'Chase your dream, it's worth it': Gwen Perroud on expanding Cork bakery business

There is a world of possibilities out there for every woman – believe in yourself, chase your dreams, and never forget that you are worth it.

That’s the heartfelt message from Gwen Perroud, owner of Cameron Bakery, to her two daughters, and also to any woman embarking on a business journey.

Gwen was recently awarded the ‘Established Businesswoman of the Year’ at the prestigious Network Ireland Cork annual ceremony, which she described as “surreal”.

“I felt truly overwhelmed and honoured. Running a business is all-consuming. There are challenges, sacrifices, and moments of doubt. To be recognised among such inspiring women is something I’ll cherish deeply. It’s also a powerful affirmation - for my family, for myself - that the long days (and nights), the perseverance, and the belief are all worth it,” she said.

Originally from Brittany, France, Gwen has been living in Ireland with her partner Regis for nearly 20 years – most of which have been spent in West Cork.

“My first job as a teenager was washing dishes in a small village restaurant - just to make a few bob for the weekend.

“That experience sparked my passion for the hospitality industry. Although my parents were initially hesitant, believing it wasn’t a reliable career path, I followed my heart and enrolled in catering school.

“From there, I worked my way through every corner of the industry, combining studies with hands-on experience,” she said.

Herself and Regis, who is also involved in the business, came to Ireland initially for him to learn English and worked for a few seasons in a take-away in Barleycove.

At the age of 23, and pregnant with their first daughter, they saw a ‘for rent’ sign on a premises in Schull, where they ran a successful creperie for 18 years, as well as a seafood restaurant in Ballydehob for a number of years.

Gwen is now set to open the latest branch of their traditional French bakery in the Schull premises, in the village that’s close to their hearts.

They also previously ran a creperie on French Church Street and now operate not one, not two or three, but an incredible four traditional French bakeries in the city, at Washington Street, Parnell Place, Blackrock and Patrick Street.

It’s a seven-day a week operation and trained chef Gwen employs around 40 people, which swells to 60 in the summer.

“If you had asked me 10 years ago, would I have imagined this happening, I’d have said no,” said Gwen, who said it all came about quite gradually and organically.

Starting out, Gwen did all the baking herself, and the hours were long and tough.

These days, all baking is done from a factory kitchen based in Little Island. The day team starts at 7am, with the night team coming on at 8pm, and drivers departing, fully loaded, around 4.30am.

Gwen visits all the bakeries daily, but these days is more involved strategically and in recipe development and testing.

The scale of operations is impressive, but that’s not to say that, like all businesses, there haven’t been challenges.

“Around a year ago, chocolate went up 50% in price and butter doubled. I really had to put myself in the place of our customers and realise that people aren’t going to treat themselves to something that costs €5 every day.

“We had to think about our prices and reduce our sizes, that kind of thing, but we came through it,” she said.

As a business owner, no two days are ever quite the same for Gwen.

“But early mornings are a bit of a ritual. While the house is still quiet and the girls, who are 12 and 16, are asleep, I find it’s the best time to focus and work efficiently in the office.

“Once they’re up, it’s school runs, meetings with managers, visiting the shops, and whatever else the day throws at me.”

Gwen joined Network Ireland only a few months ago, unsure of what to expect.

“As a busy business owner, I don’t have a lot of spare time - or people I can really talk to on a professional level. But from my very first coffee morning and event, I felt something special.

“It can be daunting walking into a room where you don’t know anyone, but Network Ireland immediately makes you feel welcome.

“You’re introduced, included, and quickly feel comfortable.

“It’s a space where open, honest conversations about business are encouraged, and where women genuinely support and uplift one another.”

What she loves most about being in business is creating something she believes in and seeing it come to life.

“Every new opening brings excitement - I enjoy choosing the décor, planning the lay-out, and watching it all come together. 

"The hardest part? Being patient when things don’t move as fast as your vision… and, of course, the never-ending paperwork!”

Cork feels like home now for the family who ‘embrace country life’ and live near Bandon. “Because the days can be so busy, we really enjoy the peace and quiet,” said Gwen.

Her advice to anyone embarking on a business journey is to be prepared to work hard: “Failure is a tough school, but it’s the fastest teacher. I’d also say that it’s never too late to start – if you really have a passion for something, chase your dream – it will be worth it.”