Bao Hoang on Going Full-Time Magic: Interview
Bao is a busy Montreal-based magician with a growing online audience and playing card empire.
Meet Bao Hoang, the magician who's been amazing audiences for over 16 years! With his fast-growing community on social media, Bao has become a content creation sensation, with over 21k followers on Instagram, 170k on TikTok, and 150k on YouTube. Brands like Subaru, McDonald's, and Gillette have even noticed and teamed up with him for exciting projects. And YouTube Canada even named him a "Creator on the Rise"!
But that's not all Bao brings to the table. He's also a pro in digital marketing, with over six years of experience as a photographer, videographer, and creative director for top brands like Porsche Canada and Mazda Canada. And in 2022, he made the bold decision to focus solely on growing his online brand, community, and businesses.
And if that wasn't enough, Bao is also the founder of the BaoBao Restaurant Playing Cards brand! With five decks already released and many more on the way, these Asian food-themed playing cards are a hit with playing card enthusiasts everywhere.
Bao really is the best Montreal magician and was lovely enough to answer our questions!
When were you most starstruck?
Seeing David Copperfield at his show in Vegas. I don't quite remember the context, but I was seated near the stage, and he gave me a fist bump during the show. My reaction was, "Wow, he's actually real". 😂
What is your favourite magic trick?
My all-time favourite magic trick is iCurveball. This is my go-to effect to perform when I don't have any props on me. When done right, it can feel like real mind-reading.
Who is the most famous person you could text right now?
Chris Ramsay!
Do you have a nickname?
Bao is technically my nickname since my full first name is Bao An. It's easier to remember, and I got annoyed that people keep making the typo "Boa" An.
Has a trick you perform ever gone wrong?
Yes, I was performing celebrity Smart-Ass only to discover I had packed with me the wrong prediction. The trick ended with the mediocre gag revealing that it's the predicted celebrity as a baby.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
I cannot think of any Vietnamese actors, but if I had to pick an Asian actor, it'd be Steven Yeun.
How much is a pint of thumb tips?
$5, I think? I haven't needed to buy a new thumb tip in at least a decade!
When did a magic trick most fool you?
I'm not sure if it's considered being fooled or if this is a magic trick at all, but I can't wrap my mind around seeing David Blaine spitting out a frog, even if I now know that he needs to keep a frog inside him, and then has to regurgitate it on command.
What books do you recommend?
Not a magic book, but I recommend reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It is a great book for anyone who wishes to take the leap to turn their side hustle or passions into their career.
Where is the strangest place you've ever performed magic?
I once attempted to perform the crazy man's handcuffs while skydiving for the first time. Big emphasis on the word "attempt."
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