Meet Aaryn Forest of Fine and Fit in Inglewood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaryn Forest.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Aaryn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story is not one of rags to riches, rather one of passion and determination. I was born to a single mom who made the decision to become an entrepreneur when I was three years old. She got her license as a Cosmetologist when I was four years old. When I was eight, my mom married an Army veteran and had two more children. As I was adjusting to the changes in my young life, my mom was making her mark in the Beauty industry and taking me with her and exposing me to it as well. Because of the exposure, she and I discovered that I, too had a passion for the Beauty industry. I enrolled in Paul Mitchell The School after high school and graduated at the top of my class. I embarked on my journey as a stylist but discovered that I truly wanted to barber. I immersed in training and studying Barbering.

Eventually, I branded myself as PrettylilBarber and established Alexander and Niche Studio in Inglewood. Fast forward to now, I set out on a quest to bring to fruition what I could see in my mind’s eye. I wanted to change my physique. I began by changing my diet. Once I began to see noticeable results, I posted pictures of myself on my social media account and the rest is history! People began to DM me asking me what I was doing and where they could get the products and Voila, Fine and Fit was born! Initially, I spent countless hours doing research and development of products for my brand. While everyone else was sleeping, I was on the internet finding manufacturers and distributors. My mom always told us that nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream! I have big dreams and I’m wide awake now and making them come true!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
By the time I was 19, I had a baby and I had suffered the devastating murder of my fiance and father of my daughter. My mom saw me slipping into an abyss of despair and she said to me, “You’re either going to lay down and die or you’re going to get up and fight!” I chose the latter. While grappling with the loss of my fiance, I was being met with opposition from the male dominated Barber industry. Because I am tenacious, I persevered and branded myself as the Pretty Lil Barber,a name given to me by a client.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
My company was born from my quest for self-improvement. I believe that all people are beautiful and unique. Also, everyone has their own perception of what being fit and fine is. I believe that you should be the best version of yourself. I believe that you should take yourself and your health seriously. I nearly died in a car accident and from that point on I decided to be present for ME! Other people’s opinions of me don’t matter. What sets me apart from other people is I am willing to be me at all costs. As a child, other people’s opinions of me used to matter but after being asked by my mom repeatedly why I began to be comfortable in my own skin.

My company, Fit and Fine, offers products for individuals in pursuit of individual fitness goals. Waist trainers, sweatbands/gear, nutritional supplements and menu guides as well as activewear and BPA free water bottles are a few of the products being offered. New items are added frequently to my website.

What were you like growing up?
I have always been a determined person. I couldn’t wait to be born so I came six weeks early! I have always been into the way I look and very fashion-forward. I had a bounty of friends and was always very popular. My mom used to tease me and say I had a fan club at school. People say that I’m funny but I do have a no nonsense demeanor also.. I believe that you should give back and often would participate in charitable events. Prior to Covid19, you could find me on skid row doing haircuts at the Mission. I also participated in back to school events orchestrated by Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

Contact Info:

• Website: Fitandfinestore.com
• Email: [email protected]

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