CAR owners across Jamaica are increasingly seeking more than just a wash — they want precision detailing, chrome polishing, and full interior restoration.

MJayz Detailing is one business answering that demand, offering high-quality services to clients regardless of make, model or location. Behind the brand is Armando “Michael Junior” Malcolm, who’s turned a personal passion for maintaining cars into a growing business, with ambitions beyond any single parish.

“I’ve always been a car enthusiast. I always had a passion for basically maintaining my personal car, but not having access to one [car detailer], trying to get one, and seeing how others around me care for theirs [cars], and everything like that, pushed me,” Malcolm told the Jamaica Observer in an interview.

With a desire to have a car that reflected a certain image and to assist others in maintaining theirs, MJayz Detailing aimed to offer effective car detailing without breaking the bank, helping with the tasks that most people can’t easily do themselves. Malcolm expressed that he finds real joy in helping others see how their vehicles can look with a little extra care and attention.

“I’ve had mine [his car] for like eight years now, and everywhere I go somebody wants to buy it, just because of how I keep it clean and the things that I do to it,” he told the Sunday Finance.

The car detailing business began in 2022 with a modest start-up capital of around $40,000 to $45,000. Much of the initial work was practised and perfected on the founder’s own vehicle before being offered to clients. In the early days he dedicated much of his free time to the business. While working at a call centre he would use breaks and after hours to provide detailing services, slowly building a client base and refining his techniques.

“I’d be in the NCB parking lot when I’m at work at the call centre, and I would like to clean the manager’s or the workers’ car over there at lunchtime and head back over,” he shared.

Initially, MJayz Detailing operated primarily in Montego Bay, but the move to Westmoreland marked a shift to full-time operations. With access to the necessary tools and equipment, Malcolm leveraged the flexibility of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic to expand his services. This allowed him to manage detailing work alongside his regular 9-to-5 schedule, performing tasks such as wheel and rim restoration from his own home while offering mobile services across much of western Jamaica. One of the current challenges for the business is securing a dedicated work vehicle, which would enable expansion beyond Montego Bay and Westmoreland. Rising demand from Kingston clients has highlighted the potential for growth. MJayz offers a range of specialised services, including rim re-spraying, chrome polishing, interior detailing, and headlight restoration. The company also occasionally sources car parts for clients who admire the accessories on the founder’s own vehicle. Services extend to full car sterilisation; seat conditioning; and thorough cleaning of roofs, headrests, and other hard-to-reach areas.

“We’re conditioning the seats, we’re extracting — we’re basically reaching areas where a normal car wash wouldn’t. You go to a car wash and sometimes you [all you] get [is] a basic vacuuming [job done for you],” he explained.

Unlike a basic car wash which typically focuses on soaking and rinsing the exterior, MJayz provides comprehensive detailing that addresses every part of the vehicle — including air conditioning vents which can significantly impact the overall cleanliness of a vehicle. The company recommends a full detailing schedule every three to five months to maintain optimal results. Looking ahead, the founder envisions expanding MJayz Detailing with a team of employees and a branded mobile unit capable of servicing all 14 parishes. Central to this vision is delivering a level of customer service that is often lacking in Jamaica.

“I want to provide an ultimate customer service that I think Jamaica lacks in most areas, especially when you’re trying to get something done. Customer service is not there. You’re reaching out, and in three or four days, you get a response,” he told the Sunday Finance.

By prioritising prompt communication and fast turnaround times, the business has not only attracted new clients but also maintained strong client retention and earned referrals. For the founder, the work goes beyond profit. Building relationships with clients and providing personalised service has become a source of satisfaction, turning customers into long-term connections and even friendships.

Malcom alongside a car while he shows the process of cleaing a car’s headlight.

Malcom demonstrates his headlight cleaning service.

MJayz Detailing focuses on rim re-spraying, chrome polishing, interior detailing, headlight restoration, extractions, and full car sterilisation.

Armando “Michael Junior” Malcolm, CEO of MJayz Detailing.