Viva Voce offers ambience and more

• Tahne Stillwell in her new salon, Viva Voce

Tahne Stillwell has opened the newest salon in Hudson. Viva Voce opened this week in Dania Hall. Imported from Italy are the station chairs and the sinks/chairs. The entire salon offers a fresh, inviting environment with a likeness of Marilyn Monroe gazing from the back wall. Photo by Margaret A. Ontl

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Tahne Stillwell is not only opening the newest salon in Hudson, she is looking forward to taking her career to the next level. She has a lot to be proud of and after ten years in the beauty industry, she is opening Viva Voce Salon in Dania Hall located at 509 Second Street.

Stillwell graduated from Durand High School in 2000. She was living in Durand because she was in foster care. After graduation, her grades were so good she earned a scholarship to the Hastings Beauty School where she was the first foster student to graduate.

Stillwell was living in River Falls while she was going to school. Since graduation she has worked at Great Clips in River Falls, Hudson and New Richmond, and moved to Hudson in 2004. Stillwell worked for over three years at ala Mode, in Hudson and then four years ago, she decided to take time to be with her family while her son was young. Now part of a blended family with three children, her son is in school and she was able, together with her husband, to begin the next phase of her life.

In December of 2010, the couple leased office space upstairs in Dania Hall for her husband’s business.

“I saw this space (the former location of St. Croix Souvenir) and it was so perfect,” said Stillwell. With that, the couple undertook a complete renovation, the results of which are now visible.

“Over the years, renovations by previous tenants obscured the historical character and integrity of the building’s interior space,” said Stillwell. “We didn’t have a clear concept of the remodel until we were well into the demolition.” The results include exposing the brick walls to utilizing antique lighting fixtures and painting a mural of a beauty icon on the back wall.

“Marilyn Monroe is a huge inspiration in the beauty world,” said Stillwell. The salon décor is a pleasing palette of grays and gold with red accents.

“I wanted it to feel warm and welcoming,” said Stillwell. However the real story lies in the seven stations and the services Viva Voce is offering. From the coffee bar to lemon water, customers will be ready to experience pampering.

“Customers should plan on their appointments being a bit longer because of all the extra service we include,” said Tahne. Hot facial wraps, head, scalp, neck and shoulder massages and or paraffin wax dips for hands are amenities offered in the salon.

In addition Viva Voce is offering power lunch service. For an extra charge the salon will order lunch for you if you are short on time.

For a complete list of services, go to www.vivavocesalon.com. From cuts to treatments and coloring, Viva Voce is offering services for women, men and children as well.

Expansion is planned in the fall when Stillwell is planning to add 1,200 square feet.

Long term, they are planning to develop and add a complete spa next year.

“This building is soon to become a true destination for our guests who seek superior results in wellness, beauty and style,” said Stillwell.

Viva Voce is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Sunday and Monday. For more information you may call (715)808-8035.

Tags: business, retail