
Tanya Farlinger is the dynamic small business owner of exhālō Spa, a champion for her all-female staff, and a leader who now follows her own dreams.
What makes an opportunity exciting to you – in business or life?
Any opportunity that I find I’m physically responding to makes it exciting for me, and it’s ultimately one I will wish to pursue if this is the case. Something I sit up straighter for, or lean in for when I hear about it, or better yet feel a shiver for. This energy shift creates excitement for me!
What has been the greatest shift in your career or life, and how did you navigate through it?
Cancer. It shakes you to your core. It makes you question everything that you’ve done and all that’s truly important to you. Navigating it all takes time, trust, and patience. It caused me to slow down (for a beat) and re-evaluate my life purpose and those I surround myself with.
What has been your favourite experience you love to share?
The experience of entrepreneurship. Learning what to do, gaining confidence, stumbling and getting back up, building a brand, and creating something out of nothing. This continues to be my favourite experience, and every day is new and exciting.

What are you up to right now that people should know about?
The latest excitement has been our exhālō Spa expansion and the opening of a second Ottawa location. Hiring and building another Dream Team in Kanata has invigorated me – especially after months of lockdowns! The incredible women, their passion, drive, and talent are truly inspiring. Each service provider that joins us at exhālō must possess certifications and a minimum of ten years of industry experience – these ladies are Rock Stars of the beauty world! I wouldn’t be here without them.
