Destiny Dixon is an undergraduate student at the University of Northern Iowa majoring in art education and minoring in TESOL teaching. Dixon is the vice president and co-editor-in-chief of Prolific Magazine, a student publication at UNI.
Dixon is also the owner of CharmCharmz of Destiny Ari’e — and sells handmade jewelry and various artworks around the Cedar Valley, including the 2025 Pear Fair.
As a child, Dixon was encouraged to be creative. Dixon’s parents were self-made producers, songwrit-ers, authors and visual artists. As a child, watching movies and reading books inspired Dixon to explore the art world further.
CharmCharmz of Destiny Ari’e started when Dixon was in ninth grade. She wanted to raise money for a school trip, and figured she’d turn one of her creative passions into a business.
“I thought I could make art and jewelry to raise money for this trip,” said Dixon. “Making jewelry and art is something that I’m already interested in, so, it went hand in hand”
Dixon’s jewelry is made with polymer clay and assorted gemstones. Bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings are some of the few pieces sold in her shop. Dixon also makes small charms for backpacks and keychains.
With 470 followers on Instagram, Dixon’s small business is growing — and a resource she used was the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center on UNI campus. Dixon had an incubator space from her freshman year until recently in her junior year.
“I received tips in the JPEC on how I could find different vendor fares in the area, and how I should market and promote my jewelry,” Dixon said.
Being a small business owner, full-time student and residential assistant in Noehren Hall, Dixon has learned how to manage her time — making sure that her schoolwork is complete, checking up on residents and still taking a moment to create her art.
“I make sure that I have to do lists and things,” said Dixon. “If I have schoolwork, I focus on that stuff during the week, but I try to block out time to commit to my art shop.”
Dixon said that the overall goal of her art is to bring people a sense of peace — and having something tangible to keep and carry with them.
“I feel people really like to gravitate towards my jewelry,” Dixon said. “I create to bring comfort to other people.”
Dixon said that as an extrovert, it brings happiness to her seeing others enjoy her art. From commissioned paintings to personalized jewelry, CharmCharmz has something for everyone.
A main theme behind Dixon’s artwork is nature. “My work revolves around the small movements in nature, and things like light and darkness,” she said.
“It’s been nice to see how my artwork inspires other people,” said Dixon. “I have some friends and other students that have said, oh, your work ethic is really inspiring — and it kind of motivates me to figure things out with my own art.”
Dixon is finding success in her small business and artwork — but, she still has to face typical challenges of college students.
“Sometimes it can be challenging to play your part out, while trying to be true to yourself,” Dixon noted.
If students are interested in commissions or collaborating on a piece, Dixon said that she’s ready for a new endeavor. She is always interested in other ideas, and encourages fellow student artists to reach out to her.
“Being passionate about what you’re doing will help you to grow as a person,” Dixon noted. “Don’t be a bro — put yourself out there, and be authentically you.”
