Team - Emerald Day Spa

Tanya Higgin

Founder, Genrald Manager, Facialist, Body Therapist, Waxing Specialist, Esthetician & Reflexologist

Tanya has over twenty years of experience being a professional esthetician with fourteen years’ experience mentoring employees, managing teams, 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.

Front End Coordinators

Shannon, Sophia, Madsion, Leah & Tavia

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!

Paola

Facialist, Skin Care Specialist, Body Therapist, waxing Technician & Esthetician

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.

Lauren

Waxing Specialist, Spa Therapist, Esthetician & Gel Polish Technician

Native to Qualicum Beach, Lauren brings her experience and love for the beauty industry to Emerald Day Spa. Lauren is passionate about waxing, pedicures and anything that make you feel magnificent. Come meet her and feel uplifted by her positive energy and personality. She looks forward to meeting you.

Aurora

Facialist, Skin Care Therapist, Esthetician & Gel Polish Technician

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!

Nicole

Facialist, Spa Therapist & Esthetician

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!

Doreen

Spa Therapist, Hot Stone Therapist & Esthetician

Doreen has been an esthetician for twenty-some years, working at Delta Ocean Point Spa. Doreen found Emerald Day Spa after the Delta Ocean Point had to close its doors, and she is thankful she did as she finds Emerald a wonderful place to work. Before her career in the spa industry, Doreen worked for a local bank and a title search company. She is married with two sons, a lovely daughter-in-law, and two great-granddaughters. Doreen is passionate about esthetics, especially facials and pedicures. She is fully trained in body wraps, scrubs, and relaxation massage. More specifically as a registered Aromatherapy Professional, as well as a LaStone Hot Stine practitioner. Doreen has continued her training through esthetics courses throughout the years, believing that a good facialist needs to know what new techniques and skincare products are available. The world of medical esthetics is also opening up for her at Emerald and she looks forward to learning more and treating you in all areas of this magnificent industry. Come see her for all your skincare needs.

Kumar

Deep Tissue Massage Body Therapist & Spa Therapist

We are excited to have Kumar as our Spa Therapist and Deep Tissue Body Worker. He has joined our team at a time when there is a growing demand and popularity for Male Therapists. A strong feminist, Kumar graduated from Vancouver Community College as a Certified Cosmetologist and Skin & Body Therapist and has earned experience as an Esthetician, Facialist, and Spa Therapist at various spas in the lower mainland and Sunshine Coast. He is currently a Student Member of RMTBC and a student at West Coast College of Massage Therapy working towards the RMT designation. He’s humbled to be one of the top academic students in his class. He brings a wide variety of skills and knowledge and is well trained in Spa Treatments and Massage Science. His favourite services to offer are body massage and facials. Kumar’s focus in body therapy is Deep Tissue Massage, Gentle Pressure Massage for calming Anxiety and Stress, Pain Relief, improving Functionality, Contrast Hydrotherapy, Lymphatic Drainage, and Head Toe Rejuvenation of muscles, fascia, and connective tissues. His unique contribution of spa massage treatments ranges from 30 min to 4.5 hours in length per session for holistic care of our dear guests. He loves offering Extraction and cleansing Facials and Back Facials. He is a believer in the Principles of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Ahimsa and has worked with various natural and organic brands. He is an Aveda Science advocate and enjoys hiking, nature walks, running, traveling, photography, on top of the hill yoga, exploring the quaint and under-explored towns, trails, and islands to seek inspiration and appreciate natural beauty, culture, and true character of the world. Being a practitioner and advocate of positive touch, etiquettes, respect, cleanliness, and kindness, Kumar prioritizes inner healing and external well-being equally. He confesses that he is a terrible cook. We are pleased to add Kumar who is a busy student, therapist and loves his family, to our talented team.

Renata

Body Massage Therapist & Reflexologist

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.

Our Team