FRIENDS who have brought their businesses together selling handmade goods have swung open the doors to their new collaborative shop.

Andrea Sephton and Joanne Eva first met three years ago via a Business Networking Group on Facebook where they quickly discovered they lived near each other.

Andrea, who lives in Kendal, and Joanne, who lives in Walney, found they had a lot in common and became good friends, sharing a market stall in Barrow Market.

Once their businesses got bigger the pair bought two separate stalls next to each other.

Now, the duo have decided to relocate to a shop in Brogden Street, Ulverston - which is a larger space and allows the friends to hand-make their products on site.

The duo haven't yet chosen an overall name for the shop and are using both their individual names: Ambient Paradise and Pretty Flamingo Boutique.

The shop, which opened its doors on October 21, sells a collection of homemade items including: handmade jewellery, home fragrance, bath and body products, gifts and more.

Andrea, who worked as a NHS Clinical Audit Facilitator for five years, said her business took off when she started to make cremation jewellery.

She said: “I started making cremation jewellery when my dad who sadly passed away from a lung disease last year said to me ‘do what makes you happy, life is too short’ and I wanted to put his ashes in a ring for myself, mum and sister.

"I then had other people say how nice it was and it soon became a best seller on my website.

"I take great pride in customer care and my aim is to provide a personal, friendly service."

Joanne started her business as she had a love of fragrance and wanted to make things that suited the pockets of people in the area.

Having four girls, including three year-old twins, working for herself was the best option with the struggle of childcare and being there for all her children's needs.

She said the business was something her girls had passion for - and they all loved testing the bath bombs and smelling all the fragrances together.

After losing her nanna last year, Joanne said she realised life was too short and needed to do what she loves and be able to be there for her family.

Since opening their doors last week, the pair has received great feedback and are looking forward to welcoming more customers into their shop in the future.

The shop is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm.