Our Team
We are a spa family with support and encouragement as the backbone of our success.
Our Founder
With over 24 years as a professional esthetician and 17 years as a business owner, Tanya Higgin has dedicated her career to more than just skincare—she has built a legacy of empowerment, mentorship, and leadership within the spa industry and beyond. As the owner and spa therapist at Emerald Day Spa, Tanya has cultivated an award-winning business that is more than a place of beauty—it is a community where clients and employees alike feel valued, respected, and supported in their growth.
A five-time Best of the City award winner for Best Day Spa and Best Skin Care Clinic, Tanya has not only mastered the art of skincare but has also transformed Emerald Day Spa into a sanctuary where science, self-care, and education intertwine. Every visit is a sensory experience, where clients are empowered with expert knowledge and personalized treatments designed to achieve lasting results.
But Tanya’s work extends far beyond the walls of her spa.
Mentorship & Leadership: Elevating Careers in the Wellness Industry
Mentorship has been a defining pillar of Tanya’s career. Over the past 15 years, she has trained, guided, and mentored more than 30 students and countless professionals in esthetics, helping them build sustainable and fulfilling careers. From developing industry-leading protocols to teaching at the Canadian School of Reflexology, her commitment to education has shaped the next generation of wellness professionals.
Tanya believes that true success in the wellness industry requires more than technical expertise—it demands confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Through mentorship and training, she has created an environment where estheticians can flourish, expand their skills, and establish long-term careers in a field that is often seen as uncertain or temporary.
Her approach to leadership goes beyond business—it is about creating opportunities, fostering growth, and inspiring others to see their work as a lifelong passion, not just a job.
Beyond Business: A Life of Advocacy & Empowerment
Tanya’s mission of empowerment is deeply personal. As a survivor of child abuse, she understands firsthand the importance of resilience, advocacy, and justice. Her journey is not defined by what she has endured, but by the strength, support, and determination that have shaped her path.
In response, Tanya founded Women Empowered—a movement dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse, raising awareness, and providing life-changing resources to women and children in crisis.
Women Empowered collaborates with organizations such as:
- Victoria Women’s Transition House Society (VWTHS) – Providing safe shelter, crisis intervention, and long-term empowerment programs for women and children escaping domestic violence.
- The Cridge Centre for the Family – Offering second-stage housing, employment training, and specialized support for families rebuilding their lives after trauma.
- Victoria Sexual Assault Centre – Ensuring trauma-informed care, 24/7 crisis response teams, and therapy services for survivors seeking healing.
For Tanya, business success means nothing if it does not uplift others. Through fundraising, community action, and advocacy, she is committed to breaking cycles of abuse and silence, ensuring survivors feel seen, heard, and supported.
A Vision for the Future: Leadership Through Service
True leadership is not about titles—it is about responsibility. Whether coaching estheticians, advocating for survivors, or building a stronger, more inclusive spa industry, Tanya’s mission remains clear:
✔ Create safe spaces for growth, healing, and learning.
✔ Empower professionals to build sustainable careers in wellness.
✔ Advocate for survivors and provide tangible support for rebuilding their lives.
✔ Foster resilience and ensure mentorship goes beyond technical skills.
With Women Empowered relaunching and Emerald Day Spa thriving, Tanya is more determined than ever to make lasting change in her industry and community.
How to Get Involved
Tanya invites you to be part of the movement. Whether through attending Women Empowered events, donating to community organizations, or spreading awareness, every action helps break the cycle of violence and foster empowerment
Let’s build that future—together.
Senior Spa Coordinator
Shannon, our senior spa coordinator, brings 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, Aveda skincare line. 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!
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!
Parisa brings her rich cultural heritage from Iran and a passion for skincare to Emerald Day Spa. Farsi is her first language, but her love for helping others feel confident through self-care transcends all borders. With four years of experience in the skincare industry, Parisa has developed a deep understanding of how the right treatment can transform both skin and spirit.
She is particularly passionate about facials, not only for the immediate, visible results they deliver but also for the calm and confidence they provide to her clients. At Emerald, Parisa looks forward to sharing her expertise in facials and skincare while continuing to grow in her craft. Her goal is to contribute to the shared success of the spa, offering personalized care that aligns with Emerald’s vision of making every client feel rejuvenated, confident, and beautiful.