When Mark and Kira Walton went to live in Mark’s native Sligo, they were clueless about the future.Twenty years later, they have the internationally acclaimed skincare company Voya, and a stunning Scandi-style home with sea views
Mark and Kira Walton in the living area of the open-plan space in their home in Co Sligo. Photo: Tony Gavin
Mark and Kira Walton’s home in Strandhill, Co Sligo is special for many reasons – its design, taking full advantage of the location, its laid-back slightly Scandi-style interiors and its breathtaking views of the sea where Mark surfs on a near daily basis.
However, the sea isn’t just important to this dynamic couple purely for the views and surfing, it is also key to the creation and success of Voya, their multi-award winning range of seaweed-based skin and body care products. This year they celebrate 20 years in business with a staff of more than 50 and sales in over 40 countries, with their luxury products on offer in top beauty shops and spas worldwide. It’s such an extraordinary trajectory that it’s hard to believe that there was no grand plan, other than to make a living. “Both of us were clueless, let’s be honest. We didn’t know what we were doing,” says Mark.