The Unstoppable Journey of Jimmy Lewis-Swain
- Cassandra Munoz
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Meet Jimmy Lewis-Swain. At almost 23 years old (April 10th birthday coming up), Jimmy has already lived several lifetimes' worth of stories. From navigating the halls of the Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) to welding in the tool tents of Make48, and recording country tracks that pull at your heartstrings, Jimmy leaves an impression on everyone he meets. This is a glimpse into who Jimmy is and the incredible impact he has made on our community.
Breaking the Mold
Jimmy’s journey with Make48 didn’t start with a simple "yes" – it started with a defiant “why not?” In December 2022, Jimmy competed as a student on team Noble Nuggets alongside Matt Zimmerman, Rich Yamamoto, and Caleb Schlatter. It was a landmark year for Make48, marking our first-ever event featuring visually impaired teams. Between the dedicated staff and the extraordinary students, the competition was unforgettable.
At the time, the rules were strict: students were not permitted in the tool tech tent. But Jimmy, fueled by infectious energy and championed by mentors Bucky and Melissa Miller, wasn't about to stay on the sidelines. “Bucky was like, 'What do I got to do to get him in there? I’ll sign whatever form I need to... I want to get him in there and teach him how to run some equipment’,” Jimmy recalls. “Once they saw that blind folks run a little bit differently than your average sighted folks... they realized we weren't there to cause a ruckus. We wanted to see how it worked.”
And boy, did it work out. Jimmy has since returned to multiple competitions as a Tool Tech, proving time and again that he can weld, operate hand tools, and navigate a maker space just as skillfully as any sighted peer.
Tools, Talent, and Taking on Misconceptions
Since that debut, Jimmy has evolved from a student competitor into a fixture of the Make48 family. While many might hesitate around heavy machinery, Jimmy leans in, literally. He has mastered everything from scroll saws and CNC machines to welding torches.
When asked about his favorite tools, Jimmy’s answer is as tactile and grounded as his music: “I like to sand. I like to drill. Anything physical to keep my hands moving.” But for Jimmy, it’s about more than just the build; it’s about the message. As a visually impaired artist, he is constantly dismantling the misconception that physical limitations equal a limited life.
“The biggest misconception is people asking, 'Why do you go do these things? You could just sit at home. 'Folks, I could do that, but I don’t want to do that. That’s not a fulfilling life for anybody. I like getting out there and proving them wrong.” Jimmy has become an integral part of the Make48 Tool Tech team, learning the art of the weld from Brandy Aube and refining his woodworking techniques with Adam Kittrell and Tyler Isaacs. “Working with Jimmy has truly opened my eyes,” Adam said. “I love how he is open to learning absolutely everything around him. He has been a constant inspiration to the entire team.”
Blind Country Records
When he’s not in the makerspace, Jimmy is in front of a microphone. A die-hard country fan inspired by the likes of Logan Mize, Jimmy’s music career is reaching a new crescendo. He records his tracks using Logic Pro and a VoiceOver screen reader, proving that digital barriers are just as breakable as physical ones.
At our recent Wichita competition, Jimmy’s music played over the sound system just before the teams began their pitches. Standing in a room full of fellow students and makers, it wasn’t hard to imagine Jimmy performing on stages ranging from intimate clubs to grand ballrooms.
His ‘must-do’ list is as ambitious as his work ethic. “I want to get into outside song cuts. Think of your favorite songs... someone else wrote them, and the artist just sang them. That is the next step for me.”
With a new song dropping on April 10th (his birthday!) and an EP slated for release this summer, Jimmy is a force to be reckoned with. He’s even eyeing dream collaborations with Heartland stars like Jenna Paulette, Ella Langley, Aaron Watson, and Nicolle Galyon.
YouTube Mission for 500 Subscribers
Jimmy is currently on a mission to reach 500 YouTube subscribers so he can take his performances LIVE and earn commissions. His channel is a compelling mix of raw interviews, including a highly anticipated sit-down with Make48 CEO Tom Gray (releasing April 3rd), and authentic, behind-the-scenes looks at his life.
For Jimmy, it's about challenging the low expectations society often places on the visually impaired. He isn't interested in the easy path; he’s interested in the fulfilling one. "The biggest misconception is people asking, 'Why do you go do these things? You could just sit at home...and live off your SSI. 'Folks, I could do that, but I don’t want to do that. That’s not a fulfilling life for anybody. I like getting out there and proving them wrong."
Whether he’s filming a competition through his Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses or reflecting on the challenges of a tough month moving houses, Jimmy remains remarkably grounded. He credits music as the anchor that picks him back up when things get heavy.
We couldn’t tell Jimmy’s story without mentioning one of the most legendary moments in Make48 history. During a night at KSSB, Jimmy grabbed his guitar, gathered the teams together, and led a chorus of makers in... howling at the moon.
“You have to put that in the article!” Jimmy laughed. The moment was so iconic that the trophy that year featured a wolf – a permanent tribute to those late-night musings and the unique community Jimmy helped build.
Jimmy Lewis-Swain isn’t just a maker or a musician; he is a living reminder that creativity has no boundaries. We can’t wait to see what he builds – and composes – next.
Want to help Jimmy go LIVE? Find him on YouTube and hit that subscribe button! Let’s get him to 500! Follow Jimmy on his journey:
YouTube: Blind Country Records
TikTok: @blindcowboy03
Instagram: @blindcowboy03