Julia L. Lehman
Managing Partner, Black Ink Enterprises, LLC

Julia has been integrally involved in creating the Picán concept with founder Michael LeBlanc, developing the overall brand platform and defining a tangible brand experience across myriad offerings (Bites; Bourbons; Beat; Buzzz). Her work touches all aspects of Picán — physical presentation; menus; bar and bourbon programs; events; promotion; Web site; marketing; and creation of the “Picán community” through multi-channel strategies for both traditional and new media to engender an engaging, interactive and sustainable guest experience.

She has worked with numerous clients in the hospitality industry throughout her career, including Four Seasons Hotels, Le Meridien and Hyatt Regency, and with several independent and national restaurant chains. Julia has developed and/or produced F&B events ranging from the “International Crab Cooking Olympics” with James Beard, to the “Vintage Desserts Competition” and “Rivertown Rib-Off” barbecue competition. She introduced and popularized the Vintner Dinner concept in San Francisco and created the “Wine Seminars for Executives” and other programs with Andre Tschelistcheff.

A University of Pacific alumna, she continued with graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Julia has served on the boards of the American Institute of Wine & Food and California Symphony and joined Pican’s Advisory Board in 2005.

As managing partner of Black Ink, Julia and her organization develop and create expedient, viable, replicable solutions to optimize bottom line performance for clients.