Blog

Starting a business is a lot of work. That’s the part nobody skips over when they talk about being your own boss, and they’re right. It is a lot of work. But what I’ve realized at 19 is that not all work feels the same.When I worked at Walmart, I clocked in, did my job, clocked out, and left with sore feet and a paycheck that already felt spoken for. It was work, but there wasn’t joy in it. I didn’t leave thinking, “Wow, I can’t wait to go back tomorrow.” I left counting down the hours until my next day off.This business I’m starting, { <a data-mce-href="lilclawco.com" href="lilclawco.com">Lil’ Claw Co.</a>}, is still work, but it’s a completely different kind. I’m not going to lie, some days are discouraging🫠. Walking into a business, pitching the idea of putting in a mini claw machine, and hearing “no thanks” stings a little. And I’ll be honest… for some reason, I thought I’d hear my first “yes” way sooner. Definitely before the 40th owner I’ve spoken with. (Spoiler: I was wrong.)But here’s the crazy thing, I don’t feel the same kind of drained as I did after a Walmart shift. I actually want to keep going. Even when I’m tired. Even when the “no’s” stack up. Because every conversation gets me closer to that first “yes.” And instead of dreading the next shift, I’m excited, nervous, but excited to see who I’ll meet and what will happen next.It feels weird (in the best way) to do something because it’s a joy and not just a job. I love claw machines. Always have. And the thought of filling them with cool prizes, making kids smile, and helping local businesses bring in extra income… it makes the grind worth it.So yeah, it’s hard work. But this time, it’s work I choose. And that changes everything.

From Walmart to Claw Machines: Why This “Work” Feels Different

<h2>How I Launched Lil’ Claw Co.</h2><figure id="figure-0lyt2g4fnvmejzfxmx" class=""><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">When I was younger, I used to spend way too many quarters trying to snag a prize from a claw machine. Sometimes I’d win, sometimes I wouldn’t, but every time it felt like an adventure. The flashing lights, the sound of the claw moving, the anticipation of the drop🥳 it was fun, pure and simple.Now I’m 19, and I’ve reached that stage where I’m choosing my path. The “safe” option? Clocking in and out at Walmart, working a job just to make ends meet. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll still shop there, but it never felt like where I wanted to live my days.That’s when the idea hit me: why just play claw machines when I could own them?&nbsp; The Beginning of an IdeaI didn’t come from money, and I’m not looking to take on a huge risk. So I started with research. Found a mentor and I dug into how claw machines work, what kinds of prizes people actually want to win, and where these machines thrive the most. The business model made total sense:A restaurant or business gives me just one square foot of space. I set up a fun, modern claw machine at no cost to them. Kids stay entertained, parents get a breather, and the business collects a cut of the profits. Meanwhile, I handle the delivery, setup, and maintenance👩‍🔧no headaches, no extra staff time. It’s simple, clean, and best of all, fun.<p style="border-color: #e5e7eb; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(62,172,255,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-transform: translateX(0) translateY(0) rotate(0) skewX(0) skewY(0) scaleX(1) scaleY(1); --tw-border-opacity: 1; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; font-weight: 400; font-family: Jost, sans-serif;" data-mce-style="border-color: #e5e7eb; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(62,172,255,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-transform: translateX(0) translateY(0) rotate(0) skewX(0) skewY(0) scaleX(1) scaleY(1); --tw-border-opacity: 1; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; font-weight: 400; font-family: Jost, sans-serif;"> &nbsp; Why Lil’ Claw Co. I wanted the business to feel playful, approachable, and family-friendly. That’s how Lil’ Claw Co. was born. I designed a logo with a gray cat as the mascot (in memory of my cat and what’s more fun than claws🐾?), and I’m already planning what kinds of prizes I’ll stock. Honestly, the thought of shopping for little treasures to fill the machines with has me way too excited; it feels less like work and more like prepping a gift for everyone who plays.&nbsp; The Launch Ahead Here’s the crazy part: I haven’t officially launched yet. But the countdown is on. I’m talking with local restaurants and business owners now, and every conversation gets me more pumped to finally see that first machine light up and come alive.<img id="0lyt2g4fnvmejzfxmx" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3501aohe0nv9GqYqcx2j4oCMqPNQC0Yj0cIZWyNInoilcey0X02hHn6viwy336zp.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="mid message to a local restaurant about my mini claw machines🐾" data-positionx="20%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3501aohe0nv9GqYqcx2j4oCMqPNQC0Yj0cIZWyNInoilcey0X02hHn6viwy336zp.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 20% 0%;" style="border-color: rgb(229, 231, 235); --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-pan-x: ; --tw-pan-y: ; --tw-pinch-zoom: ; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-gradient-from-position: ; --tw-gradient-via-position: ; --tw-gradient-to-position: ; --tw-ordinal: ; --tw-slashed-zero: ; --tw-numeric-figure: ; --tw-numeric-spacing: ; --tw-numeric-fraction: ; --tw-ring-inset: ; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(62,172,255,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-blur: ; --tw-brightness: ; --tw-contrast: ; --tw-grayscale: ; --tw-hue-rotate: ; --tw-invert: ; --tw-saturate: ; --tw-sepia: ; --tw-drop-shadow: ; --tw-backdrop-blur: ; --tw-backdrop-brightness: ; --tw-backdrop-contrast: ; --tw-backdrop-grayscale: ; --tw-backdrop-hue-rotate: ; --tw-backdrop-invert: ; --tw-backdrop-opacity: ; --tw-backdrop-saturate: ; --tw-backdrop-sepia: ; --tw-transform: translateX(0) translateY(0) rotate(0) skewX(0) skewY(0) scaleX(1) scaleY(1); --tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-filter: ; --tw-backdrop-filter: ; --tw-bg-opacity: 1; background-color: rgb(243, 244, 246); width: 640px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: rgb(17, 24, 39); aspect-ratio: 3 / 2; object-position: 20% 0%;"> The anticipation is unreal😬 I can already picture a kid’s&nbsp;face lighting up when the claw drops a prize, or a parent sighing in relief because their little one is happily entertained while they enjoy their meal. Those are the moments I’m chasing.This isn’t just about a business. It’s about building something joyful, something that creates smiles while also building a future for me outside of the traditional 9-to-5.&nbsp; Want In On the Fun? If you’re a restaurant or business owner and want to offer your guests a little extra excitement while earning passive income with zero cost or effort, let’s chat.📩 Reach out to me today to reserve a spot for a Lil’ Claw Co. machine at your location. The opportunity is limited, and I’d love for your business to be one of the very first to launch with me.&nbsp; &nbsp; </figcaption></figure>

How I launched my business in NH?

Why I Started Lil’ Claw Co. Hey everyone,I’m Mari (sounds like Marie but without the 'e' means: Wished For Child), and I’m 19 years old. I started Lil’ Claw Co. because I wanted more for myself than clocking in at a job I didn’t love. Don’t get me wrong, I actually like shopping at Walmart, but I knew I didn’t want to spend my days working there. I wanted something that would make me excited to get up in the morning.I’ve always loved claw machines. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been hooked on the thrill of lining up the claw, holding my breath, and hoping it actually grabs the prize. Win or lose, I always walked away smiling. That joy stuck with me, and one day while I was waiting with my Mom for my Dad to finish up a dental appointment I thought---why not make claw machines my business?&nbsp; Turning a Hobby into a Business I realized that claw machines aren’t just fun, they’re a great way for businesses to keep kids entertained while parents relax, shop, or enjoy a meal. They take up hardly any space, require no extra work for staff, and they bring in extra revenue for the business. It’s a win for everyone.&nbsp; The Fun Part: Stocking the Machines One of the things I’m most excited about is filling the machines with prizes. I get to pick cool trophies that I think will make people’s eyes light up—plush toys, fidget gadgets, collectibles, and seasonal surprises. I want there to be something in there for everyone—kids, teens, and even adults who can’t resist giving it “just one try.”I plan to change out the prizes regularly so there’s always something new to win. Think summer beach toys, movie hits, holiday surprises—you’ll never know what you might find, but it’ll always be worth checking.&nbsp; Building Something of My Own This isn’t just about making money for me. It’s about creating moments of joy. I love the idea of someone’s day being made just because they won a little prize from one of my machines.Starting Lil’ Claw Co. means I get to build something that’s mine—something fun, creative, and meaningful. I’m so excited to share this journey with you all.Thanks for being here at the start of it all. I can’t wait to see where this claw takes me.— Mari 🐾

Blog

From Walmart to Claw Machines: Why This “Work” Feels Diff...

How I launched my business in NH?

Why I Started Lil’ Claw Co.