Khisha Asubuhi printed her first T-shirt more than a decade ago, thus launching Originalitees, her local clothing line that specializes in creating apparel boasting state, city and neighborhood pride. What started as an online operation became a brick-and-mortar last year when Asubuhi opened a storefront in Walnut Hills. Originalitees has always been dedicated to paying homage to Midwestern states and local Cincinnati staples. In 2018, Asubuhi became the first locally owned clothing brand to collaborate with the Cincinnati Reds by creating an exclusive T-shirt design for African-American community night. You may also know Originalitees for their “Cincinnati Believes Black Lives Matter” T-shirts, which benefited Beloved Community Church’s Cincinnati Bail Fund and the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance; their “Product of Public Schools” pridewear, which benefited Cincinnati Public Schools; or their “Unity within the Community Design,” which helped support the Freestore Foodbank during the middle of the COVID-19 crisis. “My vision for Originalitees has always been a community brand. Part of our mission is paving the way for others. Whether fellow Black women in business, public school graduates or community activists. We want to be a contributor to the community that has fostered our growth over the last decade,” Asubuhi says. originalitees.com.
Best Of Cincinnati Shops & Services (Reader Picks): Cincinnati's best shops and services picks as selected by CityBeat readers
Reader Picks
Best Auto Dealer (New Vehicles)
Best Birthing/Maternity Center
Best Bottled Beer Selection (Retail)
Best CD/Record Store (Non-Chain)
Best Cellphone Service Provider
Best Children’s Clothing Store
Best Chiropractic Practice/Clinic
Best Financial Planning Service
Best Green/Sustainable Goods Store
Best Local Indie Craft Market Vendor
Best Magazine/Newspaper Selection
Best Massage Therapy Practice/Clinic
Best Motorcycle/ Motorsports Dealer
Best Neighborhood Shopping District
Best Physician/Healthcare Practice
Best Place for a Kids Birthday
Best Place for an Adults Birthday
Best Place to Buy Your Engagement Ring
Best Wedding Photography Service
Best Of Cincinnati Shops & Services (Staff Picks): Cincinnati's best shops and services picks as selected by CityBeat staff
Staff Picks
Best Place to Buy a Horse-Drawn Carriage
Best Garage Plant Shop Turned Brick-and-Mortar
Best Herbal Tincture to Help You Relax
Best T-Shirt Shop with a Message
Best Place to Find the New Silhouette for Pants
Best “This Old House” Resource Center
Best Homage to Crazy Ladies Bookstore
Best Covington Shop Helping Urban Homesteaders Get Their Start
Best Local Online Clothing Swap to Clean Out Your Closet and Get New Threads
Best Place to Find Kitschy Antiques
Best Place to Find a Dog Statue for Your Yard
Best Shop for Beginning Woodworkers
Best Remodel of an Over-the-Rhine Eatery
Best Historic Woodworking Machine Co. to Transform into a Wedding Venue
1. Tiny Needle
2. Caldwell Family Wellness
3. Hamilton Health Associates
1. HUSTLER Hollywood
2. Dusty Flynt Sexy Gifts
3. High on the Hill
1. Ohio Valley Antique Mall
2. Wooden Nickel Antiques
3. Florence Antique Mall
1. Cincinnati Art Museum
2. Clifton Cultural Arts Center
3. Brazee Street Studios
1. Tire Discounters
2. Donovan’s Auto & Tire Center
3. Jake Sweeney Automotive
