Oregon Coast Glassworks - SBLC Client Profile

“We sell experiences”, says Robin Murphy, owner of Oregon Coast Glassworks. Robin, an accountant by trade, and her husband William, both Native American, started the business from scratch about 10 years ago in Newport. Drawn to the vibrant tourist vibe of Newport, they were visiting another glass business in Newport that was shutting its doors. They wanted to purchase some equipment when the owner asked them if they wanted to rent the space. It was a year sooner than they were planning to open. “With small businesses a lot of times you don’t know the difference between an opportunity or jumping off a cliff. When you get that opportunity, you gotta go with it. We did!” says Robin. They moved to the current location about 8 years ago.

Now located on Olive St. in Newport, they truly are a small local business employing three glassblowers and two “gallery ladies”. The retail store has a built-in studio where they offer free glass blowing demonstrations & glass blowing classes. Robin and her husband have installed a glass garage door in the studio that can be rolled up when the studio is in session. Spectacular hand-blown sea life and unique glass sculptures are created by William Murphy and highlighted in the store along with handcrafted jewelry, local beach agates and items created by other local artists fill the gallery.

A recent client of SBLC, Robin is grateful for the connection and all the help and support SBLC has provided her with her business . Attorney Shanna Knight was able to assist with review and renegotiation of her lease this spring.

The pandemic has hit them hard but not broken their spirits. Being a seasonal business, spring and summer months are crucial. Most of their business in the last couple of months has been through their Facebook page. They had some big sales during Easter and Mother’s Day which was exciting and gave them a big boost. Although they have been closed since March, they are now open, Friday, Saturday and Sundays and welcoming customers with safety precautions in place. The shop has been cleaned thoroughly and they have separate entry and exit doors. The glassblowing classes have been revamped with Covid-19 safety measures in mind. Today the classes are Design Your Own Piece and watch it come to life. Robyn realizes that business will not be “as usual” during these difficult times. “We can’t sell without being open.”

They are moving full steam ahead and super excited to be opening up, and we are excited to support them every step of the way and see their business grow and thrive. For more information on glass blowing classes and to order a unique piece of custom glass, please visit www.oregoncoastglassworks.com.

Add Oregon Coast Glassworks to your Newport itinerary this summer!!!