Zack Honarvar didn’t come from the entertainment world, but he’s now shaping it from behind the scenes. The former Shopify sales rep–turned–founder of One Day Entertainment helps YouTube creators like Yes Theory and Airrack access their audiences to power lasting businesses. His journey is one of calculated risk, relentless work ethic, and a belief that creators can be more than just influencers—they can be CEOs.
In this episode of Shopify Masters, Zack shares how he made the leap from tech sales to entrepreneurship, and how creators and founders of all types can create meaningful brands in a fast-changing economy.
Taking lessons from sales into entrepreneurship
Zack’s transition from Shopify to full-time founder wasn’t impulsive. Working in sales taught him resilience, confidence, and how to handle rejection. Now, he uses these skills to support YouTubes as part of the creator economy.
“That cold calling experience … showed me early on that no matter how good your idea is, you’re going to have to go through a million no’s to find yes’s,” Zack says.
After traveling for trade shows and building a reputation among streetwear brands, Zack pitched Shopify on a new opportunity: working with creators. That path led him to the founders of digital media brand Yes Theory, where a casual connection turned into a career-defining business partnership. What began as a consulting stint on a merch deal led to a partnership that is the foundation for a new kind of company.
Building brands that reflect real values
Zack’s approach to creator-led brands is centered on authenticity. With Yes Theory, he helped launch Seek Discomfort, a brand rooted in founders’ personal philosophy that growth can come out of uncomfortable experiences.
“For Yes Theory … it’s a philosophy that people want to wear on their chest,” he says.
By aligning products with the creator’s interests, beliefs, and preferences, Zack builds brands that go beyond merch and resonate with a creator’s audience. This is a winning tactic, as evidenced by Zack’s work with creators like Airrack, who’s novelty products often sell out, since they’re rooted in the creator’s identity, which, in turn, supports the audience connection.
Finding the right partner before the right platform
Zack warns creators not to rush into contracts with agencies or brands early in their careers. Instead, he encourages them to find someone who can act like a cofounder—someone who brings operational skills and commitment.
“One of the best decisions any creator could make is … try to find a friend that you think is smart from a sales, operational, business perspective,” he says.
This early partner can help with everything from hiring to brand deals, offering long-term alignment over short-term connections. Zack views this kind of relationship as a foundational move for any creator looking to grow beyond content.
Thriving in a new era of the creator economy
With no-code tools and AI platforms, Zack says creators now have more control and fewer barriers to entry than ever before. He and his team even used no-code tools to prototype Creator Now, an online learning community for creators trying to grow and monetize their YouTube channels.
“You don’t need a team of 10 engineers to build a software product like you did 15 years ago,” Zack says.
Instead of chasing virality, Zack encourages brands to build lean, sustainable businesses that reflect personal values. The creator economy has matured into something that rewards depth and long-term thinking over quick wins.
Zack Honarvar’s journey proves that entrepreneurship doesn’t require a traditional path—just vision, persistence, and the right people around you.
Tune into Zack’s full video interview on the Shopify Masters YouTube channel to hear more tips for making a successful career pivot.
