Fitnesse opens in Bellport
Shop owner Darian Trent opened Fitnesse, a clothing shop specializing in athleisure wear in Bellport. Credit: Fitnesse
For Darian Trent, athletics have always been a key part of life. As an entrepreneur, sports have been a source of creative inspiration.
His new clothing shop, Fitnesse, he says, is all about "athletic wear crossed with leisure wear crossed with streetwear." Open since August in his hometown of Bellport, the welcoming space is a brick-and-mortar manifestation of his Fitnesse line. He has designed and sold the brand online for five years.
He says he loves the shop’s location. "What could be better than right here in Bellport, where I grew up," says Trent, 30, who also works as a security guard at Bellport High School.
Fitnesse — a mashup of fitness and finesse — represents his dual interest in athletics and personal style. "I started going to the gym at a pretty young age," he says. "Fitnesse grew out of wanting to wear nice things to the gym."
After high school, Trent took classes at Suffolk Community College and Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. "I always used to say, ‘I want to start a business.’ I just didn't know what it would be," he says, adding that he got serious after visiting his uncle and seeing him in action at his restaurant in Atlanta. "I got motivated."
"Everyday comfort" is the constant motif running throughout the fall selection of shorts, tees, sweats and leggings. "You can wear these clothes to the gym," he says, "and you can also wear the clothes if you're running errands or grabbing a bite to eat."
Casual black T-shirts emblazoned with the signature "finessin" logo ($25), and women’s leggings ($30) are popular picks. Windbreaker tracksuits with flare pants ($110) are a new fall arrival.
As someone who played basketball and is a volunteer coach at the high school, Trent knows his way around the court and what it takes to succeed there. Turns out that the same traits have been key to business success.
"Being consistent, showing up and having a winning attitude are important," he says. "I’ve really enjoyed interacting with customers. I like seeing smiles on their faces."
Fitnesse, 13 Bellport Lane, Bellport. 516-234-5135, fitnesse.store.