About Me:

Shawn Walker-Smith is a professional with over 30 years experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments. Born and raised in Southern California, Shawn received his BA in communications from the University of the Pacific.

After careers in retail – as a planner and buyer, then corporate interior design, sales, marketing, and project manager, Shawn left the “traditional” business world to enter the California Culinary Academy, graduating with his degree in baking and pastry. For six years Shawn owned and operated a made-to-order baking business – TART! Oakland. He has also managed/operated a small local brew pub as well as planning/managing the food vendors for one of Oakland’s premier outdoor events, the Autumn Lights Festival.

Shawn has worked with small and large clients, including the Destiny Arts Center, the City of Oakland, and the Oakland Indie Awards. Shawn currently lives and writes in Oakland along with his husband and two sons.