Pamela Bell Shelton is a testament to the theory that if you really want to do something badly enough, don’t give up your dream — it could happen.

At least it did for Shelton, a 1980 Woodham High School graduate.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1985 from Tuskegee Institute and is a part-time registered nurse for the Escambia County Health Department.

However, there’s a “but’’ to Shelton’s career path.

“I initially was to major in architecture but decided at the last minute to become a nurse,” she said. “Not a decision that I regret but a lingering flame to create forever burns."

But, finally, she has been able to allow that flame to burn brightly.

Shelton has launched her own company, Purple Pamsy Interior Rejuvenations, an interior rejuvenation and remodeling business to plan big functions and parities. Through her business, she has been able to put her architectural skills and talents to work.

She also has become an affiliate member of the Interior Design Society, and she’s off and running.

Even though she has only recently realized her dream, decorating and design has been a part of her DNA nearly since she was born.

“I remember wanting to dust the furniture for my mother, who died when I was 10,” she said. “I would then change things around in the room, and she would come in and at least pretend to be surprised and excited at the new look. I was doing ‘before and after’ (makeovers) at the age of 6. I was known to decorate for fellow dorm mates in college.

I finally decided that I must follow my passion and God-given talent.’’

Shelton embarked on her dream career after a visit to the office of Dr. Donna Bennett in advance of a hysterectomy. While sitting in the waiting room, “I thought it was disturbingly bland,” Shelton said. “It was making me depressed before the actual hysterectomy, and I challenged her to let me redo it.’’

When Bennett moved into a new office, Shelton was given full rein to redesign — a success that attracted the attention of neighboring physician, Dr. Tara Gonzales. After decorating the doctor’s pediatric office, Shelton did the same for the new office of Dr. Michelle Grier.

“The opportunities to do public and private spaces have allowed me to juggle my profession of nursing and my passion of decorating,’’ Shelton said.

Her projects have included decorating for parties and receptions, home staging for real-estate home sales in Atlanta, decorating and consulting for The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Dinner, also in Atlanta, the Tuskegee Airmen National Convention last year in Phoenix, Ariz., plus three 50th birthday party celebrations for former Pensacolian Cathy Jessie Bell of the McDonald’s Corporation.

What project does the Purple Pamsy Interior Rejuvenation diva want to do next?

“My son now attends Tuskegee University, and I am itching to go and add some decor and style to his apartment,” Shelton said. “But boys don't think that is too cool.’’

DECORATING TIPS FOR THE BIG PARTYY

Pam Shelton, a consummate event designer, offers the following tips when planning a big fete::
• Remember this is the HONOREE’s party/celebration. Positive deposits should be made into their memory bank
• Remember that the space belongs to the client and should represent their design personality. Everyone has one, and it’s the creative job of the decorator to bring it to existence.
• Decide on a theme for the event. This provides a tone for setting the budget, season, guest list, venue, save-the-date cards, the invitations and flow of the decor.
• Reflect your signature style. Your party will reveal your true character (simple/casual) or the character you would love to exude (over-the-top glam).
• Be wary of a venue that can offer EVERYTHING. Feel free to have your own personal designer/consultant or decorator to be on the team

HOME DECORATING TIPS

Shelton offers these tips for decorating your abode:
• Conversation and consultation: Begin with an understanding of the client’s vision. Questionnaires allow them to get in touch with their design style. Ideas may relate to your cultural symbolization, therefore incorporating unique design elements.
• Today’s trends lend themselves to allowing ideas for decor to be endless. No more “matchy-matchy required."
• So, whether it’s decorating for a party or a personal space, make sure you ignite a stunning appeal, to create an elegant ambience, because the brain enjoys areas that flow with memorable details.