A Conversation with Amy Duncan
In the fall of 2016, Amy Duncan was preparing to launch a cannabis testing portfolio while running a genetics laboratory in Southern California. Originally from St. Louis, MO, Amy brings a deep understanding of the cannabis plant and 10 years in the healthcare industry ranging from pharmacy, medical device, biotech & clinical laboratory. After her husband’s brain cancer returned, she stepped down at the laboratory to follow her own dreams. Mowellens launched in March 2018. Featured in Forbes, US Weekly, Huffington Post and more, Mowellens can be found in The EDITION hotels, The Standard Hotels, Nordstrom, Earth Bar, Hu Kitchen, Heyday, Alo Yoga, to name a few. Amy’s passion for life, health and wellness is contagious. Today, Mowellens honors the legacy of Amy’s husband with deep love and respect for the plant that brought balance to a difficult life.
Here’s a snapshot of Amy’s life as it stands today.
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What does your morning ritual look like?
I spend the first hour of my morning moving slowly and mindfully. The first thing I do when my feet hit the floor is write three things in my happiness journal that I am grateful for. I’ve been doing this for nearly three years now and unquestionably it has catapulted me in good times and stabilized me in times of fear, worry, and stress. Then I head to the bathroom to wash my face, apply our facial serum and gua sha. What I love about gua sha first thing in the morning is that it’s a practice that would be foolish to rush. It brings down the puffiness in my skin, it awakens my face and mind to the day ahead, and it moves stagnant emotional energy I may have been storing.
How are you slowing down throughout the day?
Turning to nature is what slows me down. I like to spend 30 minutes in the middle of the day sitting outside in the sun, birds chirping, without technology.
We're finding that creativity, music and movement are key during this time. What are the outlets that speak to you right now?
Movement has always been a big part of my life. Movement and mindset are so intricately tied together and have pulled me through some dark moments of loss and grief. Writing is also a passion of mine. I’ve always written my feelings in the form of poetry and short form inspiration. I redesigned my website, Living Duncan, where I can now write for others who submit their story. I’m really looking forward to using my story and passion for writing as a way to help others heal. (IG & FB)
What foods and drinks do you rely on to replenish your skin?
My favorite soothing beverage is warm water, ginger root, fresh squeezed lemon juice and a dash of ACV. I eat mostly plants and whole foods to fuel my body from the inside out.
