CHOCOWINITY — The belief in an enchanted world of smiling princesses, knights in shining armor and valiant superheroes goes hand in hand with childhood, and a little spark of magic in a child’s eyes. Character party business 3 Wishes and a Hero is striving to bring that magic to eastern North Carolina.

Founded in October 2015 by Holly Braddy, who was inspired by her vision of what a character party should be, the Chocowinity-based business has grown to include more than 15 character choices, along with party-planning services, and shows no signs of stopping.

Being a new venture, Braddy said it has been financially challenging, and a lot of the money earned goes toward purchasing new character costumes and building a repertoire of options.

“The expense of it, obviously, we’re not to the point we’re making any money yet,” she said. “It’s been demanding. It’s kind of overtaken everything.”

Challenges or not, Braddy said she is dedicated to creating an authentic experience for children. Her character actors must be top-notch, and the costumes must look as if they are straight out of a storybook.

“They’ve got to have a certain a personality. They’ve got to be exceptional with kids,” Braddy said. “They have to really embrace the role. … You have to study your character.”

A genuine experience is what makes an event so magical, she said.

Braddy has a passion for children — she’s a mom of six and a pediatric nurse — and she tries to incorporate events specifically for special needs children, as well.

For each of the booked events, however, it’s about bringing a smile to a child’s face, no matter what. It’s about making them really believe in the magic of the fairy tale.

“Even though we know it’s not … Cinderella, really Cinderella, it’s like they see this character,” Braddy said. “It’s just something you’d have to witness to understand.”

“It makes all the stress and all the bookings and time management worth it,” she added.

3 Wishes and a Hero is looking for more character actors, and Braddy said her long-term goal is to buy a space to house the business.

In the meantime, she plans to continue growing 3 Wishes, participating in events and getting the name of the business out there.

“It’s really about the children,” Braddy said. “We’re bringing a little piece of that magical world to them.”

For more information or to book a character party, call 252-495-8818 or visit www.3wishesandahero.com.