Meet Brian Lebanik - The Visionary Entrepreneur of Black Dragon Designs
Meet Brian Lebanik, the founder of Black Dragon Designs, a business that began as a small hobby during the pandemic.
How Brian Started His Business
When lockdown started, we were stuck at home and wanted to stay busy. We began making custom cutting boards. After a while, we wanted to add our business name to each piece, which led us to laser engraving. OMTech stood out because their machines offered great quality for a fair price. We started with the 60W MOPA Fiber Laser, the K40+ 40W CO2 Laser, and the 70W CO2 Laser. Each one worked well and gave us great results. 
At first, our goal was simple — to engrave our name on our products. But soon, things grew. More people wanted our work, and we decided to expand. We added more OMTech lasers and started making a wider range of products. The machines were reliable, fast, and easy to use. They played a big part in our business growth.
Looking back, I wish I had known more about running a business — things like where to get materials and how to sell better. It was hard at first because we didn’t know where to start. Still, OMTech was always there for us. Their machines made the process smoother and helped us turn a small idea into something real.
We now earn about 15 to 20K a year. We take part in local shows and sell our products in a shop that features several vendors. Our next goal is to turn Black Dragon Designs into a full-time business. We also plan to open our own retail store soon.
By day, I work as an Audio Visual engineer, designing systems for large projects. But my passion for laser engraving keeps growing. It feels like the start of a new chapter in my life — one that’s creative, hands-on, and deeply rewarding.
Brian's Advice for Beginners
Starting out, I wish I had a clearer plan on what to make and where to sell it. So, my advice to those hesitating is to have a solid game plan. Check out local markets, craft shows, and find your unique niche. Find out what it is that people want. Originality is key – don't just follow trends, set them.
We encountered challenges, especially with people copying our designs. But, protecting our ideas and constantly developing new ones helped us stay ahead. OMTech's lasers allowed us to focus on innovation rather than troubleshooting machine issues and low-quality engravings.
When I first started my business, I didn’t have a clear plan. I didn’t know what products would sell or where to sell them. Looking back, I wish I had taken more time to map things out before diving in. That’s why my first piece of advice to anyone thinking about starting their own engraving business is simple — make a plan. Think about what you enjoy creating, and then find out if there’s a market for it. Visit local markets and craft fairs. Talk to other makers and customers. See what catches people’s attention. Every successful business begins with understanding what people want and how your creativity can meet that demand.
When you find your niche, focus on it. Don’t try to make everything at once. Start small and get really good at one thing before moving on. And above all, be original. It’s tempting to copy popular trends, but real success comes from standing out. Create your own designs, build your own style, and let your personality show in your work. People connect with authenticity. They can tell when something is made with care and creativity.
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Of course, challenges will come. We faced our share, especially when other sellers started copying our designs. At first, it was frustrating. But instead of letting it stop us, we used it as motivation to keep improving. We learned to protect our ideas and to keep pushing forward with new ones. That mindset helped us stay ahead. OMTech lasers also played a big role in this. Their machines are reliable and precise, so we could focus on creating rather than fixing technical problems or dealing with inconsistent results. Having dependable tools gave us confidence and freed up time for innovation.
Our success didn’t happen overnight. It grew from a mix of originality, fair pricing, and commitment to quality. We never wanted to overcharge our customers. Instead, we kept our prices fair and offered customisation without huge extra fees. That approach helped us build trust with our clients. Many of them came back again and again, not just because of our designs, but because they knew we valued their satisfaction. OMTech’s lasers have truly been the backbone of that success, giving us the accuracy and dependability to bring every idea to life — from simple engravings to complex custom pieces.
If you’re thinking about starting your own laser engraving journey, my advice is to take the leap. Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” There will always be challenges, but each one teaches you something important. Be creative, plan carefully, and believe in your work. Find tools that you can rely on, like OMTech lasers — they’ve completely changed how we create at Black Dragon Designs. What began as a way to pass time during the pandemic has turned into a growing business that we’re proud of.
If you’re already part of the OMTech community, I encourage you to share your story. Tell others how you got started and what you’ve learned along the way. Your experience might be exactly what someone else needs to hear to start their own creative journey.
