Meet Torrie Duenas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Torrie Duenas.

Torrie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began working with desert plants and herbs about eight years ago out of desperation to find something that could help clear my skin as well as enrich my health and wellness. I had tried so many products filled with harsh chemicals and made in labs. I decided to look to the world around me, plants and roots had always been a part of my youth. When I was young, we would embark on seasonal desert plant harvesting trips filled with ritual and superstition. Little did I know, that picking pinons in October and harvesting nopal in August would become the foundation that would lead me into herbalism and business. I studied books, took classes, and found elders to guide me and help me grow in knowledge and spirit. Moving to Tucson prompted me to take the chance at making my remedies and reach new communities full time. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Finding my courage was the hardest part. I spent so much time studying and working to make my products but I was not confident in my own knowledge and skill set. I used to think I wasn’t qualified enough, or that people wouldn’t listen or take me seriously. I was so worried about trying to be what people expected and not who I actually was. But after making some great new herbal friends in Arizona and finding my footing among the farmers markets and local community, I was able to break out of my fears.

Please tell us about your business.
Desert Mystic Goods is all about ritual & wellness. Intention drives our brand and everything we do from plant to bottle. Everything is hand made in small batches using desert botanicals and ethically sourced, vegan ingredients. We harvest, source, infuse and distill all of our own oils and floral waters. By using the power of the moon as well as unique energetic signatures of crystals and gems to infuse ritual onto all of our products, we bring magic to your everyday life. Our most popular product is our Moon Spell Mist, a relaxation and pillow spray with chamomile hydro-sol and infused with Onyx and Labradorite, crafted under a new moon. We are so proud of our journey and how far we have come in such a short time. Over the past four years in Arizona, Desert Mystic has bloomed and spread seeds all over the Southwest. One of our biggest accomplishments has been our outreach. Having the ability to talk with costumers and bring awareness to the community about the world around them. I talk to people every week at the farmers market, turning them on to local plants and surprising them with the uses for things in their backyard. I think the biggest thing that set us apart from others is our family. When I began, it was just me, but my sons have become a huge part of the business. Helping and learning at every step of the way. I am not only honored to make great products but I am proud to be raising a new generation in the knowledge, respect and love for the earth.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
To be honest, it is a silly Christmas memory from my childhood in Las Vegas. When I was about ten, there were a few days, although it seemed like weeks, of thunderstorms and rain, I mean total cloud cover, at Christmas. It was the best Christmas I had, riding my bike in the rain with my grandpa and spending extra time making pies and sitting by the window watching the water pool in the road. I can remember feeling like the rain was making everything good, or better. The rain was bringing us something, I had no idea what it was, but it felt clean and restorative, the very essence of the desert.

Contact Info:

• Address: Desert Mystic Goods
  815 west rancho Sahuarita unit 1291
  Sahuarita, AZ 85629
• Website: www.desertmysticgoods.com
• Phone: 702-785-2991
• Email: desertmysticgoods@gmail.com
• Instagram: DesertMysticGoods
• Facebook: DesertMystic

Image Credit:
Torrie Duenas

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.