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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

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.