Despite having to navigate turbulent financial waters, a pair of newly-opened businesses have reported a successful start to life on the high street. 

Venetia's Yarn Shop, in Fakenham, and Sarah Jane's Haberdashery, in Dereham, lie just 15 miles apart.

The former has been opened for just over a year, while the latter is in its third month of trade. 

Fakenham & Wells Times: Owner of Venetia’s Yarn Shop on Norwich Street in Fakenham, Venetia Strangwayes-Booth.

Their owners, Venetia Strangwayes-Booth and Sarah Jane, can certainly relate to each other's worlds, and have also seen similar levels of demand for their products.

"I feel really positive following my first year," said Ms Strangwayes-Booth, who has also launched an art gallery above her shop in Norwich Street. 

"It has been a great experience. I’m happy to come into work every day - and every day is different.

"The biggest difference to what I expected has been the launch of the Gallery Upstairs. It was not part of my original business plan, but I am really pleased to have been able to set it up."

Fakenham & Wells Times: Sarah Jane has opened Sarah Jane\'s Haberdashery in Cuthbert Court, Dereham

Sarah Jane, who achieved a long-held dream by opening her own haberdashery in Cuthbert Court, shared similar positivity. 

"The reaction from people has been fabulous," added Ms Jane. 

"I’ve had people come in just to say thank you for opening. It is great and people say how lovely the shop looks.

"I expected it to be quieter, but we have been quite busy. The run-up to Christmas has been quiet, but I expected that.

"I’ve got new stock all the time and people are still finding out about me."

Fakenham & Wells Times: Sarah Jane at the door of her shop, Sarah Jane\'s Haberdashery, in Dereham

The similarities between these two businesses do not end there. 

Both have worked to set up clubs which bring people together - a 'knit and natter' group in Fakenham and a sewing club in Dereham. 

Ms Jane said these kinds of types were of significant benefit to people's mental health.

"I’ve had so much love and positive responses regarding the sewing lessons," she added. 

"Several people have told me it is great for their mental health and did them the world of good."

Fakenham & Wells Times: Venetia’s Yarn Shop has opened on Norwich Street in Fakenham

Both shops have big plans for the next 12 months.

Ms Strangwayes-Booth is promising plenty of workshops and more exhibitions showcasing local artists.

Ms Jane has plans for a workshop teaching people how to make reusable products and a charity sew-a-thon.