A new downtown business is a dream come true for its owner.

Carol Melchor has wanted to start Designs by Carol for years, but being a single mother, raising her children had to come first.

“I kind of put my dreams on hold,” she said. “I had to make sure they were taken care of. It’s been amazing being Mom first.”

But now that her children are grown, she has been able to take her dreams and make them reality.

Melchor has an extensive background in the event planning and banquet hosting business. She worked at Norfolk Naval Base for many years, making sure events ranging from retirements and farewells to banquets and weddings were perfect.

“Everyone said, ‘Carol, you need to branch out on your own,’” Melchor said. “Now it’s time for me to pursue my dreams and do what I’ve always wanted.”

Melchor offers linen rentals, décor rentals, centerpieces, servers, certified bartenders and cleanup crew for a wide variety of events. Her gallery showroom at 126 W. Washington St. shows her capabilities of and helps clients decide what they would like. Cake tables, bar setups, centerpieces and more showcase looks ranging from elegant damask and sequins to rustic and classic styles.

“When they come here, they’re able to see what my quality of work is like,” she said.

Melchor has also partnered with other vendors in the event business to help take some of the legwork out of planning an event. “It’s a one-stop shop,” she said.

Melchor started the business out of her home and eventually outgrew her space there. She has come a long way, but she still has more goals — she would like to own her own banquet hall someday.

“You have to start somewhere,” she said.

Visit www.designsbycarol.website to learn more about the business.