Creative Oxygen
–by Linda Szyskowski
PUBLICATION DATE: July 02, 2019
Carmen Wigmans is no stranger to Sylvania. She grew up here, attended Northview High School, continued to call Sylvania home after marrying, and raised both of her children here. So it’s no surprise that downtown Sylvania is also now home to her business—Reve Salon and Spa on Main Street.
Carmen discovered she had a natural talent for hair styling and design in high school. “I loved the hands-on experience and knew right away I had found my purpose,” reflects Carmen. After graduation and armed with her license at just 17 years old, she began working at walk-in salons at both Franklin Park and Northtowne Mall. It was long hours and a lot of work, but provided valuable experience. “After three years, I felt I wanted the kind of training that a smaller salon could offer, so I began working with Vernon of Kenwood. I stayed there another three years and then realized I really wanted a business of my own,” notes Carmen.
Her initial venture came when she opened the first Reve Salon in Oak Tree Plaza in 1987 with only six chairs and one nail tech. Over the next 12 years, Carmen built a following and when the King Street Antiques building came up for sale in 1998, she was ready to expand. She envisioned her next salon with a full range of hair, makeup, nail, spa and Cosmedica (facial) services and luxury products—a true salon and spa destination. The space on Main Street would be the perfect choice, but it needed extensive renovation. She made the investment, and the first phase took eight months to complete. Then in 2005, the rest of the three floors were completed along with an elevator and the façade we now see.
Today, in addition to running a very successful business, Carmen still loves to interact with her clients, cutting and styling hair. And, in addition to spoiling her clientele, she can now spoil her six-month old granddaughter! If this isn’t enough to keep her busy, she is also active as a DSA board member and an ambassador for the Toledo Museum of Art. “I love what is happening in Sylvania right now,” smiles Carmen. “More people than ever are coming here for events and activities. Our challenge as a city is to provide both the amenities people want and the additional parking they’ll need.”
Celebrating over 20 years in downtown Sylvania with many awards from The City Paper as well as Salon of Distinction from Modern Salon Magazine, Reve has built a stellar reputation and employs 70 licensed professionals and service experts offering a full range of salon and spa services.
Sylvania Advantage, in cooperation with Creative Oxygen, is proud to honor Carmen Wigmans and her accomplishments as a Sylvania business owner and community ambassador.