We had the good fortune of connecting with Alyse Daniels and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alyse, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The reason I started my vending machine business was because I was unhappy working long hours in corporate America, and I didn’t feel like I was being compensated fairly for the amount of work I was doing. Despite being practically in charge of the company, I felt like I didn’t have enough control over my own career. I think I just felt the same way many folks are feeling these days. Nobody is satisfied spending their entire life busting their butt just so that someone else can sit around enjoying the fruits of their hard labor. If I was going to go hard, I wanted to go hard for my own brand.

My husband, who is a successful entrepreneur, served as a great inspiration to me. He had the freedom and control over his own lifestyle that I craved. I wanted to start my own business to have that same kind of independence and control, while also leveraging my skills and expertise to build something of my own.

Starting a vending machine business was the perfect way to achieve these goals. My background in finance, business leadership, and human resources management has been invaluable in building a successful business. I have implemented financial management strategies to ensure profitability and cash flow, and developed an internal system for tracking inventory and optimizing routes for restocking our machines.

My business partner, who is an attorney, has a diverse set of skills that includes sales, marketing, graphic design, and executive leadership, which have all been essential in growing our business. Together, we work to manage all aspects of the business, from financial management and operations to sales and marketing.

Overall, starting my own vending machine business has been a very satisfying decision. Its allowed me to leverage my skills and expertise, while also providing financial security for my children. I feel a great sense of fulfillment knowing that I am making a positive impact on my community and teaching my kids about the value of hard work and entrepreneurship. I am proud of what we have accomplished so far and am excited about the future of Yummy2MeTummy.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our vending machine business is unique in that we custom manufacture all of our machines overseas and have them shipped to the United States. This allows us to offer a product that meets our specific needs and provides a unique experience for our customers. Our machines also leverage cutting edge technology for a simple and cashless transaction, which our customers love.

One thing that sets us apart from other vending machine businesses is our emphasis on customer service. We work hard to ensure that our machines are always well-stocked and in good working order, and we make sure that our customers are satisfied with their experience. We also offer a wide variety of products to meet the needs of different customers, from healthy snacks to traditional vending machine fare.

Building this business has been a journey that has not been easy, but it has been very rewarding. We have faced many challenges along the way, from hiccups dealing with international shippers to managing cash flow and sourcing inventory. However, by staying focused on our goals and working hard to overcome obstacles, we have been able to find some success–even in a turbulent market.

One of the biggest lessons we have learned along the way is the importance of adaptability and flexibility. The vending machine business is constantly evolving, and we have had to be willing to change our approach and strategies to meet new challenges and take advantage of new opportunities. It’s a constant work in progress.

Ultimately, we want the world to know that our business is committed to providing the highest level of customer service, quality products, and cutting edge technology.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area for a week, I would want to show them all the best places that Dallas has to offer. Here’s a little itinerary:

Day 1:

We would start off by visiting the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to learn about the history of President John F. Kennedy and his assassination.
For lunch, we would go to Restoration Warehouse, which is one of my favorite spots in town.
In the evening, we would head to Deep Ellum and check out some of the local bars, such as Adair’s Saloon or The Free Man Cajun Cafe, where we could listen to some live music.

Day 2:

We would start off the day by exploring the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden or just hang out at White Rock Lake Park.
For lunch, we would check out the Trinity Groves in the Bishop Arts District. We might stop and get a tattoo or check out some art galleries in the area as well.
In the evening, we would visit nice lounge or bar, like this little speakeasy I love called Bourbon and Banter.

Day 3:

We would start the day with a tour of the AT&T Stadium, which is home to the Dallas Cowboys and one of the most impressive sports venues in the world.
For lunch, we would check out the Fort Worth Stockyards for some steak and cold beers.
In the evening, we would probably keep it low key and hit up a spot like the Bishop Cidercade, which is a unique bar and arcade that has classic arcade games and pinball machines.

Day 4:

We would start off by shopping at Northpark Mall and maybe having some mimosas.
For lunch, we would either grab some Fuel City tacos or some pho bo kho from I Love Pho on Forrest Lane.
In the evening, we would probably just hang out at home with friends and neighbors and cook out on the grill or something chill like that.

Day 5:

We would start off by a nice fun workout session at Strong Ninja Fitness or go to a Planet Fitness.
For lunch, we would head to Hot Crab on Spring Valley, which is another popular seafood spot known for its snow crab and oysters.
In the evening, we would check out Pappadeaux for food and cocktails.

Day 6:

We would start off by visiting Restore for some cryo and an IV or hit the sauna.
For lunch, we would check out King Spa or go get our nails done.
In the evening, we would get dolled up and head to the Dallas Opera for a ritzy night of cocktails and art.

Day 7:

For the last day of the trip, we would probably just spend all day doing random things, and then go out for a nice dinner that evening.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am fortunate to have my husband as my life partner and business partner. His expertise in sales, marketing, graphic design, and executive leadership have been essential in growing our vending machine business and reaching new customers. He also works hard alongside me and our two small children to keep our machines stocked and running smoothly.

In addition to my husband, I am inspired by women like Tyra Banks, Buffy Perselle, and Cynt Marshall. They are both successful businesswomen who have paved the way for other women and people of color in the business world. Their stories have taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and innovation in business.

I am also grateful for the hard work and dedication of my family, who pitch in to help keep our vending machines stocked and provide excellent customer service. Without their support, our business would not be where it is today.

Finally, I want to thank my customers, who have been loyal and supportive throughout our journey. Their feedback and input have helped us to improve our business and better meet their needs.

Website: www.yummy2metummy.com

Image Credits
Copyright, Daniels Legacy Ventures, LLC 2023

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