Gwen was born in Mandeville, Jamaica and was first noticed for her culinary excellence at the aged of 12 when she won a baking competition at her local school. This earned her a scholarship (specialising in cookery) for a college in Montego Bay.
Gwen moved to the UK in the early 1960's and settled in the West Midlands. With the help of her family Gwen ran her own Caribbean catering company for over 40 years. Gwen is now retired, but continues to run a cookery club for adults and children in her local community.