Renata de Godoy Bertrand of Golden Bites

Cork Profile - Renata de Godoy Bertrand

Director/co-founder of Golden Bites in Cork city

When you were small, what did you want to be as a grown-up? I never had a dream job, but I knew whatever I do I would like to be successful.

Tell us about your career progression to your role today: After the birth of my first child three years ago, I became depressed and cooking was a way of helping me in the process of recovery. I was cooking traditional Brazilian snacks for friends and interest in the product started to spread. I contacted the Local Enterprise Office, Cork City for support in setting up a business and I was linked up with a number of mentors who helped us plan a strategy and get to know the local market. Now we have an outlet on Kyle St and recently we set up in the Marina Market. We have a kitchen production in Hollyhill. Because of the help I got from Local Enterprise Office, Cork City, I am delighted to be a guest speaker at next week’s Local Enterprise Week at an event called Cork City Retail Therapy - 2023 and Beyond.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of what you do? I really believe that cooking is a way to demonstrate love, so I am glad to be doing what was my hobby before.

What motivates you? When I hear the feedback from people from all around the world and see their faces enjoying the food.

What advice would you give your 15 year old self? Always believe in yourself.

If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing? I’d probably doing something in engineering.

What is your greatest life or career achievement to date? I honestly think that I am living my best moment now in my career. In my life, certainly was giving birth to my 2 babies.

Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life? My family. Their happiness is the most important thing to me, so all my decisions are thinking about them first.

What is the life dream now? To see my kids growing healthy and happy.

How do you switch off? By having a good party with friends and family!

What is your favourite Cork memory? The first time I saw St Finn Barr’s Cathedral, I still have tears in my eyes when I remember that moment.

What is your favourite place in Cork? That bridge at the end of the Grand Parade, looking to the cathedral.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto? It's not exactly a quote but I once saw Will Smith say in a video that ‘the realization of our dreams is right behind our fears’. It made an impact on me and encouraged me to follow my dream of moving to Cork.

When are you at your happiest? When I am living small simple moments with my family.

What is your hidden talent? I really like to do some DIY work.

What might we be surprised to know about you? That my first job in Brazil was as a police officer.

Anything else you’d like to share with us? Just a big thanks to all the people in Cork for supporting our business!

Factfile

Name and position: Renata de Godoy Bertrand, director/co-founder of Golden Bites in Cork city

Age: 36

Lives: Killens, Cork

Family: My husband Patrick, my boy Erick and my princess Lara

Pets: I don’t have any pets.

Favourite thing about Cork: The people for sure. Very kind and welcoming, always ready to return  a smile and start a good chat.

Least favourite thing about Cork: I am Brazilian, so I will obviously say the weather!

One thing you’d change about Cork: Maybe if we have more bus routes we could avoid using the car so much.