A Spark That Started It All:

    Each dream starts as a spark—a thought even smaller than an idea, but large enough to light a path. “For Jayden ‘Jaydes’ Yen Dumont — also known as Yen, Evvls, Mandy, Heartkimi, Nunya, and Saint! — the initial spark was music.” What started as sleepless nights spent making beats and writing lyrics soon evolved into something larger: his mission to turn passion into purpose. Although Jaydes’ journey has not been easy, it proves that big dreams can happen when you pair courage with heart, resilience, and determination. Jaydes’ story is more than about talent and seeking fame; it is about the courage to leap, the strength to push through rough times, and the hope that even the slightest spark can turn into something unimaginable. When Jaydes first started, it was just a dream. He didn’t know whether anyone would ever listen, whether his songs would reach beyond his room, or whether he could create something with his passion. He did know he loved music, and that was enough to begin. For many students, it feels like the moment when you realize what makes you excited, even if you aren’t sure where it may lead in the near future. 

Building from the ground up:

  Jaydes knew from the start that it would begin small. He gathered the basic gear he had, including a simple mix engineer, and his love for sound. He wrote, recorded, and made sound with literally whatever he had; there wasn’t a big studio, fancy equipment, or a clear path ahead of him, just someone who had a knack for creating and a belief that his voice carried weight. He spent piles of hours: staying up late to work on lyrics, smooth flows, and building brick by brick.

Turning setbacks into opportunities:

  Like every other dreamer, Jaydes has been brought challenges as well. There have been days when progress was slow, days when he was racked with self-doubt, and days when it would have seemed easier to walk away from it all than to keep pursuing it. Instead of looking the other way, he welcomed those challenges. He took every rejection and every misstep as lumps of coal to fuel his furnace, sharpening his skill sets and reminding him why he had started in the first place.

Staying real and inspiring others:

  A unique aspect of Jayde’s story is the innate ability to connect with people. Despite all the fame, he has managed to stay true to himself and the people and community that surround him. Friends describe him as approachable and down-to-earth. It is clear in his music that he is true to himself; it is honest, authentic, and reflects deep emotion—it’s raw, personal, and emotional. For the students at Santiago High, it is essential to understand that Jaydes’ story is not only about one person. It serves as a reminder that passion, combined with a sprinkle of persistence, can take you further than you ever thought possible. Jaydes’ experiences mirror the hopes and struggles of students everywhere, from the ordinary beginnings to the extraordinary outcomes.

Eyes on the future:

  With projects coming in and fans ready for whatever happens next, Jaydes is moving forward with big dreams. Although bigger goals are on the horizon, he remains grounded in what matters most: creating, connecting, and inspiring.

More than just Music:

  Jaydes’ story is more than just a musician’s rise; it is a story of resilience, authenticity, and the power of self-belief. It teaches us that dreams are not the reserve of only a lucky few; they are the possession of anyone willing to put in the sweat, or who will fail but choose to continue. For students working towards their own ambitions, Jaydes’ pathway suggests that reality is not something you wait for; it is something you work for. When you work with passion and heart, your dreams don’t have to stay that way—they can become a reality.