Our Team
We are a spa community with support and encouragement as the backbone of our success.
Our Founder
Tanya Higgin
With over 25 years of experience in the wellness and spa industry, Tanya Higgin founded Emerald Day Spa with a vision of creating a welcoming space where clients feel cared for, supported, and empowered.
Known for her personalized approach to skincare, massage, and holistic wellness, Tanya believes that no two clients are alike. Every treatment is thoughtfully tailored to each individual’s needs, helping clients achieve lasting results while providing a truly relaxing and restorative experience.
Throughout her career, Tanya has become known for her intuitive touch and ability to help clients release stress, tension, and the physical demands of daily life. Her passion for wellness extends beyond the treatment room and into mentorship, leadership, and education.
As the owner of Emerald Day Spa, Tanya has spent more than 15 years developing teams and creating opportunities for professionals to build meaningful careers. Under her leadership, Emerald Day Spa has been recognized as Best Day Spa multiple years and Best Skin Care Clinic, reflecting her commitment to excellence in client care and professional development.
Tanya is also the founder of Women Empowered, a community initiative dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse and raising awareness through local partnerships and fundraising efforts.
When she’s not at the spa, Tanya enjoys dancing, spending time with family, and continuing to find new ways to support her clients, team, and community.
Spa Coordinators
Our spa coordinators work together to create a calm, welcoming, and organized environment for both our guests and team. Each coordinator brings their own strengths to the front desk, and together they support each other to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Our reception team thrives on customer satisfaction and is always eager to grow and learn. There’s no question or request too big—they’re knowledgeable in O Cosmedics, Aveda, and all things spa. Whether you need help with a booking, product advice, or just want to chat, they’re here for you.
Email us any spa-related questions—we’re always happy to help and 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.
Aurora
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!
Xyrah
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!
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.
Breagha’s approach to massage is client centred with a focus in relaxation and wellness. Her priority is ensuring clients feel their best leaving the treatment space. She has over two decades of experience in dance and movement. She has taught, competed and performed for many of those years. This allows her a deeper understanding of body anatomy and recovery.
Breagha moved to Victoria from the Yukon in 2025 to enrol in West Coast College of Massage Therapy. She is currently in her 4th term. As she continues her education and hands-on training, Breagha is committed to providing a welcoming and professional experience tailored to each client’s needs.
