Our Team
We are a spa family with support and encouragement as the backbone of our success.
Our Founder
Tanya Higgin
Book yourself a complimentary skin consultation with our skin care expert Tanya, owner and spa therapist at Emerald Day Spa. With 23 years of experience, she will help you achieve your skincare goals. During your visit, you can feel the products, and be guided to the best skincare prescription for your skincare needs.
Along with over twenty years of experience being a professional esthetician, Tanya has fourteen years of experience mentoring employees, managing teams, and training staff, and new graduates in an empowering environment. In particular, Tanya has extensive experience managing, leading, and developing new protocols and procedures to strengthen my industry, which has been rewarded by excellent staff retention and the accolades of being to be voted #1 Best of the City – Best Day Spa, 2019 &2018 and #1 Best of the City – Best Skin Care Clinic, 2021 & 2020.
Tanya found her calling in the spa industry through her lifelong passion for helping people. Over twenty years ago, her journey started by chance, when an esthetician and friend introduced her to the wellness industry. Perfecting her trade in the industry, in 2007 she ignited her entrepreneurial spark, and went into business for herself, two years of hard work performing mobile esthetics and working on her own paid off when she founded Emerald Day Spa – a place she describes as “a home away from home, where we support and empower women. We are more than just a spa; we are a community for employees and clients to be heard and appreciated.”
Throughout the years she has kept her business strong by executing its vision: to empower and help people. This involves providing long-lasting careers for her employees in our industry, it’s not just a “job” it’s a career that facilitates leadership and training for professional and personal growth.
Leveraging her vision, Tanya founded Women Empowered, a fundraiser to help raise money for women and children who have endured abuse. It is her passion to better herself and her circumstances to help everyone that comes into my life; whether it be through the spa or in my personal life. Tanya truly believes hard work, determination, drive, loyalty to her clients, employees, and the community, truly does pay off.
Besides developing a successful career, Tanya has taught at the Canadian School of Reflexology where she assisted in hands-on reflexology training for two years, teaching over 30 students. She has also completed my BeautySafe Certificate, PreEmpt Certificate, and COVID-19 Infection Prevention & Control Diploma. Her most important and rewarding project, however, has been growing a beautiful family.
Licensed Naturopathic Doctor & Botox Injector
Dr. Michelle Gaucher is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Victoria, BC. Her passion is to help her patients feel and look their best by using a holistic and integrated approach to medicine. Dr. Gaucher completed her undergraduate degree in physiology and pharmacology at the University of Saskatchewan. This ultimately led her to the west coast to complete her education and training to become a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND). Shortly after starting a practice, she obtained her certification in aesthetic neuromodulator therapies. Dr. Gaucher takes an individualized and conservative approach to cosmetic injections to ensure a natural and beautiful look.
Front End Coordinators
Our reception team, consisting of Shannon, Madison, Sophia, Leah, and Tavia, bring a calm and balanced energy to the spa which is a welcome reprieve to our team members and clientele. Our reception team thrives on customer satisfaction and the ability to learn and grow.
There is no question or request too large for our reception team to handle. They are extremely knowledgeable in O Cosmedics and Aveda skincare line as well as Aveda hair care. They are always available to have a chat about all things spa or life.
Email us any spa-related questions, we look forward to treating you!
Spa Therapists
Paola
Paola specializes in skin care, specifically O Cosmedic and AVEDA facials and body massage. As well as waxing including, Brazilians, eyebrow shaping and body waxing.
Born in Italy, and moving to Canada 2003, Paola’s passion to become an esthetician marked a turning point in her life. Driven and detail-oriented, Paola is committed to providing a personalized experience for every guest, including product and service recommendations. Her goal is to deliver quality skin care services while honouring her guests every need from the inside out.
Paola completed her program at the Aveda Institute of Victoria in 2014. Along with post-graduate Advanced Academy program, Beauty Council exam, and two advanced classes in waxing (general and Brazilian), O Cosmedic Dermal Planning certificate and AVEDA training, Paola is at the top of her game and still moving up in the skin care industry.
Born, raised, and educated in Qualicum, BC, Lauren graduated at the top of her esthetics class. She was then recruited to work alongside her Vancouver Island University Esthetics teacher, at Leslie’s Esthetics Studio in Parksville.
Lauren was drawn to Victoria where she discovered her passion for facials and massages at Emerald Day Spa, backdropped in the capital region with its beautiful balance of nature, people and energy.
Lauren is known for her efficient, thorough, and near-pain-free waxing treatments; however, it is her love of helping people meeting their skin care goals that really fuels her love of the spa industry. Lauren is renowned for her pedicures, facial massages, and her scalp ecstasy treatments which have her clients coming back for more.
Come by to see for yourself her uplifting personality and positive energy. Lauren looks forward to treating you!
Aurora has been in the esthetic industry since 2013 after graduating from New Image College of Fine Arts. Since then, she has continued with her education in multiple fields either enhancing techniques, learning new innovations as well as new services. She also has an absolute passion fit skincare. Originally from the Lower Mainland, she has worked in spas in British Columbia, as well as Ontario.
Aurora specializes in all services that make people feel their absolute best, however she’s an absolute fan of facials, massage, waxing, and pedicures. The goal is to create a meaningful connection and have everyone craving more!
Born and raised in Victoria BC, comes to us from the Parkside hotel, craving more connection with her clients and team.
Nicole completed her esthetics and spa therapy training at the Academy of Excellence in 2019. After completion, she jumped into the industry to share her passion for skincare, bodywork, and connection to the mind, body, and spirit.
Nicole provides unforgettable guest experiences, healing energy, and more than the occasional laugh to anyone that comes into her treatment room. She looks forward to treating you!
Originally from Comox valley, Xyrah moved to Victoria in 2021, to pursue her dream in the spa industry. After working at a top spa in Kitsilano, Vancouver, Xyrah moved back to the island to lay her roots in the Victoria area. She loves all things spa and specializes in massage and skin care.
Xyrah also loves pedicures and will have your feet looking and feeling like they are walking on cloud nine. She looks forward to treating you!
Originally from Europe, Budapest, Renata is trained in Swedish Massage and Reflexology. She is patient and kind with all her guests and always has a smile.
Clients always feel comfortable and completely taken care of in her presence.
With over almost 20 years of experience, Jessica is your esthetician if you want one of the best pedicures of your life.
Her passion for foot care and waxing will have you walking out of the spa feeling like you are walking on sunshine!
