When Ilia Kolosov first started selling ballroom dance shoes out of a duffel bag, he had no idea it would lead to an international brand. Today, as the founder of AIDA Dance USA and Ballroom Portal, Ilia has built a company grounded in discipline, integrity, and a deep passion for craftsmanship — but the path wasn’t easy.

In this episode of the Stay Broke Podcast, Ilia opens up about the lessons behind the success: the years of grinding in New York, the personal mistakes that became turning points, and how coaching, faith, and mentorship helped him rebuild his mindset — and his mission.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between ambition and burnout, this episode will remind you why doing the work on yourself is the most important investment you can make.

💡 In This Episode

• Building a business from scratch in a niche industry
• Finding purpose through failure and growth
• Turning passion into a sustainable brand
• How mentorship and mindset shape success
• What it means to lead with ethics and discipline