The owner of an independent high street shop has reflected on a first 12 months that has been full of "tears and laughter".

Sian Turner launched Home & Garden by Sian in Kings Langley High Street last October and has celebrated a successful first year at the helm.

She told the Watford Observer: "It's been very successful and everyone has been so supportive and kind. I feel like I'm really finding my feet.

Sian opened her shop a year agoSian opened her shop a year ago (Image: Sian Turner) "I've formed a real bond with my customers. As well as being a place to shop, this is a place to share things and have a chat. I love hearing about people's babies and weddings and getting to know people."

Sian swapped a career in education to launch the venture and has embraced life in the world of retail, saying: "I really enjoy Saturdays. It's when everyone's in a great mood and all my regular customers come to say hello. I didn't think I'd enjoy working on Saturdays coming from education, but I've loved it."

The shop sells a range of productsThe shop sells a range of products (Image: Sian Turner) The shop sells a range of homeware, garden and lifestyle goods, with Sian hoping to offer an online service in the near future, among other "exciting plans" that are in the pipeline.

She's also taken an active role in the community, taking part in Halloween and Christmas events in the village.

The shop is open between 10.30am and 5pm between Tuesday and Saturday.

She credits some of the success of her first year to the other businesses in the high street, saying: "They've all been great and have reassured me and helped learn the pattern of how retail works. I've leaned into their advice and tried to keep things fresh, while learning what people want."

Her fondest memory of year one is last Christmas, which she described as "wonderful", hailing the "happy and united" atmosphere in the days leading up to December 25.

For Sian, the "most special" part of her new venture has been helping people pick out gifts for loved ones, remarking that there has been "a lot of tears and laughter shared at the shop counter".