Just over 40 years ago, a pregnant Debbie Nachreiner and her husband, Rob, began building C'zar Hair Design & Day Spa in the quaint riverfront neighborhood of Downtown Naperville. It was a five-chair boutique salon tucked inside a charming second-floor walk-up studio. Around that same time, Evonne Rutz had just returned home to Illinois from Northern California as a new mother, newly licensed as both a cosmetologist and barber. After an interview at another salon in town, she noticed a small awning above her and felt compelled to walk upstairs and introduce herself. Waiting there was Debbie. The connection between the two was immediate — the kind of friendship that feels less like coincidence and more like destiny. Debbie often jokes their souls must have known each other in another life. Before long, Evonne joined the salon, and in 1988, the two officially became business partners. Together, they built far more than a salon. Over the decades, they blended families, nurtured lifelong friendships, weathered seasons of change, and grew that tiny five-chair studio into three thriving salon & spa locations supported by an incredible team of more than 40 employees.
And that baby Evonne had just brought home from California — the reason she returned to Illinois in the first place? That was Gina. Inspired by the women who raised her, Gina followed in their footsteps, became a hairstylist herself, and eventually grew into ownership of C'zar Salon Spa Wheaton. Today, she continues helping lead the next generation of C'zar alongside Evonne. As C'zar enters its next chapter, another full-circle moment has arrived. Debbie is officially stepping into retirement after decades of leadership, artistry, and heart devoted to the guests and team she loved so deeply. While her presence and legacy remain woven into the fabric of C'zar forever, ownership of the Naperville location now continues forward under Evonne and Gina.
Though much has evolved over the years, the heart behind C'zar remains unchanged: kind people, meaningful relationships, beautiful work, and guests who feel genuinely welcomed, cared for, and valued.
Some stories begin with a business plan. Ours began with intuition, connection, and two women who trusted a gut feeling. And nearly 40 years later, that feeling still guides us forward.
After thoughtful consideration, we're excited to share that our Naperville location will no longer be listed for sale. Instead, Evonne and Gina will continue leading the salon forward — with the same care, creativity, and commitment that our guests have come to know and trust.
To our guests, this means continuity. Your favorite artists, services, and welcoming atmosphere will remain here. We're deeply grateful for the trust you continue to place in us. Downtown Naperville has always been our first home, and it's only right we keep our roots here.
As we step into this next chapter, we also want to celebrate a very special transition: Debbie's retirement. For years, Debbie has helped shape the heart of C'zar through her dedication to her guests, her mentorship, and the warmth she brought into the salon each day. Her impact reaches far beyond the chair, and her presence will always remain part of C'zar's story.
Thank you for sticking with us as we celebrate the legacy we've created together and look ahead to the next 40 years.
As Debbie begins this well-deserved new chapter, she wants to share a personal message with the guests and team who have meant so much to her over the years.
To my cherished guests, our incredible team, and every person who has walked through the doors of C'zar over the years… thank you.
It has truly been an honor to care for you, connect with you, and earn your trust throughout my journey here. The relationships, memories, and moments we've shared will always hold a very special place in my heart.
C'zar has never simply been a salon to me. It has been a family, a creative home, and a beautiful part of my life's story. I leave this chapter with immense gratitude and complete confidence in the future ahead.
Evonne and Gina will continue leading C'zar with passion, heart, and dedication as the salon enters its next era in Downtown Naperville. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives for so many years. Your support and kindness have meant more than words can express.
We are committed to sustainable and cruelty-free, vegan beauty. As proud long-time members of the exclusive network of Aveda and Davines salons, both certified B-Corp™ brands, our guests and team alike can feel good about the products we use and the buying decisions we make.