Cars, A Childhood Dream, And A New Styling Center. How A Couple Hopes To Leave Their Mark In The South Bay

TORRANCE, CA — Armin Barandeh's childhood dream will officially be realized next week, with the grand opening of his family's car styling center in Torrance.

Armin has been an avid car enthusiast since before he could even talk, Michelle told Patch. Meanwhile, Michelle's family has worked in the car industry, including with Volkswagen, for years, she said.

Now, the couple from Georgia is carving out a path in the industry by purchasing a car styling center in the South Bay, while realizing Armin's childhood dream.

"We’re trying to build something that will set us up for success, but also as a legacy for our daughter," Michelle said. "We are hoping to build a future and work with the community to provide some jobs."

The styling company, Tint World, is a franchise with more than 100 locations across the country, but Michelle said they are motivated to put their personal touch on it.

"Whether it's the atmosphere of the furniture, customer service, we want our clients to feel more like guests than anything else," Michelle said.

This, according to Michelle, has been Armin's dream for some time. He was working as a hair stylist in Atlanta when the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. With the situation at hand, they decided maybe it was time to revisit their life goals.

They began speaking with brokers about investing in a car business, Michelle said. They had several options, but Tint World "hit all the boxes," she said.

Given the decision to stay in Georgia and invest in a Tint World franchise there, the couple said they opted to move out to California, where they felt the market was better.

"There are a lot of car enthusiasts in the area, so it only made sense to us," Michelle said. "It's been really nice. I don't think anything can beat the weather, the atmosphere," Michelle said. This has been more like a vacation than anything else."

Tint World provides styling services, including, but not limited to, tinting, car wraps, and detailing, along with audio and electronics.

The grand opening of Armin and Michelle's Tint World Automotive Styling Center is scheduled for Aug. 16. However, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Torrance Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 13.

"People have been telling us this is exactly what they're looking for," Michelle said. "It's not your normal garage style shop, it's high-end. It's a one-stop shop."

For the grand opening, there will be a car show, giveaways, including a raffle for free tint services, a 20% off promotional pricing for ceramic coatings and detailing, and the opportunity to support a local animal shelter, according to a press release from the company.

“Armin and Michelle embody the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Tint World’s success,” Charles J. Bonfiglio, President and CEO of Tint World, said in a statement earlier this week.“Their story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. We’re thrilled to support their journey and expand our reach in California.”

Tint World in Torrance is located at 2416 Amsler St.