The Riley Black Project

Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode of The Riley Black Project, we welcome back our acrylic plug, Melody from CMB, for a long-overdue catch-up! 🎉 We dive into how her business has transformed since her first appearance (way back in Episode 78!), including her shift into Shopify expertise, scaling to a massive 14,000 sq ft space, and embracing the unpredictable pivots of entrepreneurship. 💼 W...

Send us Fan Mail Live from the Jamboree! This episode of The Riley Black Project is packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes chaos, and real talk as Crystal and John host a special live recording during a laser maker Summer Camp. We’re sharing takeaways from teaching classes, navigating tech fails, and connecting with the incredible maker community IRL. Hear about the unexpected moments, what worked...

Send us Fan Mail Interested in Laser Maker Con? Use our link to become a VIP and take advantage of the fast action pass! Discount lasts just 20 mins, so act fast!  Https://www.lasermakercon.com/?affiliate=crystal_aguila  This week on The Riley Black Project, we welcome back the one and only Emily — better known as That Mom With a Laser! In this episode, we dive deep into the highs, lows, and hilar...

Send us Fan Mail In this Episode of The Riley Black Project, Crystal and John drop a huge update — they're launching a brand-new rentable podcast & content creation studio in Sebastian, Florida! 🎉 This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the wild journey that led to Riley Black Studios — from a simple DM to securing the perfect space, making hard decisions, investing in a dream, and p...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Collin from Stencil Stop to dive into the art and business of laser-cut stencils, custom designs, and viral content. From humble beginnings to creating jaw-dropping multi-layered stencil art that’s turned heads on social media, Collin shares the evolution of his laser journey and how he’s built a full-time business ar...

Send us Fan Mail 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 🔥...

Send us Fan Mail 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 b...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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?) 🖨...

Send us Fan Mail 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 w...

Send us Fan Mail 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 li...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 tra...

Send us Fan Mail 🚀 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 sh...

Send us Fan Mail 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 entrepre...

Send us Fan Mail 🚀 From Hobby to Thriving Business! Meet Patricia of Tricia’s Reclaimed Signs, who turned a small craft into a powerhouse business! In this episode, we dive deep into her laser journey, her big moves in the signage industry, and how she’s scaling her business from local markets to e-commerce. 🎯 Learn how she built her brand through word of mouth, the challenges of juggling busine...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in celebrating Episode 200 of The Riley Black Project! 🎉 We reflect on our journey from humble beginnings to building an engaged laser and maker community. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and future plans for the podcast. Plus, special guest Will from Crazy Laser Dad joins us to share insights, laughter, and surprises along the way. 🔥 Highlights: The pod...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Isaiah and Elias from Laser Map Maker, the dynamic duo behind some of the most stunning laser-cut maps softwere  in the industry! 🛠️🔥 They share their journey from hobbyists to successful business owners, revealing the challenges, wins, and lessons learned along the way. 💡 In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ How...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a wedding photographer and a marketing pro dive into the world of lasers? They create an awesome business—and we’re here to tell their story! 🦄✨ In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Jordan and Mikey of Curious Bison, a laser-focused duo (see what we did there? 😆) who turned a Glowforge hobby into a thriving brick-and-mortar business. Fr...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to a special episode of The Riley Black Project! 🚀 Crystal and John are on the Hot Mess Express, recording live from APA Expo in Las Vegas! 🎤🔥 In this episode, we dive into: ✅ Our journey from Sacramento to Vegas for the APA Expo ✅ How The Riley Black Project podcast started & our upcoming 200th episode! 🎉 ✅ The power of networking at industry expos and craft sh...

Send us Fan Mail It’s another wild one, folks! We’re back with Episode 197 of The Riley Black Project—this time, from what feels like a walk-in freezer! 🥶 But hey, what’s a little frostbite when you’ve got good company, hot laser talk, and plenty of laughs? In this episode, we dive into: 🔹 Our crazy meetup stories (spoiler: laser people are the best!) 🔹 The mystery of the Laser Trolls Group—dra...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Gwynn from Create It With Gwynn to talk about her incredible journey from being a dog groomer to launching a thriving laser business. 🚀✨ Gwynn shares how she saved up tip money to buy her first crafting machine, faced tough financial decisions, and ultimately took a leap into the world of laser cutting and engraving. W...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we chat with Connie from Humble Hippo Designs! We explore her inspiring journey into laser engraving, starting with a Glowforge purchased using a stimulus check, and her transition to working with CO2 and fiber lasers. Connie shares her experiences running a creative business, overcoming challenges, and crafting viral ornament designs that took her business to new...

Send us Fan Mail In this exciting episode of The Riley Black Project, we chat with Christina from Bay Area Blanks! 🌟 From her unique beginnings fingerprinting the departed to becoming a powerhouse in the laser engraving world, Christina's journey is nothing short of inspiring. 🚀 🔥 What We Cover: Christina's intriguing start in fingerprinting 🕵️‍♀️ The evolution of her business, Bay Ar...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Nicky, the creative force behind Smile in an Envelope! Nicky shares her inspiring journey as a business owner, diving into how she’s embraced pivoting as a natural and necessary part of her entrepreneurial process. From unexpected challenges to creative solutions, her story is full of laughs, resilience, and valuable insights for anyone navigat...