Maya Ray is what we call post-grad goals.
During her time as a college student, the Gen Z entrepreneur brainstormed a business idea that would have her financially set post-grad.
A month after graduating from Georgia State University, the alumna launched FYC Vending — a vending machine company — which has generated $119,000 in sales, according to Business Insider.
How It All Started
While in a job drought following her graduation, Ray decided to look elsewhere for potential opportunities. Her exploration led her to come across a course on starting a vending machine business. It was taught by Marcus Gram, who went on to become her mentor. Recalling the lack of spots for late-night munchies when she attended college, her alma mater’s campus turned into her first client.
Advice On Starting A Vending Business
To make a profit, you have to put your own dime into starting a new business.
Currently, Ray has three vending machines at Georgia State University and two at Kennesaw State University that are returning more of what she has invested to keep them running. In the decision-making for where to install her machines, Ray “first looks at the number of students living in the building and the number of employees working there. Then she thinks about who will have access to the machines and whether they will need them,” per the outlet.
“I learned to do more research and get a full story before jumping in, especially if it’s going to be a big investment,” she said.
Teaching Her Generation
Ray plans on using her success story to help other aspiring entrepreneurs reach the same level. In the near future, she wants to spread the knowledge of how to start a vending machine business at Atlanta-area colleges.
“My passion is to introduce the younger generation to it so that they have someone they can ask questions or have a better idea of how the industry really works and what they need to do to be successful in it.”
