Joshua Dunson is the head sommelier of Ocean Prime Las Vegas, a high-end seafood and steak dining concept. “I manage our award-winning wine program from menu conception, to inventory management, chef-pairing collaborations, dining room service on the floor, staff training, and interacting with guests. This role offers flexibility and opportunities to be creative and enhance guest experiences with great wines of the world.” Learn about Joshua Dunson…
Follow at: @SammyJD94
Hometown: Albany, GA
First job: Dishwasher- Fast Food
Favorite ways to spend your free time in NV: Hiking at Red Rock or Mt Charleston, exploring Chinatown, new food experiences, reading at a coffee shop, dancing, gaming, or watching RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Traveling to Bordeaux as an industry professional. In our industry, we only get to read about certain wines and prestigious estates. It can all feel very abstract at times. Nothing compares to being in a place tasting a wine, eating the food. The immersion was surreal and felt nothing short of an epic experience, culminating both my wine and culinary experiences and studies. I come from a small town in Georgia with limited exposure to this side of the industry and life. I’m beyond grateful and enthusiastic of this journey and what is on the horizon.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Myself. Its fascinating the barriers we impose on ourselves, whether subconsciously or intentionally to protect ourselves. It took years for me to be comfortable in both my skin and career path. That imposter syndrome rung true for me, but with the support of many great people in my life, I was allowed and encouraged to take leaps of faith and lean in to my passions and self.
Someone who inspires you and why: My mother, Lisa. Getting older, I realize how much sacrifice a parent must incur. She was a single parent, raising myself and older brother, while supporting herself and extended family. She’s one of the strongest people I know, and continues to be that rock for people in her life asking little in return. I hope I can be that for the people I care about.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Develop yourself and practice self-care. Study, exercise, network. Network. Network. Do what feeds your heart. This industry has an uncanny way of bringing people in and out of the stages of life. Opportunities will arise at every part if you are positioned to accept it. Show up for yourself so you can show up for the world. Someone once told me, “luck is opportunity meets preparation.”
Favorite quote: “Time moves slowly, but passes quickly.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: Origami is my therapy. I folded 1,000 paper cranes during the COVID lockdowns and mailed them out to friends.
What makes someone fabulous: Being the most authentic version of themselves. Nothing is more fabulous than watching someone thrive in their passions. That kind of energy is infectious and magnetic. The world needs more of that.