Two of Us: Mutual admiration society

Vivien Abel owns Vintage, a Mount-based boutique selling shabby chic, retro and collectable homeware. She is based in the same building as Cakeaway - a cake store owned by Ros Potter. The two have become good friends

THE TWO OF US

Viv on Ros

I can't remember the first time I met Ros but I know I liked her straight away.

We met either through mutual friends or her husband Brian, who passed away earlier this year.

A few years ago, we discussed how it might work if we shared the same premises.

However, it was only recently that timing was right and we moved both our businesses into this building.

I am the bossy organiser and Ros is the generous one.

She reminds me of the woman from the movie Chocolat - a warm-hearted woman whose baking is addictive.

We both really enjoy the rapport we have with people.

Ros is a great talker and listener and we are always discussing new ideas.

She is very talented. We have lots of laughs, which make hanging out with her a pleasure.

She is a special star.

Ros on Viv

Viv has been in my life for the last 10 years, but it is as though she has always been there.

I love her ability to have a vision and follow through with it.

Viv has a great eye for a treasure. We communicate easily about our creative ideas.

At the moment we love talking about high teas, which everyone seems to be having - I have the cake ideas and Viv has ideas for styling it with vintage ware.

Or we might talk about weddings as I do a lot of wedding cakes and for Viv, vintage is huge in wedding trends at the moment.

Viv is a wonderfully generous and caring person who has the ability to tap into a style at just the right time. When I am finishing a cake, I often call on her as I trust her eye.

I will ask her what colour ribbon to use, or if I should add iced flowers or not. Viv has a great sense of humour.

We can be talking about something deep and serious, but we always find a funny side to it. She and I laugh a lot.