"I was like a lot of people who had to travel a long way for goods which were not mass-produced and carried the provenance of their farm or factory," recalled Viv who opened the Selkirk Deli in June last year.
"I would not describe myself as a foodie although I do enjoy cooking, but I was aware of a huge number of folk who wanted more choice in vegetarian or gluten-free food. Sceptics said to me 'why Selkirk?' and my response was 'why not!'
Edinburgh-born Viv had been plying her trade as a chartered accountant in the Borders for more than two decades when she moved from Ettrickbridge and bought a house in Selkirk High Street.
"I was living above the old chip shop, which was empty at the time, and had created an accountancy office in the area to the rear. Then Selkirk's last fishmonger (in Tower Street] closed down and I thought wouldn't it be nice to have a shop with a fresh fish counter."
Viv's astute brain began to think laterally. As a student she had worked at a hotel in Denmark which served delicious mini-pastries.
"I added them to my list of things I would like to sell, along with the kind of pates and cheeses which were not currently available in the town."
The idea took wings and she began negotiations with the owners of the shop, finally completing the purchase at the end of May last year.
And a fortnight later after a £15,000 fit-out, Selkirk Deli opened for business.
"The local tradesmen were magnificent and some dear friends worked some crazy hours so we could be open in time for Selkirk Common Riding.
"As it turned out, we did a roaring trade, particularly our cafe, despite having a range of stock that is much less elaborate than it is now," recalled Viv.
That demand continued after the celebrations and she was inundated with requests for this item or that from grateful customers.
That positive feeback gave Viv the encouragement to be more and more adventurous. Her venture also dovetailed nicely with the burgeoning consumer demand for organic food and the success of such producers in improving distribution and, hence, availability.
Today, every single supplier fully warrants the description "acclaimed".
There are a range of pates from Patchwork in Wales, mouthwatering cheeses from Edinburgh's master cheesemaker Ian Mellis, ice-cream from Luca of Musselburgh, and a choice of preserves from Arran Food, makers of the famous mustard.
Selkirk Deli also excels with carry-out snacks. Two particular favourites at TheSouthern include a poppy seed bagel crammed full of red lentil pate or a mini baguette with cream cheese and marinated sun-dried tomatoes. And with a latte, made from freshly ground Garraway's coffee, costing just £1, a memorable light lunch will not break the bank.
Last October, Viv successfully applied for a drinks licence so she could offer wine in picnic hampers. Her bespoke fruit wines, from Bairds of Stobo, are now among her biggest sellers and have been supplemented by coveted real ales from Traquair and Broughton.
Meanwhile, bakers and cooks from across the Borders (and beyond) are beating a path to Selkirk Deli for its conucopia of specialist breads, flours, vinegars, oils and other wonderful ingredients.
Viv believes the flexibility of her business has been a key factor.
"I went in with a few good ideas but no hard and fast philosophy.
"What we have today has evolved because we genuinely listen to what our customers are telling us."
Selkirk Deli is also bucking the trend for shops in Selkirk opening from 8am till 6pm weekdays and from 9-5 on Saturday and Sunday.
Although Viv still works as an accountant, she is never far from the action, but maintains staffing levels with an imaginative rota of 12 part time girls under the supervision of Sam Anderson.