This story is an incredibly important reminder never to put limitations on children with special needs.
And aside from that, it’s just plain bloody brilliant!
Blake’s Snow Shack sells an assortment of shaved ice treats from a bright sun-yellow van, in yummy sounding flavours from strawberry to birthday cake to the intriguing “Shark Attack”.
The proprietor? Blake Pyron, a 20-year old man who just happens to have Down syndrome.
Yep, Blake is now the youngest business owner in the town of Sanger in Texas. And aside from this amazing achievement, his life reads like a roll call of against-the-odds accomplishments, from captain of the school football team to prom king.
Blake’s go-getter attitude is thanks in part to his parents who have refused to put any limitations on what their son can achieve.
“When you’re handed a child with special needs, society doesn’t tell you to expect a lot,” Blake’s proud mum Mary Ann Pyron told ABC.
“So many moms are told, ‘Your child cannot do this’. We were told Blake wouldn't be able to do things, and we looked past that. You don't know us. You don't know our child, so don't label him. We haven’t, and he turned out great.”
And Blake’s success is evidently the result of a loving, supportive family and friends.
When Blake lost his job in a local restaurant because it closed down, he “deeply missed his customers”. The family researched business ideas for Blake, and together they hit on snow cones. His brother even helped him come up with the quirky flavour ideas, while a 15-year old family friend is Blake first employee!
And according to his mum, Blake's domain will be customer service – his strength.
What an inspirational young man, and and wonderful, uplifting story. We wish him all the best with his business and if we're veer in Sanger, Texas we'll be dropping by to try out this “Shark Attack”!
