Beauty -BrandAwareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VOYA offers something unique and revolutionary to the skin care industry. All their products are organic seaweed based and so far it has proved a success with products being seen in 150 Spas. Irish Beauty takes a look at how it all started.
VOYA has developed and grown out of a successful family-run seaweed baths business in Standhill, Co. Sligo set up by Neil Walton. As the business grew and spread people began asking if they could replicate the experience in their own homes.
Knowing that conventional cosmetics used chemicals that could destroy the beneficial properties of the seaweed as well as damaging the environment, Mark Walton, Neil's brother, tried to source genuine seaweed products, but this proved a difficult task. Mark spotted that there was a gap in the market for a certified seaweed based
VOYA Fact File
• VOYA sells approximately 78,000 products per year and since 2008 the brand has sold 168,000 retail products.
• Their products are distributed to more than 150 Spas in over 30 countries including Europe, Americas, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Ring.
• The first advert was featured in European Spa magazine.
• Since reopening, the seaweed baths attract 40,000 visitors to Strandhill every year.
skin care cosmetic product for both retail and Spa professional needs.
In 2006 Mark and his wife Kira G Walton founded the brand VOYA Organic Beauty and launched the product line.
"Neil and Mark took part in a RTE programme called the Mentor and this launched the product for the nation," explains Kira.
Traditional
The therapeutic properties of wild seaweed have long been known along the Irish coast. At the beginning of the 20th Century there were an estimated 300 seaweed bath houses in Ireland and nine in the Strandhill area alone.
After Hurricane Debbie hit Ireland the tradition declined due to the population shift away from the Atlantic coasts. However, through VOYA the Waltons have revived this Irish tradition of seaweed baths.
The first products included Seaweed Bath, Body Lotion, BodyWash, Hand Wash, Hair Shampoo and Conditioner, which were sold to the likes of Bellinter House, Nadur Spa, Bullygarry House, Dunboyne Castle and The Scarlet in Cornwall. This has now grown to distribution throughout Europe, Eastern Europe, America, Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Ring.
1912 Family-run Seaweed Baths opened and later became an inspiration for VOYA.
2006 VOYA Organic Beauty is launched and developed by Mark and Kira G Walton.
2007 Launch of major bestseller, Softly Does It.
2008 First brochure produced.
VOYA have a strong philosophy when it comes to creating and producing their products. They ensure they only use sustainable harvested practices so that the delicate coastal environment remains protected.
They then combine the certified organic seaweed with the best organic ingredients from around the world to produce a unique seaweed bath experience and a range of products that not only heal the body but also leave the skin silky smooth.
Pure and simple
The brand offers a unique and bespoke treatment that has been developed to be fully organic and kind to nature. "We specialise in creating a unique, bespoke and innovative Spa experience and supporting products for our clients," comments Kira.
The brand’s products are currently licensed by the Soil Association and the USDA and promote themselves as providing genuine organic / environmental products and it is their
2009 The Seaweed Baths and online store launched.
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Mark and Kira Walton
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