"I go where the clay and the inspiration takes me," she said.

And whatever direction she takes, it's always with an eye towards perfection.

"I am my own worst critic so my goals daily are improve, improve, improve."

The road that a miniaturist travels often starts where least expected, and in Nicky's case it began with the sign pointing down 'Profession Cake Decorator Road'.

"I started sculpting in sugar paste at the age of 15, then later in life I became a professional cake decorator. It was because of this that I started working with sugar paste, then cold porcelain and then polymer clay. I would never have dreamed that it would lead to a full time career."

As far back as she can remember Nicky has always had a fondness for miniatures. But her fondness became a passion in 2000 when her daughter hit the teenage years and lost interest in her dollhouse. Interest lost can be interest found and Nicky had found her mini home.

Although her daughter may have abandoned the dolls house, Nicky has no lack of support when it comes to her family.

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