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In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal catch up with Desiree Townsend of Yay Gifts & Cards — a laser maker, designer, and longtime community member who’s taken her business to the next level with her first real studio space! 🎉

We talk about the highs and lows of expanding your creative business — from working out of your house (and spilling into every hallway 😅) to signing that first lease and making it official.

Inside this episode:
 ✨ Desiree’s journey from beginner to Mira 9 pro
 ✨ How she went from home hustle to her first commercial shop space
 ✨ The real cost vs. reward of renting a studio as a small business owner
✨ Why collaboration beats competition every single time
✨ The City of Centennial project that featured her engraved tumblers 🙌
✨ The unexpected benefits of networking, showing up, and letting go of control

It’s a real, relatable conversation about growth, courage, and community — the kind of maker talk that’ll have you nodding the whole time.

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