More from & about Tanya at theShoppingChannelBLOG.com

Often teased at The Shopping Channel for researching everything to the extreme, and a veteran of the show business world, Tanya, actually started her on-air work when she was only 15 years old! "I was an elf on a live phone in television show with Santa," says Tanya who has always been drawn to theatre and to live TV.

The middle daughter of three girls, Tanya was born and raised in Toronto by a school teacher mother who firmly stressed the importance of education and a Macedonian father who put a strong emphasis on family and celebrating life. "It was a great combination to grow up with," remembers Tanya, "and it gave me a passion for learning and for enjoying everything life has to offer, especially family and friends. There was always a lot of laughter in my house growing up and that is very, very important to me."

From a very early age Tanya was involved in theatre which she had the opportunity to study at Simon Fraser University in B.C. as well as Glendon College in Toronto . "After graduating I got involved in all kinds of odd, creative projects like student films and live entertainment spots on community television," says Tanya. "I was even a student reporter during high school. It was through a co-op program and I reported the sports on a local TV station."

Although driven and strongly goal-oriented, Tanya struggled in her 20's to decide what to do with her life. "I was always very creative," says Tanya, "but the more practical side of me knew that I had to make living, too." When she was in her late 20's, her husband met one of the top executives from The Shopping Channel while working as a location scout and he encouraged her to send in an audition tape. "I sent in my tape," recalls Tanya, "but I didn't hear back so I figured I would just take matters into my own hands." On her 30th birthday Tanya packed up her tape, put on her best suit ("My only one!" laughs Tanya) and headed off to The Shopping Channel. Although she never did meet with anyone that day she made such an impression with a member of our studio production team that she was brought in for an interview. "That was back in 2000, and I've been here ever since!"

Tanya enjoys everything about being a host at The Shopping Channel but she gets a particular thrill out of knowing that she is able to reach people of all ages and backgrounds, from small towns to large urban centres, with information about products that they may not be aware of. "I feel that I really am making a difference in people's lives, and that's important."

Besides grabbing the spotlight whenever she can, and spending time with her husband and two boys, Tanya has a varied and diverse array of interests. "I'm a certified fitness instructor, avid four-season gardener and I love to cycle, camp and do just about anything outdoors that's challenging and fun.," says Tanya. With a strong interest in childbirth, one day Tanya hopes to add certified Doula to her list of accomplishments. "Why not do it professionally," laughs Tanya, "my second son came so fast I practically delivered him myself!"