BUCHANAN — Sherrie Daniel has taken an unusual career path to become owner of a day spa.
The Niles resident and 19-year military employee opened Havens Retreat Day Spa in downtown Buchanan in July.
Daniel, a Navy chief, has an undergraduate degree in organizational management and a master of business administration degree in conflict negotiation management.
Her varied career path has included a stint as a bioterrorist specialist with the Indiana Department of Health (“I got tired of the doom and gloom”); four years at the University of Notre Dame, where she was an administrative assistant; and a gig as a coordinator with Williamson Employment Services.
She moved from California to Niles 17 years ago. Her husband, Ben, is retired from the Navy. They have three grown children and one grandson.
Daniel entered the beauty industry after she enrolled at Holistic Wellness Academy in Niles.
“I decided to learn how to do nails, and then I decided to do massage,” she said.
Daniel was working at a nail salon in Niles and was seeking a business location when she learned that esthetician Val Fordyce, of Buchanan, was also looking for business space.
She chose Buchanan to set up a business because of its lack of spa services.
Daniel nabbed a building space last May that was vacant for three years. She rents from Smoke Vision. After extensive renovations, she opened Havens Retreat Day Spa in July and recently held a grand opening.
“People in Buchanan are wonderful,” Daniel said.
Havens Retreat offers facials and cosmetic face contouring and toning; waxing; manicures and pedicures; back treatment; body wraps; a variety of massages, including couple’s massage, “Mommy to Be” and hot stones; and a selection of spa packages. The spa has a sauna, relaxation room, shower, Jacuzzi and two massage rooms. Daniel may also offer sports training in the future.
“We try to keep our prices down so everyone can enjoy,” Daniel said.

Havens Retreat Day Spa, located at 113 Main St., Buchanan, is open Monday from 1 to 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday by appointment only; and it is closed Sundays. It can be reached at (269) 697-8170 or visit www.havensretreatspa.com.