Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Ascencio.
Hi Bianca, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a creative person. Whether it was remodeling a kitchen, creating a floral arrangement, decorating a party, or designing something from scratch, I’ve always been the person my family and friends called when something creative needed to be done. I’ve had many different jobs over the years, from childcare to welding, but I eventually realized that I felt most fulfilled when I was creating something and helping others.
After losing my brother to a fentanyl overdose in 2019, I struggled for years to find my sense of purpose. In the summer of 2025, I found myself at one of my lowest points and knew I needed to make a change. Through therapy, reconnecting with my faith, and a lot of prayer, I began searching for something that would allow me to use my creativity while also serving my community.
I had always dreamed of owning my own business. I originally imagined having traditional snack vending machines with a creative twist, but after seeing how expensive they were, I knew it would take time to get started. Then one day, while searching online for machines, I came across a sticker vending machine. Instantly, I remembered being a kid and putting a few quarters into a vending machine to get all kinds of stickers and tattoos. I remembered how something so simple could make me so happy, and I knew I wanted to recreate that feeling for other people.
That’s when the idea for Vend The Moment was born. Instead of simply placing sticker machines in stores, I wanted to make them part of celebrations: customizing the machines, stickers, and signage for weddings, birthdays, showers, and other special events.
Then came what felt like the biggest sign that I was on the right path. I found a man selling several vending machines together for $800. There were four sticker machines, six gumball machines, and two candy machines. At the time, I didn’t have $800, but I reached out anyway and hoped he might be willing to hold them while I saved up. As I was typing my message, I watched the listing price change from $800 to $0. I couldn’t believe it.
That moment, along with everything that followed, felt like an answered prayer. From picking up the machines in a U-Haul to launching Vend The Moment, I’ve continued to see doors open in ways I never expected.
Today, I’m blessed to share these machines with my community and create moments of joy for people of all ages. I’m also building Vend The Moment into something bigger than a business. As I grow, I want to continue giving back to local nonprofits that support youth, women, and families in need.
My journey has taught me that sometimes purpose can come from the most unexpected places. For me, it started with a simple sticker vending machine and a childhood memory, and it has grown into a business centered around creativity, connection, and giving back.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, it honestly felt like God was paving the way for me. So many things fell into place that I knew I was on the right path. But I’ve learned that once God opens a door, I still have to walk through it, put in the work, and show Him that I trust where He is leading me.
One of my biggest challenges has been learning how to market myself and put my business out there. I’m naturally creative, but learning the business side, especially putting myself and my work in front of people, has been a completely different skill to develop.
Another challenge has been finding the right pricing. I want to stay true to the quality and creativity that goes into my work while also keeping my services accessible to families, especially during a time when the cost of everyday necessities continues to rise. A lot of the investment in my business has come directly out of my own pocket, and sometimes I have to get creative and find ways to make things work without passing every cost along to my clients.
It can be challenging starting a small business and figuring everything out as you go, but I genuinely love what I do. Knowing that something I created can make someone smile, add something special to their celebration, or become a memory they look back on makes the investment and hard work worth it. The smiles and memories this business creates are truly unmatched, and they remind me why I started in the first place.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Vend The Moment, LLC specializes in custom sticker vending experiences for weddings, birthdays, showers, corporate events, and celebrations of all kinds. Our vending machines can hold custom stickers, magnets, temporary tattoos, and really anything flat that fits inside the machine’s sleeves.
What makes Vend The Moment unique is that the experience is completely customizable. I design everything from the stickers inside the machine to the signage on the machine itself. Clients can bring me a vision, a theme, a color palette, or even just an idea, and I get to work bringing it to life.
I’m also a creative at heart, so my work doesn’t stop at vending machines. I create custom matchboxes, banners, coloring books, cup stickers, and other personalized details for events. If you can dream it, I love figuring out how to make it happen.
What I’m most proud of is being able to offer something that feels special and unique while keeping it accessible. I offer a wide range of vending machines and strive to provide affordable, customized experiences that can fit different types of celebrations and budgets.
Another part of Vend The Moment that I’m especially proud of is its commitment to giving back. At the end of each month, a portion of my proceeds is donated to local nonprofits, including Cowtown S.K.A.T.E., A New Leaf, and Where Hope Lives. I want this business to grow into something that not only creates memories for my clients, but also creates a positive impact in my community.
I have so much planned for the future of Vend The Moment, and I’m excited to continue growing, creating, giving back, and bringing people’s visions to life.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always a little shy around people I didn’t know, but once I got comfortable with you, I would talk your ear off! I’ve always loved laughing, making jokes, and being silly with my family. I grew up watching comedy movies and stand-up specials, so humor has always been a big part of my personality.
I was also always creating something. I spent a lot of time remodeling and doing DIY projects with my grandma, along with coloring, painting, and finding anything I could turn into a creative project. Looking back, I think that was probably the beginning of the creative side of me that eventually became such a big part of my business.
I was also the only girl among my siblings, so I definitely had to hold my own! Every once in a while, that meant becoming the target of a full-blown Nerf war.
I think growing up surrounded by family, creativity, humor, and a little bit of chaos shaped a lot of who I am today. I’m still that same person who loves making people laugh and turning an idea into something tangible, I just have a business to put all that creativity into now.
Pricing:
- 2 slot machine rental starting at $95
- 4 slot machine rental starting at $165
Contact Info:
- Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrjOCtzppKcqZJyOAXAHYjEIbImH7r8wDytOE3EdlBM9zldA/viewform
- Instagram: vendthemoment
