Ayden Mekus Born in Southern California, Ayden is setting the social media world on fire with his YouTube content enjoyed by his millions of fans and followers. Starting out in the industry with commercials and short films, Ayden catapulted to social media stardom with his unique YouTube content. Passionate about making positive videos that help others. His YouTube popularity has transitioned into TikTok and he also becomes a male TikTok star where he has amassed over 5 million followers. As an actor, he works with Dar Mann Studios starring in Dar Mann’s motivational videos. The mission of Dar Mann aligns perfectly with Ayden’s mission to uplift people and spread positivity. As an anti-bullying advocate, he knows first-hand the devastating effects of bullying, but in true Ayden fashion, he turned the negative into a positive. It was bullying that pushed him into acting as a means of escape and in turn he is using his voice to effect change. He has a clothing line with shirts spreading the message “Be a Buddy not a Bully”. Ayden’s unique perspective on life along with a true love for his fans is what makes him one of the fast rising social media stars. When not creating or spreading his message of positivity, Ayden is pursuing music.
HI! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS AYDEN MEKUS IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
My name is Ayden Mekus. I live in Burbank and am a 16-year-old Actor, YouTuber and Influencer who is passionate about what I do. Daily I work on my craft and myself to get better with the purpose of helping others through the messages I share in my YouTube videos and all my platforms. I have an enormous amount of passion for creating the best possible videos, and my positivity messages have helped so many people feel empowered. I love getting comments on my YouTube videos or DMs from fans, sharing their story about how their life has been changed by what I said.
YOU HAVE MILLIONS OF FOLLOWERS ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES, BUT WE’D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LIFE BEFORE YOU BECAME FAMOUS ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
In my younger years I was a spunky outgoing kid curious about life, an only child so maybe a bit spoiled. Then middle school took a turn for me as I was bullied and it really effected me and I became more socially awkward. I stayed in that space for about 2 years and then decided it wasn’t a space I wanted to stay in. My family helped guide me and I started taking acting classes to build my self-worth. My confidence rose and decided to be an upstander and spread awareness for antibullying. In doing that I found that it not only helped other people but in turn it helped me.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE MOTIVATIONAL VIDEOS? WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE MOTIVATES YOU?
The feeling of accomplishment that comes with exceeding challenging goals is what drew me to a to inspire others and if I could do it, so could they. I You didn’t push myself to achieve a goal because somebody asked me to. I was driven by my own passion and desire to succeed and make a difference. When I do make a difference it makes my heart warm. Even the tiniest gesture.
WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE WORKING WITH DAR MANN STUDIOS? WHAT CONNECTIONS DO YOU DISCOVER WHILE WORKING WITH THE STUDIO BETWEEN YOUR MISSION AND THEIRS?
Working with DharMann has been a dream. Our morals match so perfectly and I’m so grateful to be part of a team that is helping to make a difference. With each story we tell, it gets people to think about our actions and have empathy for others. They really are powerful. I love all the different characters that I get to bring to life and sometimes they resonate to my own life and what I’ve been thru. Inspiring and motivating people of all ages to do the right thing is such a great feeling.
TELL US ABOUT “BE A BUDDY, NOT A BULLY.” IS THERE A STORY BEHIND THE NAME?
Be a buddy not a bully was one of my first tee shirts I designed about 3 years ago. I now have over 52 positive designs on my site Positive Choice Apparel. I now not only have shirts but phone cases, hoodies, blankets, tote bags and even baby stuff ( because we need to start at an early age) I just thought the world is full of negativity everyday, why not have a reminder to make the right choices and be kind. It feels so much better. Everyone could use a buddy.
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
I love DharMann and all his messages. Jay Shetty always has inspirational messages that I can relate to and look up to.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
I’m obsessed with music, it’s like therapy for me and just this year I’ve gotten enough confidence to start singing. I may not be the best, but if your passionate enough about something then you never know what could happen. Right now I’m just enjoying the process.
WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM DO YOU HAVE FOR OUR READERS ABOUT LOVING AND BELIEVING IN THEMSELVES AND THEIR DREAMS?
In today’s society the exceptions to achieve our goals is outrageous. The reason for this is because we allow those around us to influence us. Yes, some of us are being influenced in a positive way but looking at things as a whole, we get caught up in the cliques and the urge to fit in. Just be you, because you’re amazing just how you are. We first have to love ourselves and then it’s easier to love others. Most importantly we need to stop comparing ourselves to everyone else. We are our own person with our own skills and abilities. Focus on Positive Thoughts This means that no matter what happens in your life, you can look at it as an experience to learn from and use to make your life even better.
To know more about Ayden Mekus don’t forget to follow him on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok
