A mum of two who began baking to help overcome an alcohol addiction has turned her hobby into a successful business.
Nicky Cain, from Winsford, turned to creating sweet treats during her recovery to give her something that would take her mind off things.
And, after discovering she had a passion and a talent for baking, Nicky took the next step and launched her own bakery business - 'Nicky Cain's'.
Six years later, the business has gone from strength to strength and now it has been shortlisted in the 'Best Bakery' category at the UK Small Business Awards 2025.
Nicky said: "I only started off just doing a few brownie tray bakes, and over the last six years I’ve expanded into so many things.
"I am proud of what I have achieved alone, but getting shortlisted for the UK Small Business Awards has just been another success for me.
"I previously quit my job as a banker after 23 years, so getting shortlisted has given me reassurance, and it is a big step for me to leave my old job to do this full time.
Nicky has been open about her battle with alcohol and credits baking and her business with helping her through a difficult time in her life.
She added: "I am quite open about it because I have come so far, but I was an alcoholic.
"I started baking during my recovery phase to keep my mind off things and to keep myself busy.
"So this has been amazing, because it got me through my bad spells and what I have to now, with my bakery and my book as well, it got me through a really bad stage of my life."
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