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Next Level is back… but this year, it’s bigger than lasers.

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Will and Mark to talk all things Next Level Maker Con 2026, the shift from Next Level Laser Conference to a broader maker-focused event, and why this year’s theme of “Refreshed” matters more than ever.

We dive into:

• Why the event changed from laser-focused to maker-focused
• What “Refreshed” means for makers, creatives, and business owners
• Why taking care of the maker matters just as much as growing the business
• What to expect at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas
• The value of smaller conversations, networking, and community
• Why video access to classes is a huge win for attendees
• The new Creator’s Corner and content creation spaces
• Free professional headshots for all-access attendees
• Breakout classes covering AI, pricing, marketing, Etsy, Shopify, garment decorating, UV printing, sandblasting, 3D printing, packaging, branding, and more
• The charity partnership with Wipe Out Kids Cancer
• Why Next Level feels more like a maker family reunion than just another conference

Whether you’re a laser owner, UV printer, crafter, designer, content creator, or small business owner, this episode breaks down why Next Level Maker Con is becoming one of the must-attend events in the maker community.

📍 Next Level Maker Con 2026
https://nextlevelmakerevents.com
August 27–29
Gaylord Texan Resort
Grapevine, Texas

🎙️ The Riley Black Project — real conversations about creativity, business, community, and the makers building something meaningful.

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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

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Running a business is hard enough…
Now try doing it while your co-host is out of state, your kids are running wild, and you’re juggling multiple businesses at once 😅

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John holds it down solo (barely 😂) before being joined by Srishti & Arpit from Esenay Digital — a global agency helping makers and small businesses scale online the right way.

From Mexico City to Colorado to Florida, this episode is a true remote podcast experience packed with real talk, real struggles, and real solutions.

We dive into:

• The chaos of running a business while your partner is away
• Why so many makers struggle with websites, marketing, and scaling
• The truth about Etsy vs Shopify (and why you need BOTH)
• Why relying on one platform can kill your business
• The biggest mistakes new business owners make when starting out
• How Esenay Digital has helped 100+ makers build and grow online
• What most agencies get WRONG (and why trust is broken)
• Why building a website does NOT automatically mean more sales
• The importance of owning your audience and customer data
• SEO vs AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and the future of AI search
• How AI is changing the way customers find and buy products
• Why ChatGPT and AI shopping will reshape eCommerce
• The power of community, education, and transparency in business

This episode is part behind-the-scenes chaos, part business masterclass, and part wake-up call for makers who want to grow.

If you’re a maker, content creator, or small business owner, this conversation will change how you think about your online presence.

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 record from two different states while juggling real life, real business, and everything in between.

But this episode isn’t just a life update…

We’re joined by Sumita & Anuj to break down UV Ink Fest, a brand-new virtual conference designed to bring real education to makers—without the need to travel.

We dive into:

• Why UV Ink Fest was created and who it’s for
• The growing demand for UV printing education
• Brand-neutral learning and why it matters in the maker space
• The difference between entry-level vs production UV printers
• How UV printing expands what you can offer your customers

This episode is part real-life chaos, part business strategy, and part “this is what entrepreneurship actually looks like.”

If you’re a maker, engraver, or small business owner, this one is packed with insights you can apply immediately.

UV Ink Fest Details: www.uvinkfest.com
• Free virtual event (with optional upgrade)
• 20+ speakers across UV printing, business, and marketing
• Designed for beginners, intermediate, and advanced makers
• Covers everything from workflow → pricing → AI → Shopify

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