In our latest ‘What’s Cooking’, we speak to the ever effervescent and creative Rowie Dillon of Rowie’s Cakes – A Kitchen that bakes wheat, yeast, gluten and dairy free. Rowie’s Cakes has been in operation since 2001 and Rowie Dillon and the business are pioneers in the ever growing market of gluten and dairy free.
Rowie is a woman on a mission to bump the bland from gluten free food and make it tasty with a twist of ‘wow’. Rowie’s unique bakery opens up a world of wicked treats for the person who wants to indulge in a healthy treat; allergic, intolerant or not. Not just for coeliacs, Rowie’s Cakes produces tasty treats that are wheat, yeast, dairy and gluten free as well as some vegan treats.
Rowie has recently bought her former business partner out and has further honed her vision to take Rowie’s Cakes to its full potential. Rowie told us, this is a big deal and talks more about her vision in our interview.
Females in Food happens to know how passionate and generous Rowie is – we think it’s those two ingredients that are her true recipe for success. Read more about Rowie below.
Your name: Rowie Dillon
Your business’ name: Rowie’s Cakes A Kitchen that bakes wheat, yeast, gluten and dairy free.
Where are you based: Alexandria, NSW
How would you describe your business?
I’d describe my business as a food solutions business. We’re a wholesale bakery manufacturing business that bakes wheat, yeast, gluten and dairy free cakes, desserts, biscuits, confectionery, sandwiches, burgers and meals that also caters for the rapidly growing vegan market.
The single factor, and above all else is the fact that my gorgeous products taste so good that you won’t believe they’re allergy free.
As we say at Rowie’s Cakes; Indulge, enjoy and stay healthy!
What do you love about your work?
I love creating products, creating recipes, coming up with great food concepts for my customers and being innovative and I truly believe my business is my purpose. Oh, and I love my Rowie’s Cakes team! They say the hardest part of a business is staff; and I believe that you create quality results; through and within your people and I enjoy and love nurturing that in my work.
What part of your job would you gladly give away?
My inbox!
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your career?
My customers, because without them loving what we do; without their gratitude and belief in me, my brand and innovation, the business wouldn’t be where it is today and where it’s heading to in the future.
If you were starting out in business again today, what advice would you give the younger you?
- Get a really good financial controller.
- Know that the foundation of your business, and your belief in your concept and vision, has legs and that you can accomplish your vision. Intrinsically know the path your vision and business will take.
- Back yourself and push for yourself even in the face of negotiating with big personalities and big business.
I now know I can survive almost anything because I’ll give my business and myself or a project everything I’ve got. My business is my life. And my original vision is my future. I can’t wait to see the next stages panning out! I’m sure you too will enjoy it.
Tea or Coffee
Sweet or Savoury
“Oh really”.
Both actually. I was never really a sweet tooth until I wrote the story and did the mood board for Rowie’s Cakes; a kitchen that bakes wheat, yeast, gluten and dairy free.
I crave and love a great panna cotta and I completely love creating sweet and savoury recipes; as you can no doubt tell from my instagram feed.
Sunnyside Up or Down
Definitely sunnyside up.
Red or White
Rose or bubbles.
Well Done or Rare
Medium rare.
Your go-to snack
Dark chocolate or blueberries!
Thinking about the newcomers and hopefuls who are reading your interview, do you have anything further you’d like to add to inspire or caution them with?
Dream big, persist and persevere. Never let anyone kill your passion. #do #believe #breakdownwalls #makeithappen.
You’ve got to know that you are building long-term relationships with everyone involved in your business and its ventures, suppliers, customers, staff and supporters. Nurture those relationships and create bonds that will benefit the business from the beginning!
You want customers and suppliers who support you to innovate and create.
Know your aspirations and see your goals; accomplish them one-by-one and don’t let any individual or obstacle stop you. Blitz through the bumps and #makeithappen .
Thank you Rowie, you exude energy and optimism into everything that you do and you are a pioneer of the ‘indulgent but healthy’ food movement.
Rowie spoke at our launch event, Flourish, check out the wonderful event photos here.
To hear more from Rowie and other artisans running successful enterprises, join us and be a part of our growing VIP Member community here.
Want to read more about another successful Females in Food VIP Member also creating great gluten free food? Check out our ‘What’s Cooking’ interview with Nonie Dwyer.
We’d love to hear your comments about what’s inspired you in this ‘What’s Cooking’ interview or any one of our other blog posts. At Females in Food we believe in many voices and know the importance of building a community. Your comments are important for women feeling alone to know they are not alone.
The Females in Food team