photos by: JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
While this isn’t the first time Isabella Migliarese of Theodore B. Interiors has created a bit of design magic for friend and fellow entrepreneur Ava Vann, the stunning new home of Sunless Body Studios in Winston-Salem evokes truly one-of-a-kind feels!
How It Began
Transforming blank spaces into dreamy retreats comes easily for Isabella, who honors her father, Theodore’s inspiration as a contractor with the name of her own full service interior design firm. She might say she has the design eye, but her dad showed her how to hustle and be a business woman!
“A major part of my success also goes to my mother, Dr. Sara Migliarese, who has been my number one supporter from the beginning,” Isabella shares. “As a young girl, she allowed me to explore every creative outlet.”
Since 2020, Isabella has been building a hands-on business that specializes in finish and décor selections for home renovations and new construction, as well as brilliant commercial designs. Theodore B. Interiors is known for creating a curated design experience where each aspect of the project is tailored towards the client, establishing a personal and functional space that awakens luxury in even the simplest tasks.
In similar fashion, Ava and her team at Sunless Body Studios have been working passionately to perfect the art of sunless tanning with an elevated experience that even soothes the soul. Their High Point studio has been open for about two years, and the new Winston-Salem location debuted in August – an exciting step in their journey of expanding Sunless Body to even more clients in the region. The beautiful result offers customized color in lieu of generic tan levels that don’t suit every skin tone and a new level of self-confidence to share with the world!
“I launched Sunless Body as a mobile spray tanning business based in High Point with the goal of bringing the convenience of custom, sunless tanning to clients’ homes,” says Ava. “That hands-on approach helped me build a loyal client base before opening our first brick and mortar location. A stunning, natural tan can do wonders for your confidence, especially when it’s healthy and UV-free. People feel glowing inside and out with that extra touch of color, and it can enhance how they carry themselves. A spray tan provides that vital boost without the harmful effects of sun exposure which is key to looking and feeling your best.”
With a grateful nod to fate, these two savvy women actually met at Forsyth Woman’s Women on the Move Conference in 2021 – which makes their appearance together on this month’s cover a full circle moment!
“I was doing the design setup for the conference and needed help moving a lamp from my car,” recalls Isabella. “Ava offered, we started talking and the rest is history!”
“What made it special is that we started as friends before working together,” shares Ava. “Collaborating on our first studio location in High Point was a great experience, and now working on the second one has only strengthened our partnership. One of the best decisions we made for Sunless Body was being intentional with the design and bringing Isabella in to execute it. Sometimes we think we can do it all ourselves, but hiring Isabella was the smartest move we made.”
Stay tuned as this is just the beginning of an empire created by two friends – to bring beauty and confidence to women across the country!
The Daring Details
While the original High Point location of Sunless Body is bright, inviting and tranquil, the recently launched Winston-Salem destination is decidedly more dramatic. High Point has a light, airy feel with elegant elements mixed with a minimalist touch,” Isabella explains. “The lime wash is a focal point, providing a textured, slightly uneven surface that subtly mimics the weathered, sun-bleached look of driftwood or coastal cliffs, while the design is an evocative fusion of relaxed coastal aesthetics and the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection. Brass finishes are seamlessly integrated into the design, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication. These elements – whether in the form of fixtures, accents or small decorative details – bring a hint of refined elegance to the otherwise rustic, beach-inspired environment.”
The Winston-Salem Sunless Body is the exact opposite – dark, moody and more grounded.
“The space is rich with dark finishes and textures such as distressed ash wood and black leather,” Isabella adds. “We aimed to evoke the atmosphere of dark, moody beaches without overt ocean visuals. We incorporated natural materials like stone, sand and cement, crafting a luxurious and soothing experience.” To mirror that mood of a luxurious experience, Isabella added specially sourced pieces that came together perfectly – including one absolutely incredible chandelier!
Ava drew much of her inspiration to share with Isabella from Nordic and Wabi-Sabi design principles, blending those with modern touches and creating a space that felt both high-end and calming.
Always welcoming, the salon offers a glamorous, yet healthy alternative for tanning with loyal clients achieving a radiant glow minus the harmful rays of the sun or artificial UV light. Truly perfecting the art of sunless tanning, the company has grown from a mobile business to a boutique style studio. Their luxurious spray tans and selection of Sunless Body products deliver the glorious bronzed look you deserve complete with a relaxing, custom spa experience.
Sunless Body Studios also offers custom packages for brides, booked in advance, of course, to perfect the shade and test it against the color of your wedding gown. Being beautifully bronzed for both the wedding and honeymoon has never been easier!
In the spirit of lifting up community over competition, Isabella and Ava undoubtedly struck the perfect balance when it came to collaborating on the newest home of Sunless Body Studios. No doubt, more dual projects await!
“It’s not every day that you get to work alongside your best friend to create an impeccably designed experience,” says Isabella. “From all the tears and laughs to mental breakdowns, I’m more connected to the Sunless Body projects. There’s also a strong level of trust that allows me to truly flourish and be as creative as I can be!”
Theodore B. Interiors is located at 1031 Burke Street in Winston-Salem, 336.391.1209. Contact Isabella and her talented team about your own upcoming project via their website theodorebinteriors.com. Follow their creative endeavors on Facebook and Instagram @theodoreb.interiors, including a glimpse of interiors styled by Isabella for Homes by Jonathan Lee for the Winston-Salem Parade of Homes in October.
Sunless Body is located in High Point at 2513 Eastchester Drive, 336.339.2428, and now in Winston-Salem at 205 S. Stratford Road, Winston-Salem, 336.970.1392. Visit sunlessbody.com to book appointments or purchase from their amazing product line designed to maintain your tan while nourishing your skin. Follow them on Instagram @sunlessbody.
