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In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Blake from Great Lakes Laser Supply to talk about the Michigan Maker Summit—how it started, why smaller meetups matter, and what really happens when makers get in the same room without the pressure of massive expos.

What began as an idea on a 17-hour drive home from Next Level turned into a full-blown summit planned in just three weeks—and it worked. This conversation digs into the power of community, intimate breakout sessions, real conversations, and why these smaller events often create bigger breakthroughs than giant conferences.

We cover:

How the Michigan Maker Summit came together in record time

Why smaller, more intimate events create safer spaces to ask questions

The difference between learning online vs learning in person

Why not everyone can make it to Vegas, APA, or massive expos

How meetups help newer makers avoid feeling “stupid” asking questions

Why teachers learn just as much as attendees

The hardest part of events: implementing what you learn after you get home

Maker burnout, travel exhaustion, and real-life constraints

This episode is for makers, creatives, and small business owners who want real growth, real connection, and real implementation—not just motivation that fades when you get 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

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, John and Crystal sit down with Becky of Get On Board Signs & More for a heartfelt, practical, and surprisingly funny conversation about community, creativity, resilience, and building a business that fits real life.

Becky shares her journey from kindergarten teacher to creative entrepreneur, running mobile sign parties, opening a brick-and-mortar studio, navigating COVID pivots, and even walking through a cancer journey while continuing to show up for her customers and community.

This episode covers:

Transitioning from teaching to entrepreneurship

Pivoting during COVID with DIY kits, virtual parties, and mobile workshops

Opening a studio and learning what actually works

Why community support matters more than algorithms

Running a business through illness and uncertainty

Building a studio model that works for families and real life

Paying yourself, setting systems, and avoiding burnout

Why Facebook still matters for local small businesses

The value of in-person connection over faceless online orders

Balancing growth, joy, and sustainability as a creative business owner

This is an honest look at what success really looks like when you stop chasing someone else’s version of it and start building a business around your life, not the other way around.

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, John and Crystal dive into a real-life business and mindset update after returning from a private maker meetup in Amelia Island, Florida—where content creation, follow-up, and community took center stage.

This episode is a mix of life, business, teaching, anxiety, growth, and clarity, as John reflects on stepping into more content-creation authority, navigating an identity shift, and realizing that knowing what to do isn’t the same as actually doing it.

We talk about:

Teaching a content workshop and watching makers take action immediately

Why you don’t need to post every day to grow

The relief of permission: 2–3 posts per week is enough

Analysis paralysis and the fear of sounding salesy

Why follow-up is everything (and how not doing it costs you money)

This episode is for makers, creatives, and small business owners who feel stuck between knowing better and doing better—and are ready to move forward without burning themselves out.

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, John and Crystal are joined once again by Megan of Raymond’s Trophies & Awards to talk all things APA Expo, maker events, community, and why showing up in person still matters.

With APA right around the corner, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what actually makes industry events valuable beyond just buying supplies. From procrastination confessions and teaching classes, to discovering new vendors, building real relationships, and learning things you never would’ve found online—this episode is a must-listen for makers, engravers, and creative business owners.

We cover:

Why APA is a cornerstone event for the laser and awards industry

The difference between seeing products online vs in person

Why community beats competition every time

How trade shows lead to real collaborations and unexpected opportunities

Teaching classes, learning on the fly, and embracing how you actually work

Vendor vs attendee perspectives and what each one offers

Why deadlines are sometimes the only cure for procrastination

How conferences validate struggles you thought were “just you”

The long-term business value of relationships, not transactions

Why events often spark your next big idea

If you’ve ever debated whether events like APA are worth the time, money, or energy—this episode explains exactly why they continue to shape businesses, careers, and communities year after year.

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, 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

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, 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

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, 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

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, 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

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.