Today we’d like to introduce you to Shantel Charles.
Shantel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started Visions by Shay in 2021 as a way to earn additional income while creating something meaningful for myself and my children. What began with smaller balloon arrangements and intimate celebrations gradually developed into a full event-décor business serving clients
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not always been smooth. I started Visions by Shay in 2021 as a way to bring in additional income while creating something meaningful for myself and my children. I began with smaller balloon arrangements and gradually taught myself new techniques, invested in equipment, and expanded into backdrops, draping, custom signage, props, rentals, and complete event designs.
One of my biggest struggles has been growing the business without access to a large amount of funding. Event décor requires expensive supplies, professional equipment, transportation, storage, and reliable help for larger installations. I have often had to purchase what I needed little by little and reinvest the money from each event back into the business.
Balancing the business with a full-time job and raising my children has also been challenging. Many events require late-night preparation, early setup times, long-distance travel, and breakdown after the celebration ends. I have had to learn how to manage my time, plan ahead, and continue showing up even when I was tired or overwhelmed.
I also experienced challenges with pricing my work properly, finding dependable assistance, handling last-minute client changes, and learning from purchases or projects that did not turn out as expected. There were times when I underestimated the amount of labor, materials, or transportation an event would require. Those experiences taught me to create clearer policies, improve my contracts, value my time, and operate more professionally.
Despite these challenges, I continued developing my skills and building my portfolio. I have grown from completing small personal events to providing décor for baby showers, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and corporate organizations such as Lincoln Tech. Every challenge has helped me become more creative, prepared, and confident. I am proud of how far Visions by Shay has come, and I remain committed to building a stable, successful business that creates opportunities for my family and memorable experiences for my clients.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Through Visions by Shay, I create customized event décor that transforms ordinary spaces into beautiful, memorable celebrations. I specialize in balloon arches and garlands, balloon columns, custom backdrops, dramatic draping, vinyl signage, floral accents, props, marquee numbers, lounge rentals, tablescapes, and complete focal-point designs. I provide décor for birthdays, baby showers, graduations, weddings, corporate events, grand openings, school celebrations, and other special occasions throughout Maryland and the DMV.
I am known for listening carefully to my clients and bringing their ideas to life—often exceeding what they originally imagined. My reviews consistently mention my responsiveness, professionalism, punctuality, attention to detail, and the quality of my work. Clients have shared that I communicated throughout the entire process, arrived early, remained positive during challenging outdoor installations, accommodated last-minute additions, and created displays that became the highlight of their celebrations. One client even said she wished she could give me more than five stars because the finished design was more than she expected.
I am most proud of the trust my clients place in me. Many celebrations represent important milestones in their lives, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. I am also proud that Visions by Shay has earned a 5.0 customer rating and recognition as a Top Pro on Thumbtack. I started by decorating events for my own children, and I have grown into a business capable of completing detailed private celebrations and larger corporate installations.
What sets me apart is the personal attention I give every client. I do not believe event décor should feel copied or one-size-fits-all. I take time to understand the occasion, color palette, space, vision, and budget before developing a design. I combine creativity and elegance with clear communication, reliable service, and flexibility. My goal is not simply to install decorations—it is to create a picture-ready experience that makes the client feel seen, celebrated, and proud.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice is to attend local business events, join community groups, and connect with people who have experience in your industry. Be genuine, ask questions, and follow up after meeting someone. Social media, client referrals, and building relationships with other event professionals have worked well for me.
Pricing:
- Balloon garlands start at $150
- Balloon arches start at $350
- Backdrop and balloon packages start at $350
- Custom balloon columns start at $175 per pair
- Full-event décor packages are custom quoted
Contact Info:
- Website: https://visions-byshay.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visions_byshay/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Visions_byshay-100049129647176/
- Other: https://www.thumbtack.com/md/glen-burnie/event-decorators/visions-by-shay/service/570984595965018123?msockid=0b589b5969466be936898c8868306a21
