The duo were looking to set up a cheese manufacturing business and shop and chose Featherston because it is close to several dairy farms.
Miss Ryan has been a curio collector for years and she goes to garage sales to find items for her store.
Mr Feather's Den features work from Wairarapa artists, including Miss Ryan's art.
Explaining the burst of growth in Featherston Miss Ryan said "people are just getting spurred on by the fact it's happening".
The pair opened Mr Feather's Den in 2012 and C'est Cheese three weeks ago.
With C'est Cheese open, Miss Ryan said both stores had been busy during the festive season.
Motelier and South Wairarapa district councillor Colin Olds said over the Christmas holiday period he was having to turn people away from his full motel and holiday camp. "The town is ripe for commercial developments," he said.