We were lucky to catch up with Gabriela Huezo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriela, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

When I first came up with the idea for Haus of Duke, it wasn’t just about starting a business, it was about solving a gap I kept seeing in the industry in El Salvador. Working in influencer marketing across Latin America, I noticed how often global brands were missing genuine cultural connection in their campaigns. The strategy was there, but the soul wasn’t. I wanted to create an agency that merged both: data and heart, structure and storytelling.

Taking the idea into execution was a mix of courage and strategy. I moved from El Salvador to Los Angeles with no network, no “well known name” and no safety net, just conviction. I began consulting for brands and slowly built a reputation for influencer campaigns that didn’t just perform, but resonated. Step by step, Haus of Duke evolved leading collaborations with global brands like Nickelodeon, iHeartPodcasts, American Eagle, Prime Video, Express, and Pantene.

Execution, to me, meant building something sustainable, intentional, and community-driven. I didn’t want an agency that only created content; I wanted one that built connection. Today, Haus of Duke is not only a business, it’s a statement that Latin American creativity deserves a global stage.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Gabriela Huezo, a Salvadoran-born marketing strategist, storyteller, and founder of Haus of Duke, a creative and influencer marketing expert that helps brands and creators tell stories that move culture forward.

My path into marketing began over a decade ago at MAC Cosmetics Central America, where I built their PR and influencer program from the ground up, before influencer marketing was even a defined industry in the region. That experience taught me how to merge strategy and creativity, and how to measure cultural impact as much as conversions.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I wanted to bring that same spirit of innovation and representation to the global stage. That’s That’s how I’ve led everything, with a desire to bridge markets, languages, and perspectives. I’ve worked with brands like Nickelodeon, iHeartPodcasts, American Eagle, Big Sipz, Express, Pantene, and L’Occitane, leading influencer and social campaigns that are data-driven but deeply human.

What sets me and Haus of Duke apart is our cross-cultural approach. I understand that marketing isn’t just about reach, it’s about resonance. I’ve created campaigns that connect emotionally with audiences, emphasizing authenticity, inclusion, and measurable results. Whether it’s launching a new product, building creator partnerships, or reimagining a brand’s social storytelling, my work lives at the intersection of culture and commerce.

Beyond client work, I’m also the Head of Marketing at Riqueza, a financial education platform empowering BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women communities, and the creator of Historias Que Nos Contamos (Stories we tell ourselves in English), a podcast amplifying Central American women’s stories of entrepreneurship and healing. Both projects reflect the same mission: to make representation a business strategy, not just a statement.

What I’m most proud of is that Haus of Duke started as one woman with a laptop and an idea, and has become a platform that opens doors for others. I want readers and potential collaborators to know that working with me means more than executing a campaign. It’s about creating something meaningful, inclusive, and lasting.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I decided to move from El Salvador to Los Angeles, I had no network, no safety net, just conviction. Starting over in a new country meant rebuilding credibility from scratch while navigating visa limitations and cultural differences. I freelanced, pitched myself to global brands, and often worked late nights to prove that Latin American creativity could compete at a global level. There were moments of uncertainty, but each challenge taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and how to create opportunities instead of waiting for them.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

My growth has always come from authenticity and relationships. I don’t chase numbers; I focus on creating campaigns that genuinely connect. Clients come to me now because they see that our work performs and feels different: it’s inclusive, data-informed, and built on community insight. Many of our partnerships, from L’Occitane to American Eagle, started with small pilot projects that grew into long-term relationships because of trust and measurable results. In a world full of noise, authenticity is our biggest growth strategy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hausofduke.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hausofduke/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabyhuezob