[cincopa AIMA_1K6A15f]

Looking for cause conscious clothing that’s also really cool? Pop culture product powerhouse Ripple Junction recently debuted its highly anticipated new “Ohiya” line of character-driven merchandise that includes t-shirts, toys, plushies, purses and keychains.

Poised to take the junior apparel and pop culture scene by storm, the Ohiya cast of imaginative characters is the brainchild of Columbus, Ohio-based illustrator Jason Tharp. A self-proclaimed “obsessive dreamer,” Tharp’s mission for Ohiya is to encourage us to go beyond our personal boundaries and to simply say, “Hi”

Photo Credit: Ripple Junction/Jason Tharpe

to one another. “A chance encounter can suddenly turn into something meaningful, all with the help of this simple two letter word,” Tharp proclaims. “This brand is all about the art of making friends.” And so the “o-HI-ya” identity was born.

The whimsical imagery, social vision and quality of this brand sets it apart from other product lines in the same category. Ohiya merchandise features a variety of characters grouped under different sub-brands that reflect their differing characteristics and personalities, including “Zombuddiez”, “Smooch”, “Zoomipop”, “Mythtaken”, and “Katinja”. All of the characters are unique and have their own back story, yet they’re tied together through similar, relatable qualities.

Ohiya brand products will initially be available in Hastings retail locations throughout the United States and also in its online storefront www.GoHastings.com. Additional retailers of the line will follow.

Learn more about the Artist Jason Tharp and his cast of ‘Ohiya’ characters online at www.ohiyafriends.com.

***While Merilee Kern is professionally affiliated with and compensated by Ripple Junction, makers of Ohiya, all opinions expressed are entirely her own and have not been influenced in any way.***

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost and/or arranged to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way as per the disclosure policy on our “Legal” page***