The Riley Black Project

Send us Fan MailRunning 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 businessThis 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 showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack

Send us Fan MailIn 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 customersThis 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 → ShopifySupport the showIf you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProjectCheck out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack