Julie Qiu (@inahalfshellist) is an international oyster expert, educator, and brand strategist. She is the founder of the platform, In a Half Shell,
and the co-founder of the Oyster Master Guild (OMG)—a global network committed to advancing oyster education, service, and quality standards. OMG was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025. Based in New York City and Madrid, Julie shares her passion for oysters in the industry through original content, in-person and virtual classes (from Oyster 101 to How to Develop your Oyster Palate), and curated projects.
A self-made oyster sommelier, Qiu spent 15 years immersed in oyster culture worldwide—she has savored oysters from 24 countries and six continents. Her expertise has been featured by Vogue, Food and Wine, Fast Company, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, USA TODAY, NPR, The Huffington Post, Tech Insider, and the Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil. Qiu also serves as a professional advisor to the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, a Seafood Nutrition Partnership Ambassador, a friend of the Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition, and a Billion Oyster Project Event Committee Member—continuing her mission to support and grow the oyster industry.
