Whether you are an Ojai resident or just visiting this beautiful town you may have seen this iconic glassware in many of Ojai’s local shops. Behind this stemless glassware is Ojai local, Karal Gregory, who came up with the idea to create the Ojai Spirit products in order to raise funds for those in need as a result of the Thomas Fire.

Ojai Spirit debuted as a 9 oz stemless tumbler featuring the Ojai Spirit logo which was designed by local designer and brand strategist Johanna Bjork and printed on Libbey glass. The first two productions sold out quickly and raised over $2500, split equally between the Wildland Firefighter Foundation and the Humane Society of Ventura County. A limited edition 17 oz Thomas Fire memorial glass followed and raises money for the Greater Goods Disaster Relief Fund and the Thomas Fire Artist Recovery Fund. A new 17 oz stemless wine glass with the original logo is set to be available mid-June. Karal’s vision is that “Ojai Spirit will be the 'Life is Good' of the Ojai Valley, in that it spreads a positive vibe and returns a portion of profits back to the community.”

Karal plans to create new designs and add shirts, mugs, and other products to the line. Until then you can purchase the Ojai Spirit memorial glass in downtown Ojai at Porch Gallery and Point de Chêne Wine & Beer or in Meiners Oaks at Bookends Bookstore and Greater Goods. While profits from the original logo glasses will continue to benefit the Humane Society of Ventura County, other local non-profits will also benefit from future designs.  

On behalf of all of us at the shelter we would like to extend our thanks to Karal Gregory for her generosity and ingenuity and all the local businesses supporting our wonderful community as it continues to recover from the Thomas Fire.

Pictured: Karal Gregory poses with the glassware and HSVC Director of Community Outreach Greg Cooper at Point de Chêne in downtown Ojai.