We recently connected with Ivan Bosnjak and have shared our conversation below.

Ivan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was leaving my steady job to pursue my own business and YouTube career full-time. After completing dual degrees in marketing and information technology, I felt that my true passion lay elsewhere—working for myself and building something unique. I’ve always been drawn to the creativity of YouTube, and recently, I’ve ramped up my efforts, treating it more seriously as a career path.

This decision wasn’t easy. It meant stepping away from the security of a regular paycheck and putting all my efforts into growing my media company and entertainment business. The challenge is that I’m entirely self-reliant when it comes to generating income. I have to constantly hustle to make sure I’m covering my living expenses, as I don’t have the safety net of a traditional job. It’s been a huge leap, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding to have the freedom to be creative, experiment, and take on exciting new projects that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.

The risk is still present since I haven’t achieved complete financial stability yet, but the opportunity for growth and personal fulfillment is what keeps me going. Every day brings new challenges, but also new possibilities to expand my business and creative ventures, and that’s what makes this risk worth it.

Ivan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Ivan Bosnjak, a creator and entrepreneur from Youngstown, Ohio. I hold dual degrees in marketing and information technology, but what really drove me was my passion for building my own businesses and creating content that connects with people in unique and entertaining ways. I’ve always been fascinated by the creative space, and that’s what led me to launch both my YouTube career and my own media and entertainment companies.

I run several ventures under different umbrellas. One of my most recognizable brands is BigHot LLC, where I offer entertainment services like DJing, photo booth rentals, and wedding officiant services. My team and I have helped create memorable moments at events, from weddings to corporate gatherings. Additionally, I provide business consulting services through Stellar Solutions Business Consulting LLC, offering everything from social media management to marketing strategy. In the content creation world, I run BigHot, a YouTube channel.

On the creative side, I’ve also developed a card game called “Say The Same Word”, which is available on major platforms like Amazon and in local retailers. The game is all about getting people to think alike and enjoy simple, fun interactions—something I’m proud of because it brings people together in a meaningful way.

What sets me apart is the diversity of my work. Whether it’s organizing large-scale events like my YouTube challenges, crafting engaging YouTube content, or building out business consulting services, everything I do is rooted in creativity and a deep understanding of what my clients need. I’m not afraid to take risks, try new things, and constantly evolve. This adaptability allows me to serve a wide variety of clients, from people looking to enhance their events to businesses needing social media strategies that work.

The thing I’m most proud of is my ability to turn ideas into reality. From building my businesses from the ground up to creating a unique space on YouTube, I’ve managed to carve out a path that’s both fulfilling and exciting. For potential clients, followers, or fans, the biggest thing I want them to know is that I’m fully committed to providing unique experiences and top-notch services. Whether through entertainment, creative media, or business consulting, I’m focused on delivering results that stand out.

Ultimately, my work is driven by a passion for creativity, problem-solving, and connecting with people on a deeper level. I’m always looking for the next big opportunity to grow, evolve, and make an impact.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my business journey came during COVID. I was running a custom dog treat business, where we sold organic treats for pets, which was something I was really passionate about. However, during the pandemic, we started to notice a significant drop in demand. People had less expendable income, and the luxury of purchasing high-end dog treats became less of a priority. Eventually, it became clear that the business wasn’t sustainable, and we had to make the tough decision to pivot away from it. That experience taught me a lot about being adaptable and understanding the shifts in market demand, especially during times of crisis. While it was difficult to close that chapter, it allowed me to refocus my efforts on other ventures that were more aligned with the new economic climate.

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

In terms of business acquisitions, I did purchase a photo booth company in 2022 to expand my offerings under BigHot Entertainment. Initially, we were just focused on DJ services, but acquiring this company allowed us to diversify and provide photo booth rentals for weddings, parties, and corporate events. The acquisition process itself was relatively smooth, as it was a smaller business with a lot of equipment that needed to be integrated into our operations. Learning how to set up and manage the equipment was a bit of a curve, but the addition has been fully worth it. It has given me the ability to serve a broader client base, and I’m proud of how well it has fit into our overall business model. Looking back, both the pivot during COVID and the acquisition were crucial moments that helped me grow and adapt in my business journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bighott.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bighotttt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-bosnjak-b22a36153/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bighot