From Soldier to Spa Owner: Keri Daniel’s Journey

Keri Daniel’s life journey is a powerful narrative of resilience, service, and entrepreneurial spirit. From her early days joining the Army at 17 with parental permission, inspired by her cousin and television, to her current success as a full-time nurse practitioner and owner of two medical spas in the DMV area, Daniel’s path is one of dedication and purpose.

A Path Forged Through Service and Education

Daniel enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1993, fulfilling her obligation through monthly drills and two-week summer training while pursuing her education. She earned a health sciences degree with a focus on community and education from California State University, Long Beach. Her career path included teaching seventh grade and working as a supervisor for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program for six years before moving to the East Coast to work in patient safety at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Her military service included a 15-month deployment to Kuwait in 2003, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom by tracking troop and equipment movements into Iraq. After returning, she completed a 5-month residency to train as an Army officer, followed by a 3-month deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. These experiences, while challenging, particularly during her father’s battle with cancer, were sustained through her faith and family support, including regular calls and care packages.

Transitioning to Entrepreneurship and Giving Back

Following her military service, Daniel pursued master’s level nursing programs, leading to her current role as a nurse practitioner. Today, she operates two medical spas, Good Shots Med Spa, in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and Clinton, Maryland. She expresses gratitude for the military’s opportunities, which allowed her to continue her education and retire early.

Daniel acknowledges the unique challenges faced by Black women in the military, including the need to “work a little bit harder to be believed” and the expectation to represent their race and gender. She emphasizes the sacrifices made by service members, particularly Black women, who often go unnoticed as “sheroes.” Her experience serving through conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan gives her a unique perspective on current “war rhetoric” and its impact on military families, urging a call for better national policies and support for those in uniform.

• Keri Daniel, a retired Army Captain, transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship.
• She served in Kuwait for 15 months and deployed to Afghanistan for 3 months.
• Daniel pursued nursing and later master’s degrees, becoming a nurse practitioner.
• She now owns two medical spas in the DMV area: Good Shots Med Spa.
• Daniel highlights the challenges and sacrifices of Black women in the military.