User Story

Janie founded Flutrby Creations after discovering what she could make with her Ray5 20W laser engraver. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a business opportunity. By experimenting with different creations, she realized the possibilities were far greater than she initially imagined — and she believes she has only just begun exploring what the machine can truly do.

A Business Born from a Machine

Unlike many entrepreneurs who start with a business plan, Janie’s journey began with the machine itself. She didn’t create her business until after she started making items with her laser engraver.

As she experimented with different projects, she began to see real potential. The items she created weren’t just interesting to her — they were things other people wanted as well. That realization became the foundation of Flutrby Creations.

Discovering Unlimited Possibilities

One of Janie’s biggest takeaways so far is that she hasn’t “even scratched the surface” of what can be achieved with laser engraving. Every project opens new ideas and new directions to explore.

The creative process continues to evolve, and with each experiment, she gains more confidence and insight into what her business could become.

Advice for Newcomers

For those just starting out, Janie keeps her advice practical:

• Google everything

• Watch YouTube tutorials

• Join Longer community groups

Learning from available resources and other creators can dramatically shorten the learning curve and inspire new ideas.

With the Ray5 20W, Janie continues building Flutrby Creations, steadily growing her skills and business step by step.

Janie’s creative journey with laser engraving began after watching a video on Facebook, which sparked her curiosity and led her to research different machines online. After comparing options on Amazon, she first chose a Ray5 5W, and later upgraded to the Ray5 20W after experiencing a module issue and deciding to invest in a more powerful machine. Through this process, Janie discovered a deeper sense of creativity and found meaningful ways to create for others.

Discovering Laser Engraving Online

Janie’s introduction to laser engraving started with a simple moment—seeing a video on Facebook. Intrigued by what she saw, she began researching laser engravers and reading about what different machines were capable of.

After reviewing multiple options on Amazon, she decided to start with a Ray5 5W. When the module later broke and she waited for a replacement, Janie chose to upgrade and purchased a Ray5 20W, marking the next step in her creative journey.

Realizing Her Creative Potential

Through hands-on experience, Janie learned that she was more creative than she had ever imagined. Laser engraving became a way for her not only to make projects, but also to create meaningful pieces for the people around her.

One of her most impactful experiences was turning a photo of her friend’s husband’s hands, taken at a funeral home, into a tile. The finished piece deeply touched her friend, reinforcing for Janie the emotional power of thoughtful, personalized creations.

Creating with Purpose and the Ray5 20W

Today, Janie continues to explore her creativity through laser engraving, focusing on projects that carry personal meaning and emotional value. Her experience has shown her that laser engraving can be both a creative outlet and a way to support others through meaningful gifts.

With the Ray5 20W as her current machine, Janie continues to create heartfelt pieces that reflect her growing confidence, creativity, and purpose.

For Milos, creativity has always been closely tied to design and handmade wooden products. Based in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he found laser engraving to be a natural way to bring those interests together. Using the Longer Ray5 20W, Milos began turning ideas into tangible objects—a process that eventually led to selling over 100 wooden Easter egg baskets. More than a milestone in sales, the experience helped build real confidence in his creative work.

Starting with Design and Wood

Milos’s entry into laser engraving was driven by a clear passion for design and handcrafted wooden items. From the beginning, his focus was on creating objects that felt personal and thoughtfully made, rather than mass-produced.

Laser engraving allowed him to expand what he could do with wood, adding detail and consistency while keeping a handmade character. The Ray5 20W became an essential part of this process, supporting his creative ideas and helping him translate designs into finished pieces.

A Meaningful Milestone

One of the most important moments in Milos’s journey came when his work reached real customers. Selling over 100 wooden Easter egg baskets marked a turning point, showing that his creations resonated beyond his own workspace.

That experience brought more than practical success—it built confidence. Alongside Easter baskets, Milos’s favorite creations include keychains, personalized wooden boxes, and home décor, each reflecting his growing skills and design sensibility.

Confidence Built Through Making

Today, Milos’s creative path continues to take shape through hands-on work and steady exploration. Each project adds to his experience and reinforces his belief in the value of quality, well-crafted wooden products.

From a passion for design to the confidence gained through meaningful sales, Milos’s story shows how laser engraving can support both creative expression and personal growth. With the Ray5 20W as a reliable tool in his process, he continues to turn ideas into carefully made wooden pieces—one project at a time.

Every creative journey begins somewhere—sometimes with nothing more than curiosity and a simple machine. For a maker from the United States, that first step into laser engraving quickly grew into a deeper passion. What started with a basic setup soon led to an upgrade to the Longer Ray5 20W, opening new possibilities for personalized and meaningful projects. From marina name plates to thoughtful gifts for friends, this journey shows how hands-on making can transform a simple interest into a rewarding creative pursuit.

For many creators, great things start with curiosity—and that’s exactly how Milos Dojcinovic, founder of MD Laser Works, began his journey. Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milos didn’t plan to start a business at first. He simply wanted to create custom wooden gifts that carried personal meaning.

Turning Curiosity Into a Creative Business

“I wanted to offer something personal,” Milos shares. “Items you can’t just find in regular stores—custom keychains, wooden boxes, cutting boards, and souvenirs that hold memories.”

What started as a hobby soon transformed into a small but growing home-based business.

Choosing the Right Tool: LONGER Ray5 20W

After researching different laser engravers, Milos discovered the LONGER Ray5 20W, a powerful yet beginner-friendly laser engraver that perfectly matched his needs.

“Even without a background in this field, I was able to start from scratch. The Ray5 made it easy to learn, and Longer’s online community helped me grow even faster.”

With 20W of laser power, precise engraving accuracy, and intuitive software compatibility, the Ray5 20W allowed Milos to turn creative ideas into reality—from detailed engravings on wood and slate to custom-made décor and personalized gifts.

The machine became more than just a tool—it was the foundation for Milos’s creative independence.

Building MD Laser Works

Milos began creating small batches of custom pieces for friends and local customers. His designs quickly gained attention for their craftsmanship, personalization, and meaningful touch.

Today, MD Laser Works operates as a small home-based business serving the local community, with annual revenue between $3,000–$5,000 USD—and growing steadily.

Each order represents more than just a product—it’s a story, a moment, a memory brought to life through laser engraving art.

The Joy Behind the Craft

For Milos, success isn’t measured only by numbers. It’s about the freedom to create, the joy of learning, and the connection between maker and customer.

“The Ray5 gave me the confidence to explore, make mistakes, and improve. Every project teaches me something new.”

From his first wooden keychain to large custom cutting boards, each piece reflects his passion for craftsmanship and creativity.

💡 Milos’s Advice for New Laser Engraving Beginners

“Start simple and be patient. Don’t expect perfection from day one—laser engraving has a learning curve. Join user groups, explore different materials, and most importantly, understand your market. Creativity opens the door, but consistency is what keeps you moving forward.”

A Spark That Keeps Growing

Milos’s journey with the LONGER Ray5 20W proves that with the right tools, community, and determination, anyone can turn a spark of curiosity into a meaningful creative business.

From hobbyist to entrepreneur, his story is an inspiration to every maker who dreams of bringing ideas to life—one engraving at a time.

📍 Featured Tools & Resources

• Laser Engraver Used: LONGER Ray5 20W

• Software: LightBurn, LaserBurn

• Materials: Wood, Slate, Acrylic

• Business Name: MD Laser Works

• Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina