From Prison to Prosperity: The Impact of North Baton Rouge Native Jason Hughes

By Brianna Meeks
Southern University

Baton Rouge, LA. — Having created In a society where limitations can be self- or peer-imposed, North Baton Rouge native Jason Hughes serves as a ray of light and living proof of the phrase “if I can do it you can do it too." Presently, he’s a serial entrepreneur, having created several ventures over the last decade, including a nonprofit organization, a consulting group, and a laundromat. Additionally, he’s acquired real estate in one of the most economically challenged communities in the city of Baton Rouge—the 70805 zip code.

However, in 2006, Jason’s life veered in a less positive direction when he took an unexpected turn upon graduating from Southern University.  Drug charges during that same year landed Jason in prison from 2006 to 2011. However, the setback did not dissuade him.  Instead, he used his time behind bars to regain his sense of purpose. “I tell everyone, prison is like a time capsule- it is designed as such because that’s the way it works out. If you get stuck in that place and you don’t educate yourself, you don’t read and try to stay in touch with what’s going on in the world as much as possible, then it becomes hard for you to feel relevant,” Jason reflects.

Upon his release from prison, Mr. Hughes found substantial gratification in creating his consulting group.  Hughes Consultant Group has aimed to transform low-income neighborhoods into commercial spaces to provide high-quality housing for low and moderate-income families and companies.  “It is fulfilling.  I enjoy being able to create the opportunity for families to have a clean and safe up-to-date living environment.  A lot of times, people are often overlooked, or they have unfortunate circumstances.  I think that giving people the opportunity and educating them on how to become a homeowner gives them the best example of what home ownership looks like and that’s my goal,” stated Hughes about his real estate endeavors.     

In 2016, acknowledging the lack of support in the 70805 community of  Baton Rouge, Jason created a nonprofit organization called Project 70805, which he’s devoted to enriching people’s lives by putting on events like back to school and Christmas giveaways for children. To date, his organization has provided valuable support by giving away hundreds of backpacks and school supplies and thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving students in the surrounding schools. Jason’s willingness to improve the community he grew up in has unveiled multiple opportunities to better the lives of the people in North Baton Rouge. 

In addition to his charitable endeavors, in 2021, Jason opened a laundromat  “Robin St Laundromat”, located close to Southern University.  His vision was to provide a  better version of laundromats to help improve families and their quality of life. This included creating a fully air-conditioned facility with a clean and secure atmosphere with affordable prices.

For community leisure and entertainment, Jason has hosted several automobile exhibitions and has become an avid art admirer and collector, exhibiting a mindset that’s far away from the young man who spent five years behind bars. According to Jason, work motivated by enthusiasm is crucial: “Find something that you love to do.  I never dreamed or planned out the way things have played out for me, and I don’t believe I ever could have planned it.  I’m just glad that I’ve been available and receptive to different people’s ideas.”

The challenges that Jason faced exemplifies his willpower and discipline to  succeed. His narrative serves as a potent reminder that despite all challenges, it is possible to overcome them, find inspiration, and leave a legacy of opportunity and hope for future generations.