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This week on The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Megan of Raymond’s Trophies — APA Volunteer of the Year, laser badass, and longtime industry pro. We dive deep into her journey from photography and corporate life to running a family-owned awards business, how Raymond’s evolved through decades of innovation, and why adaptability is the secret sauce to longevity in any maker business.

We talk gatekeeping in the early laser days, the Glowforge “lightbulb” moment, COVID-era entrepreneurship, and the beautiful mess of balancing life, business, and community support. Megan also shares how the APA is finally bridging the gap between the OG engravers and the rising maker generation — and why that matters more than ever.

• Instagram- raymondstrophyandawards
• FB- Raymond’s Trophy & Awards
• web – raymondstrophy.com

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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

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.

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In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with D’ondra of Work Boots & Glasses, a self-taught maker whose business journey started by kicking her husband's car out of the garage—literally. From building furniture to launching a fresh line of earrings and glassware, D’ondra shares how she turned her DIY spirit into a full-blown brand.

We talk chocolate stashes, market wins and fails, creative chaos, and how documenting your journey (even the messy parts) builds true connection and community. Whether you're in the maker space, thinking of starting a side hustle, or love a good "accidental business" story—this one’s for you.

📲 Follow her at @WorkBootsandGlasses

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 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. 💼

We talk shop about the importance of diversifying beyond Etsy, the power of community and networking events like Next Level, and how building genuine friendships in your industry can lead to your next big move (hello, podcast studio!).

Whether you’re deep into laser making, dreaming of quitting Etsy, or just need a real conversation about growing pains and glows ups, this episode is full of relatable gems, laughs, and real talk.

🔥 Topics Covered:

Growing a laser business through connection

Pivoting from vinyl to acrylic to Shopify expert

Shopify Collective & apps every maker should know

Etsy warnings and why you need your own site

How networking events can change your business

The truth about trying and quitting product lines

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.