Man who walks on hands registers his car wash business

A dream set in motion some two years ago that is finally coming to fruition is the best start to the new year for Raheem Williams.

Williams, who was featured in THE STAR in November 2021, was gifted with a power-wash machine and a vacuum through donations from readers after he indicated his intentions to open a car wash and detailing business. The 28-year-old has an undiagnosed disability that affects his ability to stand upright and forces him to walk on his hands.

Now he is rejoicing as he recently registered his business, First Nation Carwash, located at his home on Selassie Drive, St Andrew, after ditching his job of nine years as a sideman on a delivery truck.

"Me feel so good to know that I own a business. I never know that someone with my disability could own a business. Me feel good say people a come support my likkle business yuh know," he said. And he wasted no time in showcasing his skills, independently starting up the power-wash machine to begin working on a new client's vehicle.

Although the work tools are bigger than him, that did not deter him from completing the task.

"I feel good about opening my business because where I was before, I did feel so messed up. But like how I get my own equipment, I feel proud about it, me nah fi stress myself pon nobody truck again," Williams said.

He shared that 2022 was a great year for him with little to no deterrents, however, he is looking to a better year in 2023, and hopes to achieve more milestones. The first is to find a permanent location for his business.

"Me a go feel better to know me have a spot and nobody nah bother me. I will get more customers if me get a spot," he said, noting that he will wash and detail upwards of 10 vehicles a week. He told the news team that the outpouring of support has been tremendous and stressed that he considers himself to be an inspiration to his community.

"The people dem round me feel good to know that I cannot walk but I have a business for myself," he said.

He added that it is a goal to employ persons who are also disabled.

"I have two yute work with me now but I would love to have persons who have the same condition like me work with me," he said.

Since the publication of his story, Williams said that no medical doctor has contacted him to diagnose his mystery disability, but he said it is his goal to go overseas this year to seek treatment.