Mark Walton, co-founder and Managing Director of VOYA, entered the beauty and wellness industry not just as a business venture but as a personal mission driven by a commitment to self-care and mental well-being.
The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic emphasised the importance of mental health and stress management for Mark, reinforcing his dedication to holistic well-being, both personally and for his community.
Mark sat down with The Ethicalist on a visit to Dubai when launching his natural beauty products to the UAE market.
TE: Can you tell us more about your personal journey into the beauty and wellness industry?
We set the bar as the world’s first certified organic seaweed-based skincare brand when VOYA was created in 2006. My wife Kira and I decided to trade in our hectic corporate careers in Dublin for the quieter pace of life in Sligo on the West Coast of Ireland.
Initially we joined the family business, which is a traditional seaweed bathing house owned by my brother Neil Walton, and soon realised that many of the customers wanted to replicate the soothing effects of the seaweed bathing experience at home. This is how VOYA was born.
Our first, and still hero product, is our retail seaweed bath Lazy Days. It proved to be so popular that it inspired us to delve into the world of skincare, and VOYA products can now be found in over 42 countries in some of the most luxurious spas, hotels and retail outlets in the world.
TE: How did the COVID-19 pandemic influence your approach to well-being, both personally and within your business?
In business, we adapted and online sales became an important lifeline for us and indeed our customers. E-commerce has been extremely prevalent for some time but the 360 nature of it really changed during the pandemic. Consumers’ expectations in relation to interaction with brands and the rise of the influencer also became huge. I certainly know it’s a continuous learning curve and believe that brand honesty and integrity has never been more important, which thankfully is something we have in abundance. Though you may not have the opportunity to visit our home, we can bring it to you.
Personally speaking – working in the wellness industry we know what to do, but we do not always do it. Since the pandemic, my wife Kira and I have become so aware of the importance of our personal connections with friends and our family. We really benefit from being in nature and practicing self-care, whether it be exercise, meditation or yoga.
I also feel a great connection to the ocean and I have always surfed, but during the pandemic more than ever this became a lifeline to my sanity.
TE: You mentioned feeling a strong connection to the ocean during the pandemic. How has this connection influenced your brand’s focus on health and wellness, particularly with the development of seaweed-based supplements?
During this time I went through a personal transformation and lost nearly 80lbs gained over years of poor life choices and lots of international travel. I also had a young son and wanted to make changes to my own health and wellness journey. Some might say a midlife crisis, but it was about investing in my own health. I am a long way from being a paradigm of good living but have made some positive personal improvements.
‘I spend around 5 – 10 hours a week in the ocean, whether that be sea swimming, surfing or prone paddling. The environment is an instant reset button and is mentally revitalising. We can make change very difficult, or we can make it simple’
I chose the sea as the vessel for that change. I spend around 5 – 10 hours a week in the ocean, whether that be sea swimming, surfing or prone paddling. The environment (which is cold a lot of the time) is an instant reset button and is mentally revitalising. We can make change very difficult, or we can make it simple – I live by the sea and I am blessed to do so.
Our diet or food should be our medicine but that’s not always possible. At VOYA we wanted to develop amazing supplements which ticked every box: broad spectrum mineral and vitamins, coenzyme q10, probiotics and of course seaweed. I think we did ourselves a disservice as we packed 5 different supplements into one product and people are sceptical when we say you really don’t need multiple products!
TE: VOYA is known for its commitment to ethical sourcing. How big a role does sustainability play in your business?
Sustainability is at our core. VOYA products are certified by Soil Association and COSMOS, meaning that when a customer buys a VOYA product or experiences a VOYA treatment, they can be sure they are verified organic.
As part of our commitment to the environment, VOYA seaweed is sustainably hand-harvested off the unpolluted west coast of Ireland in a way that ensures that there is no long-term damage to the reefs.
Our ingredients are ethically sourced, and we are working towards having completely sustainable packaging and formulation processes. As part of our commitment to the environment, VOYA seaweed is sustainably hand-harvested off the unpolluted west coast of Ireland in a way that ensures that there is no long-term damage to the reefs. This process also guarantees that we only select the best quality seaweed for our products.
We are also an official partner of Seal Rescue Ireland and have pledged to adopt one seal for every month of the year. Through our partnership with Plastic Bank, for every VOYA product sold, 3 bottles are prevented from entering the ocean.
TE: How does Voya ensure that its products not only meet high environmental standards but also deliver effective results for customers?
Rigorous independent scientific research means that our products are not only kind to the environment, but our revolutionary formulas mean they deliver outstanding results.
If you look at one of our newest launches – Renewal Eyes Seaweed Eye Masks – you can see the true organic nature of VOYA. These 100 per cent organic Eye Masks deliver deep hydration to the delicate eye area and are made from pure hand-harvested, sustainably sourced Irish Laminaria Digitata seaweed – nothing more, nothing less.
Our scientific studies confirm that this seaweed helps collagen production in the skin by over 202 per cent. Leaving no trace, the Eye Masks are 100 per cent compostable. After use, you can put them in your compost bin or on your garden as they make a great natural fertiliser!
To learn more about VOYA you can visit their website here
