Thyme Day Spa & Salon go the distance in hair care | Texas News

Thyme Day Spa & Salon, 706 Seelhorst St. in Brenham, offers an elegant and serene setting and a unique variety of spa, beauty and hair services.

Since purchasing the business in 2017, owner Mike Gonzales believes he is running one of the top day spas in Washington County.

Gonzales’ tenure followed his departure from Brenham Wholesale Grocery Co. after a merger with Grocery Supply Co.

Although Gonzales did not expect to make his livelihood in the beauty industry, the former salesman knows how to do one thing: sell.

All he had to do was switch groceries for shampoos and conditioners.

“They let a lot of the senior-level employees go, and I had been there for 20 years,” Gonzales said of Grocery Supply Co. “Some worked there for 50 years and still got let go. I looked in the Houston area for work, but I didn’t want to move and needed to find something to do here. I found out this (spa) was for sale. It’s been a good business here.”

Gonzales wanted Thyme Day Spa & Salon to serve as a one-stop shop for those seeking manicures, pedicures, massages and facials.

The convenience has resulted in a diverse clientele from Washington County and beyond.

“The majority of our clients are women, but we have a lot of men who come to us for our services,” Gonzales said. “It’s a lot of Brenham people, but we have seen many people coming from Houston who have found us. Washington County is growing, and we almost see a new client every other week who has just moved in, even from California and Washington State.”

Not only does Thyme feature a stylish setting inside, but a calm and peaceful patio deck with a fountain outside provides customers with a tranquil environment.

Gonzales said the spa is the only one in Washington County exclusively using Aveda products.

Aveda uses natural, plant-based ingredients and emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility in its production processes. The brand offers a wide range of products, including shampoos, conditioners, styling aids and treatments, all designed to enhance the health and beauty of hair.

This rarity gives Thyme an advantage in attracting new clients who are visiting or moving into town, Gonzalez said.

“I think the next closest Aveda spa is in College Station,” he said. “Aveda is 99 percent organic, meaning there aren’t as many chemicals in their products. We have the full line, and I feel this is among the best in the industry.

“This is something you can’t get at Walmart, H-E-B, or Walgreens. This is the only place you can get it in the area. People coming in from bigger cities might have been going to an Aveda salon, and they are happy that we carry it, so they don’t have to go downtown (Houston).”

Thyme is also one of the only local salons that offers hydrafacials, a popular facial treatment that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction and hydration in one procedure, Gonzales said.

“It makes your face as clean as can be,” Gonzales said. “Places around here don’t do the type of facials we do, and I think it helps us separate ourselves from the competition.”

In managing, Gonzales takes a hands-off approach in the salon and spa and works exclusively behind the scenes.

“I didn’t know anything about the beauty industry, but the girls know what they are doing. They are artists and professionals,” Gonzales said. “I told them to keep doing what they are doing and I’ll handle the back end with payroll and inventory.”

All services are by appointment only by calling 979-421-6044. Gonzales assures patrons will receive exceptional services from state-licensed professionals.

“If you want a place to go and have a relaxing atmosphere, that’s what this day spa is here for,” Gonzales said. “It’s very quiet here, and that’s what a day spa should be. I would say we are the only ones who can handle all of the services someone is looking for in one spot.”