re being pushed toward something bigger—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

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In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Tanastadi for a powerful, honest conversation about identity, reinvention, sobriety, and building multiple businesses without losing yourself along the way.

From growing up immersed in music, landing a number-one radio show for nearly two decades, and DJing massive clubs and festivals… to watching everything disappear during COVID and choosing a completely new path forward—Tenacity shares what it really looks like to start over without a backup plan.

We dive into:

Growing up fast and realizing we’re “the adults now” 😅

Life as a DJ feeding off crowds vs staring at a screen during lockdown

Losing everything during COVID and refusing to go back to the same life

Becoming the first Asian hip-hop radio DJ in Colorado

The unseen business side of nightlife, radio, and entertainment

Why networking means showing up, not waiting


This episode is raw, reflective, and deeply relatable for anyone navigating career shifts, entrepreneurship, creative burnout, sobriety, or the uncomfortable space between who you were and who you’re becoming.

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

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In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Whitney of Whitney's Crafty Tings for a wildly inspiring conversation about resourcefulness, maker growth, and doing whatever it takes to get started—even if that means using a magnifying glass before you ever own a laser. 🔍🔥

Whitney shares her journey from burning designs by hand to running a full laser setup out of her garage in Florida, juggling machines, markets, dogs (yes… Great Danes 😅), and real-life constraints that every maker can relate to.

We get into:

Starting a maker business with almost nothing

Why resourcefulness beats fancy equipment

Going from a magnifying glass to a full-size CO₂ laser

Garage studios, tight spaces, and Florida heat

The reality of upgrading machines mid-growth

This episode is proof that you don’t need the perfect setup to start—you just need the willingness to begin and figure it out as you go.

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

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John & Crystal sit down with Jeff and Anna of Lancaster Supplies for a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes world of laser blanks, sourcing, scaling, and what it really takes to build a supplier brand from scratch.

From waking up at 4 AM with no alarm, bowling in the 200s, and balancing multiple businesses… to accidentally engraving on your spouse’s belongings (we’ve all been there 😂)… this episode blends business strategy, maker humor, and real-world insight from a supplier growing fast.

We dig into:
 ✨ How Lancaster Supplies started from a simple idea
 ✨ Going from 5 tumblers… to 20… to full product lines
✨ Why sourcing takes MONTHS (and why samples lie 👀)
✨ The struggle with minimum orders, shipping costs, and warehouse space
✨ What makers actually need from suppliers

Plus:
 💬 Exclusive discount code for listeners
 💬 Lancaster’s plans for 2026 
 💬 A preview of the conversation continuing in Patreon After Dark

Whether you sell blanks, buy blanks, engrave all day, or just love hearing how maker businesses grow, this episode is PACKED with value, laughs, and reality.

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

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Stephanie of Pretty Pitty Design for one real maker conversation — covering craft shows, pricing pressure, brand loyalty, machine obsession, and why markets are about more than just sales.

From starting with a Cricut and Glowforge to running multiple lasers, Stephanie shares the behind-the-scenes truth of doing vendor shows in different seasons, choosing machines you trust, and navigating an economy where customers are spending smarter than ever.

We talk about:

- How vendor markets have changed (and what that means for makers)
- Why business cards still matter
- Selling during an unpredictable economy
- Brand loyalty vs upgrading machines
- Laser addiction
- Choosing the right events, not just more events
- Turning slow shows into content + future sales
- Pricing pressure when competitors undercut you
- Creating a brand that stands for something (and not just products)
- The emotional story behind Pretty Pitty Design and dog rescue

This episode is for every creative entrepreneur who’s:
✔️ Wondering if markets are still worth it
✔️ Debating another machine purchase
✔️ Feeling the slow season
✔️ Trying to survive rising costs
✔️ Building something real, not just chasing trends

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

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Lanie & Alex of Hialeah Fine Jewelry for a raw, funny, and inspiring conversation about building a business, raising a family, and navigating entrepreneurship as a couple — all while welcoming a brand new baby into the mix. 👶💍

From launching a jewelry brand without formal training to selling out at conferences and moving across states to find balance, Laniey and Alex open up about the real side of creative entrepreneurship.

We get into:
✨ How Hialeah Fine Jewelry was built from scratch
✨ Transitioning from piercing & tattoo shops into business ownership
✨ When growth forces you to bring your partner into the business
✨ Creative burnout and protecting your joy as a maker
✨ Selling out product drops and prepping for conferences
✨ Running a business during pregnancy (and right after birth 😳)
✨ Why creators struggle with systems like email lists, automation, and operations
✨ Making your own money vs. working for someone else

This episode is honest, relatable, and wildly motivating for anyone trying to build something of their own — especially if you’re a creative, a parent, or building alongside a partner.

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

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Joshua Perry, the award-winning creative behind Perry Design Tulsa — a laser business born from a long career in the salon industry. ✂️➡️🔥

Joshua shares his inspiring transition from 22 years as a salon owner to running a thriving design and laser engraving studio known for its next-level branding work, stunning shop décor, and signature custom pieces.

We talk about:
 ✨ How a salon background built the perfect foundation for client trust and design success
 ✨ The creative spark behind Perry Design’s signature laser workspace aesthetic
 ✨ Tips for balancing multiple businesses, parenting, and creative burnout
 ✨ The fine line between personal relationships and professional sales
 ✨ How networking, community, and meetups can change your maker journey forever
 ✨ Why sand carving is making a comeback — and how it compares to laser engraving

This one’s packed with laughs, lessons, and maker motivation — from crashing your first laser head (we’ve all done it 😂) to mastering business relationships and chasing new creative outlets.

🎙️ Stay to the end for Perry Design’s exclusive discount code for The Riley Black Project listeners!

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

Send us Fan Mail

In this week’s episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal share a real-life business update—talking openly about burnout, shifting gears, and keeping momentum through the slow seasons. From dealing with canceled trips during the government shutdown to landing their biggest tumbler order ever, this episode is full of truth bombs and laughs. 

They also dive into:
 ✨ How a simple print-shop contract changed their business trajectory
 ✨ The emotional rollercoaster of testing materials and chasing perfection
 ✨ Why customs can drain your energy (and what to do instead)
 ✨ The switch to new tools like Stan Store and lessons from Kajabi and Go Modern
✨ Why every creator and small business owner NEEDS an email list NOW
✨ Local Lens growth, landing sponsors, and the importance of community collaboration
✨ Upcoming events, markets, and how Riley Black Studios is helping local businesses shine 

This one’s a mix of behind-the-scenes honesty, practical maker tips, and encouragement to keep pushing through—even when business feels tough. 

🎙️ Whether you’re a laser maker, small-business owner, or content creator, this episode will hit home. 

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

Send us Fan Mail

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

Send us Fan Mail

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