Hi! I’m Shelby Allison, an ~*award-winning*~ creative director with deep wells of experience in hospitality marketing, product development, and brand strategy.
I co-founded, co-owned, and operated the renowned Chicago cocktail bar Lost Lake. Under my leadership and creative direction, Lost Lake was recognized with two James Beard Award nominations, a place on the World's 50 Best Bars list, the Best American Cocktail Bar award at Tales of the Cocktail's Spirited Awards, and the title of Cocktail Bar of the Year by Imbibe magazine.
I’m honored to be a James Beard Foundation Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Program fellow, and to count myself among Wine Enthusiast's 40 Under 40 Tastemakers. Chicago Woman recognized me as one of the 10 Most Influential Women in Food & Beverage; my work has been featured in the New York Times, Vogue, and Food & Wine; and my creative partnership was tapped to design an immersive cocktail experience for HBO's Westworld activation at ComicCon on both coasts.
I co-founded and produced Chicago Style, a multi-day cocktail conference centered on equity and sustainability, and organized Lost Lake’s monthly fundraising party #shiftease, generating financial assistance for grassroots organizations dedicated to racial, gender, and economic justice in Chicago. As one of Chicago Period Project's founding board members, I provided guidance and support to the non-profit as it advocated for equitable access to menstrual supplies and lobbied for legislative change.
I live to conjure, design, and produce concepts, products, and experiences — taking back-of-the-napkin ideas to wholly realized visions, ensuring every detail aligns perfectly. More than anything, I love to do this work in collaboration and as part of a team.