The old cliché that time flies when you’re having fun, applies quite literally to the co-owner of Port Orchard’s newest downtown shop.

Shane Makoviney, who opened Melinda’s recently with his wife, Melinda Brown, is a mechanical clock repairman. The couple barely opened their doors to the business, which includes the clock repairs and an eclectic home décor shop, when inquiries about the repair services started flowing in.

“He’s had such a great response,” Brown says. “Customers are coming in with clocks every day.”

While the clock repair corner of the shop, filled with tools and pieces, may be an attraction for men, the store’s selection caters largely to women, and it covers just about every area of the home. The eclectic collection of antiques, whimsical clocks and knick-knacks are displayed in themes throughout the shop. “We decided to open a shop filled with things we love,” Brown says.

The couple are collectors, so sharing their passions with the public was a natural step, they say. Some of the items for sale come from their own collections of clocks and antiques.

The couple decided last year they didn’t want to rely on employers anymore and it was time to start their own business. Brown had worked for a metrology firm and Makoviney was an automotive technician for 40 years (and did clock repair on the side) but was laid off. Their business plans were put on hold, however, when Brown’s mother fell ill and the couple took care of her. After her death on Christmas Day, they turned back to the idea full force.

Brown, who is also an artist, says she’s never looked at any other town besides Port Orchard for a location, and she wanted to be downtown. She plans to bring more artists into the shop in a co-op type fashion.

“I believe in Bay Street and the charm of downtown,” she says. “It’s almost like the underdog but it’s a lovely place. I think more people should open cute little shops.”

The business came together in a matter of a month once they found a space they liked. The couple learned about licenses and other things by networking with other merchants. They also both participated in the CASH program, which provides training for nascent entrepreneurs. When the lease sign went up, Brown got a call from Brenda Kruse, owner of Brenda K’s next door. The space was previously occupied by a bail bonds company, but had nice architectural features in place so they didn’t do any major remodeling.

Brown used Facebook to start spreading the word about the upcoming opening, and built her network by connecting with people who had similar interests, such as supporters of the local artwork. “It exploded from there,” she says. “It absolutely exploded.”