GATO Charlotte Dauzat_0001

Charlotte Dauzat, founder, Gato & Co, on damn good puds, 1930s movies and Cyril Lignac

What was your first-ever job? I worked as an intern in Japan for a brand of Japanese cakes and puddings. They were traditionally made, free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar and they were packed full of everything natural. I didn’t realise at the time that that’s would be what I would be doing 10 years later with Gato & Co!

What’s been your worst job interview? I interviewed for a job in investment banking for the trading desk. I didn’t have time to prepare and realised I would hate the job, so it totally backfired… not a fun moment.

What was the first music single you bought? It was probably something by the Spice Girls.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I tell them I am a purveyor of damn good puds - it’s the best job in the world. For example, I ate three puddings today for ‘market research’.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Doing what I love, every day.

What’s your motto in life? La vie est belle: make the most of it.

What’s the least rewarding part? I don’t enjoy accounting - raising and paying invoices and checking if the bloody figures match!

What’s your nickname? Cha.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? It would have to be dinners at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

What’s your favourite movie and why? The 1930s ‘Marseille’ trilogy of Marius, Fanny and César, directed by Marcel Pagnol. They depict my roots in Provence - its culture and its fierce but big-hearted people.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Being massively hungover on the Metro in Japan. I don’t really want to talk about it.

Any phobias? I’m not a fan of snails and slugs.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff, who would it be and why? Cyril Lignac. He is a star baker and I love him!

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? I’d love to see more natural stuff. Coming back to real, less processed food.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? Books. Loads of them.

What animal best reflects your personality? A cat. A nice and friendly one!