What does it really take to scale a creative business… without burning out or losing everything?
In this episode of The Riley Black Project, we sit down with Chantz from Custom Grains to talk about the real side of growth — the wins, the stress, the risks, and the lessons that come with building multiple businesses at once.
From losing a massive TikTok following overnight…
to investing hundreds of thousands back into his business…
to launching a brand new hat company…
This episode is packed with raw, honest insight for anyone trying to level up.
We dive into:
• How Chantz lost over 500K followers overnight — and rebuilt anyway
• Why relying on one platform can destroy your business
• The reality of scaling a product-based business
• Investing $500K+ into growth (and the risks behind it)
• Building multiple brands at once (Custom Grains, Laser by the Creek, Brim Co)
• The truth about revenue vs actual take-home profit
• Why diversification is no longer optional
• Creating your own products to control quality and margins
• The stress of employees, overhead, and responsibility
• How collaborations and partnerships can grow your reach
• The mindset shift from creator to CEO
Plus, we get into the behind-the-scenes of launching Brim Co, building a U.S.-based plywood operation, and what’s next for Chantz as he expands into a brand new shop.
If you’re a maker, business owner, or content creator, this episode is a must-watch.
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