Shawn Sistrunk, one of the 2023 San Diego Food + Wine Festival scholarship recipients, is an emerging leader in product design, blending his background in hospitality with a passion for creativity. After spending years in the hospitality and nightclub industry, where he built a reputation for his strong work ethic and ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences, Shawn transitioned to pursue his true passion—design.
Shawn Sistrunk, one of the 2023 San Diego Food + Wine Festival scholarship recipients, is an emerging leader in product design, blending his background in hospitality with a passion for creativity. After spending years in the hospitality and nightclub industry, where he built a reputation for his strong work ethic and ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences, Shawn transitioned to pursue his true passion—design.
Shawn’s professional journey began in San Diego’s bustling hospitality scene, where he quickly rose through the ranks, managing venues like Vin de Syrah and creating memorable experiences for guests. His creative spirit led him to the NewSchool of Architecture & Design. The San Diego Food + Wine Festival scholarship has provided Shawn with the financial support he needs to continue his studies and further develop his skills in product design. His work is characterized by a blend of functionality and innovation, driven by research, data, and best practices. Shawn has already made significant strides in the field, working on 3D modeling projects, designing logos, and creating branding guides for various clients.
With a vision to merge his hospitality background with cutting-edge design, Shawn seeks to transform everyday products into functional, aesthetic experiences that elevate the user’s daily life. Whether it’s creating fashion accessories like eyewear or branding for businesses, Shawn’s dedication to detail and customer satisfaction continues to shine through. The San Diego Food + Wine Festival scholarship has not only allowed Shawn to pursue his dreams but also to bridge the gap between service and design, a fusion that he believes will shape the future of product development.
We asked Shawn, How do you envision the future of the hospitality industry, and how do you see yourself playing a role in its evolution as a scholarship recipient?
“I see the future of the hospitality industry becoming a more competitive field. I believe the expectations will become much higher and the idea of the user experience becoming more important over the following years. I believe having an emphasis on design and impeccable service is going to set apart the winners in the new generation of hospitality. The scholarship I received has helped me complete my education as a product designer which will help me design the future of, not only how people view hospitality aesthetically but how people interact with employees and venues in general.”
Shawn’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity and dedication. His story exemplifies how one can successfully pivot from one industry to another while staying true to core values. To follow his design journey and see some of his work, connect with Shawn on LinkedIn , Instagram, and through his personal website.
Photo Credit: Shawn Sistrunk
