In a region racing toward glossy development and polished high rises, one West Palm Beach entrepreneur is quietly vending a different kind of local pride, from inside refurbished snack machines.

Meghan McKenna, founder of Flamango Vending, is on a mission to reconnect Palm Beach County residents and visitors with the community’s artistic soul, through vending machines that dispense small-scale, affordable art made by local creators.

The concept, pitched recently at the 1909 Founder Showcase in downtown West Palm, is deceptively simple: reimagine the aging vending machine as a micro gallery. Each one is stocked with an eclectic mix of local artwork, from crocheted bookmarks and tiny paintings to handmade zines and “beer cap fabergé eggs”. Items sell for between $4 and $50, with most averaging just under $20.

We’re living through a moment of massive growth in Palm Beach County, but with that comes identity loss. These machines are about plugging into emotion, reclaiming space, and building hyperlocal connection.

said Meghan McKenna, founder of Flamango Vending.

Since launching in late February 2024, Flamango has sold nearly 1,000 pieces of art across three active machines in downtown West Palm Beach, with two more on the way this year. McKenna hopes to expand to 10 machines in 2025, with a bold target: landing a high traffic spot inside Palm Beach International Airport’s upcoming terminal expansion.

A Business Model Built on Community and Consignment

Artists consign their work, set their own price thresholds, and are paid monthly. Venues, like museums or shopping centers, either pay an installation fee or host a lower cost “branded wrap” version that Flamango subsidizes. Additional revenue comes from grants, sponsorships, and brand partnerships.

We have more locations ready than we have machines to fill them.

said Meghan McKenna, founder of Flamango Vending.

Flamango’s approach also resonates with the growing global vending industry. The market is projected to grow at 7.7% CAGR over the next decade, with North America representing nearly 45% of global share, according to McKenna’s pitch.

Backing her vision is Shelly Rosen, a former McDonald’s exec and Redbox team veteran, serving as an advisor. The artist network is equally robust, with 200+ local creators on deck to contribute.

The Art of the Unexpected

While some pieces reflect high craftsmanship, others lean quirky or nostalgic. Top sellers include McKenna’s own illustrated zine about West Palm’s flower named downtown streets and “book thongs”, hand crocheted bookmarks shaped like lingerie.

Art shouldn’t be something you only see on a museum wall. It should surprise you, delight you, and fit in your pocket.

said Meghan McKenna, founder of Flamango Vending.

The appeal isn’t just in what’s sold, but where. Machines are intentionally placed in “unactivated” corners, unassuming spots in local businesses or public spaces that might otherwise go unnoticed.