TO stand out in the modern high street, business owners have to work extremely hard to build a reputation and draw customers in.

Despite the rise in online shopping and digital competition, customers still value the age-old practice of personal face to face service.

Today, many firms still gain popularity and build brands from the charisma and ideas of their leaders and staff.

A prime example is French-themed eatery, Bon Appétit, in The Highway, New Inn, which was opened in 2012 by Kierstien Summers.

The 47-year-old caterer leapt into the high street after living in Haute Vienne France for seven years with her family – an experience that shaped the atmosphere and aesthetic of the cafe.

Since opening, the business has built a reputation locally for its themed evenings — ranging from French, Greek and Italian to Welsh, Irish Mexican and American — offering platters of alluring homemade food and plenty of laughs.

With an interior adorned with quirky French-themed items, Mrs Summers works with her two daughters at the cafe and is often “blown away” with the positive feedback.

Over Christmas last year, the business owner also hosted a “storytime” session, dressing up as Mrs Claus and inviting children for festive-themed fun.

However, succeeding as an independent doesn’t come without difficulties and Mrs Summers believes that traders should follow the French model of specialising in one product and working together.

She said: “Competition is a tricky one in the village as everyone wants to do everything. This is where I feel the French have it right.

“In France you had a pharmacy, bakery, butcher, post office, newsagent and they sold exactly that. If only we could do the same I think there would probably be a lot more successful businesses about.”

Bon Appétit also delivers locally and is a strong charity supporter, recently functioning as a drop in centre for clothes and donations for homeless people.

Working with Trevethin-based charity, TRAC 2, Bon Appétit collected bags of donations of warm coats, bobble hats and boots, with owner Kierstien reflecting that “New Inn have done us proud”.

Mrs Summers added: “A lot of people think we’re a florist and that we’re posh but for our customers we’re like a home for them and we get on with everyone.

“We have lots of councillors who visit to eat with us and have big group parties and we all have a lovely time. Everyone is very supportive of me.

“A lot of people think we’re a florist and that we’re posh but for our customers we’re like a home from them and get on with everyone.

“When customers come here they leave on first name terms and the majority like to sit down and have a chat with me."

She added:“I think it’s hard as an independent, the bigger companies have got much more support and money behind them so the little people and communities have to come together.

“We have so much to offer but it’s just about getting noticed.”

For more information on the business, search Bon Appétit on Facebook or call 01495 760222.

Your High Street: Use it or lose it aims to raise awareness of independent businesses, putting a spotlight on the people, places and issues that define our high streets.

Do you have something you want to shout about? We want high street businesses across Torfaen to get in touch and tell us your story.

Call Chris Binding on 01633 777251 or email cbi@southwalesargus.co.uk