A Note from John Azevedo at Ojai Creates!
To customers and friends, I want to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of my loyal customers and friends who helped to make this store a Magical Kingdom. When I started Ojai Creates! eight years ago I wanted to transform an empty lot into a statement and example that a small store with spirit can flourish while offering an alternative to large spiritless box stores. You helped to make that happpen and I'm grateful for the many magical moments we've had together.
Fortunately we've found two artists who promise to keep our tradition of Aloha Spirit alive. On August 1st, Kirk Lowry and Iris Williams will take over ownership of OJAI CREATES! at the new location at 606 E. Ojai Avenue.
I will be involved in training, coaching and helping for August and probably longer. For the next three years I will be following my curiosity and bliss. At this moment it looks like I'll be learning guitar and keyboards, writing, singing and performing songs, photographingand making travel movies of favorite places like the Na Pali Trail in Hawaii, Inca Trail in Peru, Isle of Skye in Scotland, and temples and gardens of Kyoto, Japan. I will study some languages - Spanish, Portuguese, French and Japanese. I will probably start an Eckhart Tolle group and an Artist's Way group, help produce a Celtic Winter Solstice celebration, stage an event or two that bring retired folks together with pre-schoolers. I might try some import/export and would love to find a local living space on a year-round creek/stream with a view. I will spend more time with family, friends, community and nature.
If you'd like to be part of any of the above, please contact me. Please plan to support OJAI CREATES! and Kirk and Iris at the new location...and support all local businesses.
John
[Editorial note from Heather: The new location is in the current Cardinali Bros. Music Store. From what I've heard, Cardinali's is moving to Meiners Oaks. All typos above are mine.]
| Permalink | author bio | 
Comments (11)
Congrats to John! If I didn't love my life so much, I think I would want his.
I talked to Don Cardinali yesterday, and they expect to be in their new location in the Smart Start building just west of Jolly Kone the first week of July.
Comment #1 Posted by: Tyler | June 22, 2007 06:45 PM
John, we can ALL be a part of the above if you'll but write in from time to time and take us with you! thank you for you!
on the technical side, where is Smart Start going (or where has it gone)?
Comment #2 Posted by: evan | June 22, 2007 06:53 PM
hey evan - the Smart Start building has a number of units, one of which is being filled by Cardinali Brothers Music.
Comment #3 Posted by: Tyler | June 22, 2007 06:55 PM
John was a bright light shinning on Ojai art scene
with an energy I must say is waining- his laugh would
come boomimg out the store
so you would come in to seek his Buddah wisdom.
Comment #4 Posted by: pete lafollette | June 23, 2007 07:32 AM
The "little folk" be with ye on your new venture. Your store is a candle of light in the wasteland of big business where the bottom line is greed money. Your example proves that love is all we need and it can be good business. Keep us posted.
Comment #5 Posted by: Dennis Leary | June 23, 2007 07:44 AM
CARDINALI BROS MUSIC sends best wishes to John A. of OJAI CREATES! As small business owners, we appreciate all that he brought to the community. He was an inspiration to many.
All the best to Kirk and Iris and their new adventure. We would like to thank them for being cool landlords for the past several years. We have been there to see the amazing transformation of the property since they took ownership.
We are moving our music store, guitar lessons and guitar repair shop to 139 W. EL ROBLAR in Meiners Oaks... just past Jolly Kone and across from the Shoe Doctor.
Don started Cardinali Bros Music 9 years ago. The first location was the old filling station on the corner of Park Rd. and Ojai Ave. After 6 months he moved to 602 E. Ojai Ave. (The current location of Studio 84 West). Then, in 2004, the store was moved to it's current location@ 606 E. Ojai Ave.
We are working hard to prepare the new space. We apologize to our customers for any inconvenience during this transition as our hours may vary until we get moved.
We look forward to seeing all of you at 139 W. El Roblar in July. Look for our Grand Opening Celebration (date to be announced).
Thanks,
Don and Patricia Cardinali
Comment #6 Posted by: Cardinali Brothers Music | June 23, 2007 09:46 AM
Hey Don & Patricia -
Best of luck in the new location - I am sure you will be very well received by the Meiners Oaks community, while Ojai folks will be more than willing to drive or bike on over to your new store (perhaps swinging by F&C for one of Olivia's famous chutney veggie burgers).
Cheers,
Tyler
Comment #7 Posted by: Tyler | June 23, 2007 09:57 AM
Way to go John!
I am so happy to see you following your bliss, your path, your muse. I am also excited to witness the evolution of Ojai Creates.
John, you are an inspiration to us all. I look forward to all the manifestations that will open from this life change that you have so courageously embraced. It takes a lot of courage to be a free-spirit! :) Keep on Flying!
love and aloha spirit to a great ally,
Ali-Sun
Comment #8 Posted by: Anonymous | June 23, 2007 12:05 PM
John, I am so glad I happen to stop in the other day to visit with you, buy some toys, meet Iris and hear about the vision for your future. Your contribution to Ojai has been immense. Thank you for your kind words you offered me and inspiration you received to pursue your muse. Stay in touch via the post. In Peace.
Comment #9 Posted by: Raymond | June 23, 2007 08:23 PM
Don and Patricia,
Thanks for jumping in with your news. I am not a musician myself but look forward to having your store and your presence in my neighborhood.
Maybe you could get John to help you throw a Grand Opening event! I know you have played music at his parties in the past, maybe he can come and share his belly laugh at your party!
Comment #10 Posted by: Heather | June 24, 2007 03:29 PM
John,
I have done the Artist's Way in group twice. Am currently looking for a space where I can just together with others and make art & craft one or two nights a week. Any ideas?
Ross
Comment #11 Posted by: Ross | October 28, 2007 10:22 PM