The Story of the Land
Chumash Roots & The Spirit of Ojai
Long before any buildings or pathways existed here, this land was cherished by the Chumash people — the original caretakers of the Ojai Valley. The word “Ojai” is derived from the Chumash word ‘Awha’y, meaning “Moon” or “Valley of the Moon,” a reflection of their spiritual connection to the rhythms of nature, the sky, the land, and the sacred relationship between people and the Earth.
The Chumash lived with deep reverence, honoring the land as living, breathing, and sacred. Their presence reminds us that this place has always been meant for connection, healing, reflection, and harmony with nature — a spirit we continue to honor today.
Our Story
A Place of Devotion & Prayer
In 1976, this property became home to a quiet community of nuns who devoted their lives to prayer, contemplation, and service. They lovingly tended the land, created a mission-inspired home, cared for the orchard, and infused this place with a sense of peace, devotion, and blessing.
Years later, three visionary women came together with a beautiful intention to restore, refresh, and lovingly renew the property. Their care and investment honored the soul of this land and helped shape it into the sanctuary it is today.
Each of these chapters — the Chumash caretakers, the devoted sisters, and the women who lovingly restored the property — has woven prayer, intention, and reverence into the story of this place...
August
Founder, Visionary Steward, Sacred Ground Ojai / Fig Ranch
August is a visionary creator, land steward, and heart-centered entrepreneur dedicated to building sacred spaces for healing, connection, and restoration. As the founder of Fig Tree Wellness and Sacred Ground Ojai, August has spent years transforming environments into sanctuaries where people can breathe deeper, feel safe in their own bodies, and come back home to themselves.
Rooted in faith, compassion, and integrity, August brings together regenerative land practices, holistic wellness, hospitality, and community care to create meaningful experiences that nurture the soul. Her work bridges beauty with purpose—honoring the natural world, uplifting people, and holding space for transformation with grace and strength.
Whether curating intimate retreats, cultivating lavender + sage landscapes, or guiding vision into actionable strategy, August leads with love, resilience, and unwavering devotion to creating places where people are restored, inspired, and deeply seen..
Sacred Ground Ojai Today
Today, Sacred Ground Ojai continues this legacy of care and love. As current stewards, Kara and I honor every layer of history with gratitude and respect. We continue nurturing the land with lavender, sage, the orchard, and beautifully preserved mission-style warmth — creating a welcoming sanctuary where guests can rest, breathe, reconnect, and feel truly held.
This is a place shaped by reverence, devotion, and the joyful intention to offer peace to all who arrive here. Whether you come for a quiet retreat, a soulful escape, or simply to relax in the beauty of Ojai… we welcome you into a living story of love, prayer, nature, and restoration.
Kara
Founder, Strategic Partner, Sacred Ground Ojai / Sacred Ground Holdings
Kara is an intuitive strategist, creative collaborator, and grounded leader who brings clarity, structure, and visionary partnership to Sacred Ground Ojai and Sacred Ground Holdings. With a background in wellness retreat development and community-centered hospitality, Kara blends business intelligence with genuine heart, helping transform beautiful ideas into sustainable, living experiences.
She is deeply committed to creating environments where people feel welcomed, supported, and cared for—not just as guests, but as part of something meaningful. With a gift for organization, logistics, and thoughtful planning, Kara ensures every project is rooted in excellence, integrity, and intentional design.
Kara is both anchor and amplifier—supporting big dreams, helping shape vision into reality, and walking alongside August as they co-create spaces of rest, connection, and transformative gathering.