Meet Gabriela Huezo | Founder of Haus of Duke, Marketing Strategist & Advocate for Inclusive Storytelling

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriela Huezo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriela, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At its core, my work is about using marketing as a tool for representation and connection. Through Haus of Duke, the agency I founded, I help brands tell stories that not only drive results but also reflect the diverse audiences they serve. We’ve led influencer and social campaigns for brands like Prime Video, iHeartPodcasts, American Eagle, and Pantene, always with an emphasis on authenticity and inclusion.

But the impact goes beyond brand metrics. It’s about changing who gets to be part of the narrative. Coming from El Salvador, I know what it’s like to feel invisible in spaces that shape culture. That’s why everything I build, whether it’s as Head of Marketing at Riqueza, a financial education platform for BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and women communities, or Historias Que Nos Contamos (Stories we tell ourselves in English), my podcast amplifying Central American women’s stories, is rooted in giving visibility and voice to others.

Social impact for me means creating opportunities that didn’t exist before… spaces where creativity and identity coexist, where young people can see someone who looks like them leading campaigns for global brands. It’s about making room at the table and then inviting others to sit with you.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m Gabriela Huezo, a Salvadoran-born marketing strategist and storyteller, and the founder of Haus of Duke, a creative and influencer marketing agency helping brands and creators tell stories that move culture forward.

My path started at MAC Cosmetics Central America, where I built their PR and influencer program from the ground up, back when influencer marketing was still new to the region. That experience taught me how to merge creativity with strategy, measure impact, and build genuine relationships.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I wanted to bring that same energy to a global stage. Starting from scratch in a new country wasn’t easy… no network, no investors, just a vision. But every challenge pushed me to become more resourceful, and eventually Haus of Duke grew into an agency collaborating with brands like Nickelodeon, iHeartPodcasts, American Eagle, Express, Pantene, and L’Occitane.

What sets me apart is my cross-cultural approach. I blend Latin American creativity with U.S. market strategy to create campaigns that feel both authentic and effective. Beyond my client work, I’m also proud of being part of projects like Riqueza Collective, which focuses on financial empowerment for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women communities, and Historias Que Nos Contamos (Stories We Tell Ourselves in English), my podcast uplifting Central American women’s stories of entrepreneurship and healing.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success doesn’t happen in isolation, it’s built through community, courage, and storytelling. What I want people to know is that Haus of Duke isn’t just a business, it’s proof that representation and creativity can build bridges across cultures and open doors for others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whenever friends visit me in LA, I always tell them we’re skipping the clichés. No hiking, no Hollywood Boulevard, no tourist traps. I want them to see my version of Los Angeles: the food, the laughter, and the energy that makes this city feel alive.

First stop is always Killer Noodle in Sawtelle. I swear by it. It’s spicy, cozy, and the kind of place that instantly makes people say, “Okay, I get LA now.” Then, at some point, we have to go to Teddy’s Red Tacos, a birria taco moment is non-negotiable.

I also think a stand-up comedy show is a must. LA has some of the best comedians in the world, and there’s something about that mix of raw honesty and humor that feels very “city of dreamers.”

If we’re lucky, I’ll get us tickets to a live taping. Last time I went to Jimmy Fallon and The Voice, and it was such a fun, surreal reminder that this city is entertainment. And to end the night? Always karaoke. Whether it’s after dinner or a spontaneous late-night decision, karaoke is the perfect LA memory… a mix of chaos, joy, and good friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have shaped my journey, but my biggest shoutout goes to the women who’ve poured into me: mentors, friends, and creative collaborators who reminded me that community is the foundation of success. From my early days in El Salvador to my career in Los Angeles, I’ve been surrounded by women who lead with heart and resilience.

Professionally, I’m deeply grateful to the teams and partners who believed in my work before it had a title. Those first clients, editors, and brand managers who took a chance on me and helped me prove that Latin American creativity belongs on a global stage.

I also have to recognize the Riqueza community and it’s founder and The Mental State Foundation who funded part of Historias Que Nos Contamos. Those spaces exist because of the people who show up, to learn, to share, to heal, to dream. They remind me every day why I do what I do.

And on a personal note, I owe so much to my family, especially my dad, who taught me to see possibility where others saw limitation. His work ethic and love of creating something from nothing inspired everything I’ve built.

My story has never been a solo journey. It’s a mosaic of people who believed, collaborated, and built alongside me.

Website: https://www.hausofduke.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hausofduke/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabyhuezob