A former finance worker has broken free from the constraints of the corporate world, carving her own path to success by establishing a vending machine empire that now generates over £7,000 a month, all while working just three days a week.
From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurial Success
Megan Healey, 26, from Manchester, has always had a natural talent for business. As a teenager, she defied school rules to sell cookies and energy drinks. Today, she manages 27 vending machines across 18 locations in Manchester, Liverpool, and Rochester. Her journey to self-employment was far from straightforward—her initial venture brought in just £30 a month. However, with perseverance, research, and determination, she scaled her business significantly.
“I was working in finance, but my manager was just awful, and I’ve always wanted to make my own money,” Megan shared.
A Life-Changing Decision
The pivotal moment in Megan’s life came after a breakup, which propelled her to take control of her future. “Then I broke up with an ex, and I think that’s what drove me to change my life and buy a vending machine,” she admitted.
Now, with her business flourishing, Megan is considering expanding her team. She is optimistic about the future, firmly believing that “the sky is the limit.”
A Shift from Photography to Finance to Entrepreneurship
Raised in Tameside, Greater Manchester, Megan initially pursued photography in 2017, collaborating with fashion brands and modelling agencies in Manchester. However, she soon became disillusioned with the industry, finding it toxic. Her passion gradually shifted toward the business side of things.
“I think I just preferred making money,” she confessed. In 2021, she secured a finance job with a £27,000 annual salary, but dissatisfaction set in quickly. “I really hated it though. My manager there was awful, and I think I’ve always wanted to make my own money.”
Determined to become her own boss, Megan dedicated her spare time to researching the vending machine industry. “I thought it would be a semi-passive income that would generate money while I worked another job,” she explained.
A Return to Selling Snacks and Drinks
Megan’s vending machine venture brought her back to her roots—selling snacks and drinks, but this time on a much larger scale. “It was a full-circle moment, but more professional, advanced, and didn’t require me to handle every single sale,” she said.
She spent nine months thoroughly researching the industry, learning about repairs and logistics. Finding reliable information in the UK was challenging, but she eventually stumbled across an American YouTuber who became an invaluable source of knowledge.
Her first machine, an old Necta model purchased on eBay for £700 in June 2022, marked the beginning of her journey. With no prior experience or location to place it, she found a card shop owner in Barnsley through Facebook ads who allowed her to place the machine outside his high street store.
Reflecting on the experience, she admitted: “It was so bad. I didn’t have the experience I have now—I definitely wouldn’t put it there again.”
Scaling Up and Finding Success
Despite a slow start, Megan remained determined. Her first machine only generated £30 a month, but instead of quitting, she flipped it for a £300 profit and reinvested in a new machine. She secured a prime location in a Manchester care home, where her monthly earnings rose to £300.
By carefully analysing sales data from card readers, Megan discovered her most popular product was Coca-Cola. This insight led her to purchase another machine dedicated entirely to Coke, which dramatically boosted her earnings.
“I did some sales analysis and worked out what people actually wanted. They were drinking so much Coke that I bought another machine exclusively for Coca-Cola,” she revealed.
The care home location turned out to be unexpectedly profitable, bringing in as much as £1,500 a month during the summer. “It took me a while to get to that level, don’t get me wrong,” she reflected. “But I like to think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime location—despite being small, it makes so much money, which makes no sense.”
Across her machines, Coca-Cola remains the best-selling product, with Megan buying bottles for 80p each and selling them for £2. Sales patterns fluctuate depending on location, with energy drinks performing particularly well in warehouses and factories, where workers rely on them to stay alert during long shifts.
A Balanced Life and Future Growth
Now working just two to three days a week restocking machines while also managing a separate sneaker business, Megan has found a work-life balance that suits her.
She is also developing an online course to help others start their own vending machine businesses. Looking ahead, Megan hopes to hire staff to handle restocking, allowing her to focus on logistics and expansion.
“I’m only small, so it can be quite tiring,” she admitted. “I’d like to grow so I can focus on the logistics side. If I could do that, then the sky’s the limit.”
The Workers Union Says…
“Megan’s story is an inspiring reminder that workers have the power to take control of their own lives and create opportunities outside the traditional corporate world. With determination, research, and perseverance, anyone can break free from the grind and build a business that suits their lifestyle and financial ambitions.”
