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She Etc. International Day Spa • Georgetown

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By K. Jenney Friday, 11 September 2009

GEORGETOWN — Sandy Dronet loved being married and loved traveling to all the places her husband’s job as an oil executive took them. She sampled luxury spas around the world, satisfying a passion for esthetics she had since the age of 5, when she first gave her mother a facial using her father’s shaving soap.

She Etc. International Day Spa’s meditation garden • Photo by K. Jenney

“It was always fun to try new treatments,” Dronet said. “I especially liked learning about the traditional beauty therapies of other cultures and trying them out on me and my friends.”

When her husband’s job relocated from Cairo, Egypt, to Jakarta, Indonesia, Dronet found herself giving up a thriving golf business she had co-founded. She felt isolated and alone, and sought refuge in a spa nestled in the mountains high above Jakarta.

“I was standing there looking out at the city and suddenly realized, this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” she said.

Dronet returned to Texas, and while her husband commuted long-distance, she received her esthetician license and opened She Etc. (Sandra’s Health Esthetics) in Round Rock in 2004.

The following year, She Etc. relocated into a former bed and breakfast on South Main Street in Georgetown. Her staff grew from two to 11, as did their dedication to treat each person walking through the doors as if he or she were royalty. Dronet provides services to pre-teens and women of all ages, in addition to men.

She Etc. has become a sanctuary for its clients, she said. From the moment clients walk into the 141-year-old building, Dronet works to create a sense of calm and tranquility. The air is ripe with fragrance, and soft music fills the boutique and treatment areas.

“People come here not only for outward treatments, but for peace of mind,” Dronet said. “Even if they aren’t scheduled for a service, many of our clients stop by our meditation garden.”

The oasis hidden behind the house is the perfect spot to sit and reflect or quietly catch up with friends, she said.

When Dronet’s husband passed away two years ago, she was immediately ready to sell the business.

“We had just purchased our retirement home, and I didn’t know how I was going to do this alone,” she said. “But Georgetown is filled with the most wonderful people. They supported me when I needed it most and continue to do so.”

During this recession, Dronet plans to take advantage of the economic challenge.

Map showing location of She Etc. International Day Spa

“You have to spend your money wisely these days, so we will be sure to give our clients the most for their money,” Dronet said.

She looks forward to when her daughter will receive her license in holistic medicine and become the owner of She Etc. Until then, Dronet stresses that every day has to be perfect for her clients.

“It’s not about us,” she said. “When clients leave here hugging us and saying they had the best day of their lives, it’s an accomplishment we all take pride in and share together.”