Rising Stars: Meet Jada Hobson of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jada Hobson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The story of Destination Dream actually began as a YouTube web series during my college years. Around 2012, while attending Kent State University, I launched the series to interview local artists and creatives about their dreams—whether they were pursuing careers in the arts, music, entrepreneurship, or any other passion. I would ask each person, “What’s your destination?” referring to the ultimate goal they hoped to achieve through their dream.

After producing several episodes, I decided to bring the artists I interviewed together for a networking event. The event was hosted at HEDGE Gallery at 78th Street Studios in Cleveland and brought together the featured artists, along with their families, friends, and supporters. The event featured live music, a fashion show, and an art exhibition, marking my first major artist event production. I also launched a crowdfunding campaign to help fund the event, and it became a major success.

Following that event, the idea for Destination Dream began to take shape, although it did not yet have a defined structure, focus, or permanent location. That changed in 2017, after college, when I began working within Cleveland school systems, leading art workshops for youth focused on creativity, entrepreneurship, and career exploration. That experience sparked a new vision for Destination Dream as a youth-focused organization centered around arts and entrepreneurship, while also creating opportunities and events for aspiring artists and creatives.

Over time, that vision has grown into a fully functioning nonprofit organization. Today, Destination Dream operates out of the INDI Art House Studio in Cleveland, Ohio, where we use the arts and entrepreneurship to help young people explore their creativity, develop their skills, and turn their dreams into tangible opportunities.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely not been smooth haha it has been a fun journey though! The biggest challenge has been securing consistent funding to support the growth and sustainability of Destination Dream. As a founder, I’ve had to continue moving the vision forward even when resources were limited. The solution has been having faith in the vision, continuing to demonstrate the impact of our work, and trusting that the right partners and funders who align with our mission will recognize the value of what we are building and invest in its future.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an entrepreneur, creative strategist, and community builder with more than a decade of experience working at the intersection of arts, entrepreneurship, youth development, and community engagement. I’m the founder of The INDI Group and Destination Dream, and I specialize in helping artists, creatives, nonprofits, and community-based organizations turn their ideas into brands, programs, events, and sustainable opportunities.

I’m probably best known for creating spaces and opportunities for creatives to grow—whether through artist marketing, community events, youth arts programming, or entrepreneurship education. A major part of my work has always been about proving that creativity can be a pathway to economic opportunity and community development.

What I’m most proud of, however, is the transformation of my family’s former property into the INDI Art House in Cleveland. I invested in and renovated the property, turning it into a creative space that now serves as a home for youth programming, art workshops, exhibitions, entrepreneurship education, community events, and opportunities for local artists. It represents so much more than a physical building to me. It’s proof that I can take a vision, invest in it, build it from the ground up, and create something that gives back to the community.

The INDI Art House is also a reflection of what I want Destination Dream to become: a model for how arts, entrepreneurship, real estate, and community development can come together to create lasting opportunities for young people and creatives.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Right now, what matters most to me is creating financial freedom and stability so I can run my organization seamlessly, as Destination Dream is currently in phase 4 of our Crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for capacity and staff . I want to build something sustainable that allows me to focus more on the vision, the people we serve, and the work itself. I also care deeply about making meaningful, quality investments in the Buckeye community where we operate—creating opportunities for youth and creatives, supporting local businesses, and helping contribute to the long-term growth and revitalization of the neighborhood.

Pricing:

• $300 Monthly Art Workshops available through the Yippee Exchange Platform : https://yippee.exchange/products/cm1p7la1b142131077mclqi32meo
• Donations are always welcome for our Crowdfunding campaign https://www.destinationdream.org/

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.destinationdream.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationdream.foundation
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/mJXAYt88PdU