How Demetrius Harmon Found Success Amidst Death, Loss and Depression

Internet fame is more often than not an ephemeral experience. But for those with hustle and vision, like actor/entrepreneur Demetrius Harmon, 15 minutes of fame can turn into a sustainable career. His summit to success may appear to be a windfall, but just like Meek Mill‘s fortitude to overcome unforeseen obstacles, his tenacity was stoked by personal strife.

Harmon’s story is proof that we are all Meek. Just like the rapper was forced to overcome the pitfalls of the justice system, Harmon faced an uphill battle to get where he is today. A native of Detroit, he possessed an unbridled acumen for art at a young age. He took that skill and combined it with a natural inclination for entrepreneurship, laying down the groundwork for his You Matter label by selling T-shirts to his peers. T-shirts were a way to push his creative talents along with a meaningful message to inspire the soul. Despite the endless potential and a growing fanbase, he was battling his own demons.

In high school, just as he was getting his footing, the weight of his aunt’s death and his own struggles with anxiety and depression became a hindrance. The loss of one of his closet supporters rocked him into near immobility. He found his away out the darkness, but, before his biggest drop with You Matter, tragedy struck again and he lost his uncle. Back down at his lowest, neither clothes nor comedy mattered. Though he felt hopeless, his garments sold massively — a feat he attributes to his uncle’s essence,  which continues to carry him now.

On the occasion of the release of Amazon’s Free Meek, which tells the story of Mill’s battle with the justice system, HYPEBEAST is bringing to light stories that prove his experience is not singular. Watch the video above to hear Harmon share his journey in his own words and head to Amazon Prime Video’s website to learn more about the new documentary, which is out now.