Not many people go from working in the funeral services business to owning their own tanning salon, but for Damian Pesola of Eltingville, it is both the simple fact…and quite an adventure. In the past year, Pesola buried his career in the death industry and answered his call to restore life to Staten Islanders by giving them the ultimate sun-kissed glow.
Fusion Tans is the Staten Island Mall’s only tanning salon. With its bass-pumping music and futuristic ambiance, it is almost impossible to pass Fusion Tans without succumbing to the curiosity to look inside and see what it’s all about. What makes this tanning salon different from other booths in the borough? Pesola says it’s strictly the experience. “I think on Staten Island, we spend a lot of money on tanning,” he says, “and until now, it was all about leave your money at the door, tan, and get out. Now it’s more of a luxury, more of a spa-like feel.”
Tanning his whole life, Pesola says he had so many bad encounters with local tanning salons that he decided it was time for a change. He says the first step was to become certified and learn the proper way to provide tanning services. He then set out to correct his own bad experiences by incorporating original ideas into his salon’s layout—like spacious rooms and—in his opinion—some of the best tanning beds available, with features such as an iPod connection and rotating facial lights for an even glow.
Fusion Tans offers a variety of price packages to fit everyone’s budget. Most importantly, Pesola says, he brought an enthusiastic staff on board. “This is what I love and everyone in here loves it, too.”
Damian also takes special pride in the unique airbrushing service he offers called Infinity Sun. The product—which was created by Veronique Munro—originated in Beverly Hills, California, and caters to celebrities such as Jessica Alba. You have surely seen this safe and sunless glow lighting up stars’ physiques on the red carpet at the Oscars and the Emmys. Here on Staten Island, the product is airbrushed onto your body by a Fusion Tans specialist, and Pesola reports that it will give you a streamlined, healthy look, unlike the dreaded (and all too common) orange skin aftereffect. He explains that Infinity Sun will last up to 12 days—unlike other airbrushed tans that last only four to seven days. Better still, you can tan with this service in the comfort of your own home. Whether for a wedding, sweet 16 or other special event, Fusion Tans offers party packages wherein a specialist from the salon will come to your home and apply the Infinity Sun product. He boasts, “I believe we have one of the best airbrushing [services] on the East Coast!”
Damian says it’s not always about spending big bucks, but feeling like a million dollars.
“If you want to get taken care of and you want to be treated like someone who is spending good money, you come here,” he adds. “It’s a luxury.”

Fusion Tans (Staten Island Mall), 2655 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, 718.477.0006