Lisa Kavanagh

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Lisa kavanagh I created Sphagnum De-Lux because I know exactly what it feels like to look in the mirror and not recognise the person staring back. Growing up, I struggled deeply with acne. It wasn’t just breakouts on my skin, it was breakouts in my confidence, my self-worth, and my happiness. I was bullied, avoided cameras, and felt like my skin controlled my life. In my desperation to fix it, I turned to everything I could find, including Roaccutane.

But instead of giving me peace, it left me with low moods, emotional struggles, and a feeling that there had to be another way a way that didn’t damage me in the process. That moment changed everything. It pushed me to go deeper, study the skin at advanced levels, and understand healing from the inside out. I trained professionally, built my aesthetics career, helped hundreds of women feel beautiful again but something still tugged at me.

I wanted to create a skincare range my younger self desperately needed, something powerful, natural, organic, and kind to both the skin and the person using it. That’s when I discovered the power of Sphagnum moss, rich in rare humic and fulvic acid, minerals, and natural healing compounds. This was different. This was transformative. And this became the heart of my formula. Sphagnum De-Lux was born — a 100% natural, organic skincare range that heals, nourishes, brightens and restores without harsh chemicals or the emotional toll.

Today, every product — from the Glow Serum to the Mud Mask — carries a piece of my story. A reminder that healing is possible. A reminder that nature truly knows best. And a reminder to every woman who feels “not enough” because of her skin: You are more than enough. And you deserve skincare that loves you back. My younger self, the girl who cried over her acne, would be so proud to see the woman I’ve become — and the women I now help every single day. This is more than a brand. This is my healing, bottled — so you can begin yours.

What did it take/how did you get started?

People see the awards, the press features, the celebrity clients… but they don’t always see what it took to build Sphagnum De-Lux. I created this brand from nothing but a vision, a prayer, and a deep belief that natural, organic skincare could truly change people’s confidence. I poured my heart into it — and I also poured my savings into it, because I believed in the products that much. I still do.

But this journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve had ups and downs, including some moments that nearly broke me. One of the hardest chapters was when web designers in India held my website ransom, demanding more and more money after I’d already paid. I felt helpless, stressed, and completely taken advantage of. That was one of the lowest points of this journey — when all I wanted to do was help people with their skin, yet I was fighting battles behind the scenes just to keep my business alive. But then came the highs… and wow, have they been beautiful.

The incredible before-and-afters. The emotional messages from women who finally love their skin again. The glow-ups, the confidence boosts, the real-life transformations. Winning awards. Being featured in the press. Celebrity clients trusting me with their skin. Every single one of those moments reminds me why I started. Why I never gave up. Why I kept pushing even when it felt impossible.

Sphagnum De-Lux isn’t just a skincare brand — it’s my story, my healing, my faith, and my passion rolled into one. And seeing the impact it’s having on others makes every struggle worth it. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. The best is still to come.

What does the future look like for you and your business?

What excites me most is that this journey is only just beginning. The future of Sphagnum De-Lux is looking brighter than ever — with new products on the way, new opportunities, and a bigger vision than I ever imagined when I first started. I’m now stepping into a new chapter focused not just on skincare, but on women’s wellness as a whole.

Because glowing skin starts from the inside just as much as the outside. I’m planning beautiful events, workshops, and wellness days for women — safe spaces where we can talk openly about confidence, self-care, healing, skin health, nutrition, mental wellbeing, and what it really means to look after ourselves from the inside out. I want to empower women to feel radiant, loved, supported, and educated — not just through products, but through community. This next chapter feels aligned, purposeful, and full of light — and I cannot wait to share it with you all. The best is truly yet to come.

What drives / motivates you on a daily basis?

People often ask me what keeps me going… Why I work so hard, why I push through the challenges, why I never give up on my dreams or my brand. And the truth is simple: It’s the look on someone’s face when I help them feel even a little bit happier. When their skin transforms. When their confidence returns. When they finally see the beauty in themselves that I’ve always seen in them.

That moment — that spark — drives me more than anything. It’s my beautiful children, who I want to make proud. I want them to grow up seeing that their mum built something from the ground up with passion, integrity, and love.

I want them to know they can chase their dreams too. It’s my husband, my rock, who has stood by me through every high and every low. His support gives me strength when I feel like giving up. And above all… it’s God. He is the source of my courage, my strength, my purpose, and my vision. He carries me through every season — the highs, the heartbreaks, the breakthroughs, and the battles. I couldn’t do any of this without Him. This is what fuels me. This is why I keep going. This is why I believe in what I’m building, and why I’m so excited for everything still to come. The future is bright, and the purpose is bigger than me.

What advice would you give someone interested in doing what you do?

If you want to create something like I did — a brand, a business, a vision that actually means something — here’s the truth: You’ve got to truly LOVE it. Not the idea of it. Not the “aesthetic” of being a founder. Not the highlight moments. You’ve got to love the work. Because it’s not a walk in the park — it’s bloody hard work.

There are days you’ll question yourself. There are nights you won’t sleep. You’ll face setbacks you never expected. You’ll feel tested, stretched, and pushed to your limits. But passion… real passion… is what gets you up every morning. It’s what drove me. And if you have that in you, it can drive you too. Do it for the right reasons. Do it because you want to help people, change lives, bring value, or create something meaningful — not for applause or quick wins.

Have strong motives. Have a strong “why.” And most importantly: be strong-willed. Because the only difference between the people who make it and the people who don’t… is that the ones who make it don’t stop. If you love it, believe in it, and stay determined, you can create something powerful too. I’m living proof of that.

What has been the hardest part of your business journey?

People see the results, the products, the success… but they rarely see the sacrifices behind it. One of the hardest parts of building Sphagnum De-Lux has been getting the ingredients absolutely perfect. I refused to rush anything. I refused to settle. I wanted the cleanest, most organic, most effective formulas — and that took years of testing, researching, reformulating, learning, and perfecting every single detail.

And as proud as I am of the final products… the truth is, it came with a cost. I’ve spent so many late nights and long days working, planning, mixing, creating, and refining — and that meant time away from my children. Missing little moments, juggling mum life with business life, and trying to balance being the best mother and the best founder I can be… that has been the real emotional challenge. It’s the part no one talks about.

The guilt, the pressure, the feeling of wanting to be in two places at once. But I did it because I wanted to build something meaningful for them — something they could be proud of, something that shows them what determination looks like. Perfecting these products took time. It took sacrifice. It took love. But looking at what Sphagnum De-Lux has become, and seeing the difference it makes to people’s skin… I know every hard moment was worth it. And one day, my kids will know too.

How have you managed burnout thus far?

People often ask how I do it all — the business, the kids, the long days, the pressure, the constant juggling. And the truth is… I’ve come close to burnout many times, but I’ve also learned how to protect my peace and my wellbeing. For me, it starts every single morning. I get up at 5am, before the world wakes up, and that first hour is mine.

I sit with God. I read my devotional. I ground myself, breathe, pray, and realign my focus for the day. That time with Him is what keeps me centered — it’s my strength, my calm, my clarity. Then I head to the gym. Moving my body gives me energy, discipline, and a reset before the chaos begins.

After that, it’s mum mode — getting the kids ready, school runs, and giving them those moments of presence and love before I step into work. By the time I start my business day, I’ve already poured into myself — spiritually, mentally, and physically. And that’s why I’ve managed to avoid true burnout. I will never let myself reach a point where I’m completely burnt out, because I have four little people looking up to me. They deserve a mum who is healthy, strong, grounded, and happy — not drained and running on empty.

My morning routine, my faith, and that sacred time to myself… That’s what keeps me going. That’s what keeps me balanced. That’s what keeps me showing up as the woman I need to be — for my family, my business, and myself.

What are a few resources that you'd recommend?

🎧 Podcasts I love:

• I absolutely love Melanie’s podcast — it’s so real and motivating.
• Faith Driven Entrepreneur – amazing for Christian business owners.
• Christian Entrepreneurs Rise Up – so good if you want faith + practical business tools together.

📚 What I’m reading right now:

I’m currently reading a Christian entrepreneur book, and honestly it’s been incredible for keeping me grounded, focused, and aligned with God while building my business. If you’re into faith, business, and personal growth, these kinds of resources make such a difference. They really help you stay motivated and keep your mindset strong, especially on the hard days.