Our Team
We are a spa family with support and encouragement as the backbone of our success.
Our Founder
Tanya Higgin
Tanya Higgin, owner and spa therapist at Emerald Day Spa, brings an impressive 24 years of experience to her craft, helping clients achieve their skincare goals through personalized care and expert guidance. Every visit to Emerald Day Spa is a sensory experience, where clients not only feel the difference in products but are also empowered with the knowledge to maintain their healthiest skin with a customized skincare prescription.
Tanya’s career is built on more than technical expertise; she has spent over 15 years mentoring and managing teams in a way that inspires and empowers. Her ability to develop innovative protocols and foster professional growth among her staff has earned her accolades, including being voted Best of the City – Best Day Spa (2024, 2023, 2022, 2019 & 2018) and Best Skin Care Clinic (2021 & 2020) for seven consecutive years.
Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2007 with a bold vision: to create a spa that is not just a business but a community—a “home away from home” for clients and employees alike. Tanya describes Emerald Day Spa as a place where women are supported and empowered, emphasizing that her mission extends far beyond beauty. She has made it her purpose to create long-lasting careers for her employees, offering leadership, training, and a pathway to personal and professional success.
Advocate and Founder of Women Empowered
As a survivor of child abuse, Tanya knows the strength it takes to overcome the darkest of circumstances. Her journey is defined not by the harm she endured but by the unwavering support of those who helped her rise above. Today, Tanya channels that resilience into advocacy, determined to help others rewrite their stories of survival into stories of triumph.
In this spirit, Tanya founded Women Empowered, a fundraising initiative that supports survivors of abuse and amplifies the voices of women in her community. Women Empowered collaborates with the Victoria Women’s Transition House Society (VWTHS) to provide safe shelter, transformative programs, and hope to women and children escaping violence. After a brief hiatus, Tanya is thrilled to relaunch Women Empowered, with a renewed commitment to breaking the cycle of abuse through fundraising, awareness, and community action.
VWTHS doesn’t just offer shelter; it provides a lifeline, helping women rebuild their lives and offering children a safe space to heal from trauma. Specialized programs for children ensure they experience not only support but also moments of joy, helping them reclaim the innocence of childhood.
Educator, Innovator, and Leader
In addition to her achievements in the spa industry, Tanya has dedicated herself to education, teaching hands-on reflexology at the Canadian School of Reflexology for two years and guiding over 30 students toward excellence in their craft. She holds certifications in Cosmetology, Reflexologu, BeautySafe, PreEmpt, and COVID-19 Infection Prevention & Control.
A Life Beyond Work
Tanya’s most rewarding accomplishment, however, is her family. When she’s not working or advocating for survivors, she finds joy in dancing, nurturing her creative spirit, and sharing her energy with her loved ones.
Join Tanya’s Mission
Through Emerald Day Spa, Women Empowered, and her unwavering dedication to bettering herself and others, Tanya embodies the belief that hard work, determination, and loyalty to one’s community truly pay off. Whether helping her clients achieve glowing skin, mentoring her employees, or raising awareness and funds for survivors of abuse, Tanya’s impact is deeply felt.
The Future of Emerald Day Spa and Women Empowered
Tanya invites you to join her in creating a community of empowerment and support. By visiting Emerald Day Spa or contributing to Women Empowered, you’re not just supporting a business—you’re making a difference in the lives of women and children who deserve hope, safety, and a brighter tomorrow.
Let’s work together to empower change and build a future where everyone can thrive.
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!
Sophie grew up in the beautiful Comox Valley and relocated to Victoria in the fall of 2020. With a personal passion for makeup, style, and esthetics, Sophie built her foundation working as a wax and laser hair removal specialist for two years before deciding to pursue a career in the medical esthetics industry. Her own journey toward skin health and self-love has fueled her commitment to providing exceptional care to others. Sophie firmly believes that when you feel confident in your skin, it positively influences every aspect of your life. Outside of work, Sophie enjoys spending time at home with her beloved ragdoll cat, Chai, exploring the beach, working out at the gym, and relaxing with a good movie. She looks forward to meeting the wonderful clients at Emerald Day Spa and forming lasting connections!
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!
Lauren is a skilled therapist originally from Nova Scotia, where she received her training in therapeutic and deep tissue massage. With a focus on client well-being, Lauren’s approach combines technical precision with a deep understanding of muscular health. She is dedicated to providing tailored treatments that promote long-term relief and relaxation, supporting her clients in achieving their wellness goals.
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.