Marcus Gram started from the bottom. Now, he is earning top dollars. CNBC Make It reports the 31-year-old started with $10,000 and a dream. Gram was making $30,000 per year and originally aspired to become a music producer. He later moved back home to find footing and saved money by living with his mother. He then moved to Philadelphia with aspirations to jumpstart an entrepreneurship journey. Marcus recalls seeing a woman retrieve money from a vending machine. That brief snapshot in time sparked his interest and his side hustle began. He invested $4,400 into two vending machines with two card readers in 2018. Gram earned $4,000 in his first year. Soon, his side hustle became a business, and Joyner Vending was born. One year later, his earnings soared to $25,000, and the year after that, $200,000. In 2021, Gram racked in $300,000. Fast forward to now, and Gram projects he is on track to earn half a million dollars this year alone. Gram shared his tips for success.

We promise this is not your average vending machine. Shania Morris is the mastermind behind Blinkz On A Budget, a luxury vending machine that allows you to purchase lashes on the go. The unconventional route found favor in the eyes of the 24-year-old as it forged a connection between customers while cutting down operational costs. The Jamaican native stirred up the idea to launch a vending machine after recognizing the ever-growing popularity within the United States. Morris’ passion project soon went from an idea to reality after scoring a vendor in Florida who could provide a home for her human lashes. She planned to debut her machine at a local outlet mall in Florida but she soon realized to stand out among competitors, her dispensary would need a unique twist. In decked-out fashion, the vending machine received a stellar makeover sporting an adorned floral wall perfect to snap a few selfies while operating as a hidden marketing strategy. @thelashdoc #minklashes...