Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Duffy
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a fourth-generation Angeleno, born and raised in Los Angeles, and I take immense pride in being part of this extraordinary city—especially at this moment in time. I received a degree in marketing from the Fashion Institute. I also graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Sociology and African American Studies, a foundation that shaped my perspective on community, equity, and social impact.
My career began in public relations, where I worked with some of the most influential real estate developers in Los Angeles. Early on, I had the opportunity to contribute to high-profile campaigns for institutions such as LACMA, Rick Caruso, The International Women’s Forum and the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau. One of the most rewarding projects I worked on was the revitalization of Hollywood, where I was part of a team focused on image-building and development. This work, in collaboration with the Hollywood Entertainment District, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and TrizecHahn, played a key role in shaping the revitalization of Hollywood.
After several years in PR, I took time off to raise my children. During that period, I co-founded Larchmont Charter School alongside two other mothers and a dedicated group of parents. Our vision was simple yet powerful: to create a school where every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, would have access to the same high-quality education. We noticed that from the earliest years, children were being separated based on their parents’ financial status, and we were determined to change that. Larchmont Charter prioritizes enrollment for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch, while the remaining spots are assigned through a lottery system. The result is a truly diverse and equitable educational environment, where children from all backgrounds learn and grow together from kindergarten through high school. Seeing our students thrive—many becoming the first in their families to attend college—has been one of my proudest accomplishments.
When it was time to return to the workforce, I faced an unexpected challenge: my résumé was on a floppy disk, and technology had moved on. Rather than attempting to decode ancient tech, I took the easier route—I started my own PR firm, The Duffy Co.
Through The Duffy Co, I have had the privilege of working with an incredible array of clients. One of my most meaningful partnerships has been with the Larchmont Village Business Improvement District. Larchmont has always been close to my heart—I have visited it my entire life and have lived in Larchmont for the past 24 years. Over the past two decades, I have witnessed both changes and challenges, yet Larchmont remains a rare gem: a small-town feel nestled in the heart of a big city.
My firm has collaborated with real estate developers, restaurants, authors, beauty and fashion brands, the entertainment industry, and innovative start-ups. But beyond the industries, what truly matters to me is working with clients whose missions, visions, and values align with my own. I always begin with these core principles because I believe that authentic storytelling and brand representation come from a place of genuine passion and purpose.
At my core, I am dedicated to building community—whether through education, business, or city development. Los Angeles has given me so much, and I am committed to giving back, one project at a time.
Alright, 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?
Throughout my journey, I’ve faced my fair share of obstacles—some expected, some completely absurd (like realizing my entire career history was trapped on an extinct piece of technology). Building Larchmont Charter School came with challenges, from getting approvals to securing a site to educating the community on what a charter school actually was — all while convincing skeptics that a truly diverse and equitable school was possible. Starting my own business was no different—there were moments of doubt, late-night problem-solving, and the constant learning curve that comes with entrepreneurship. And of course, balancing it all while raising a family added its own level of chaos.
More recently, challenges have come in new and unexpected forms. A devastating fire shook our community, testing our resilience and forcing us to rebuild in ways we never anticipated. At the same time, navigating the ever-shifting world of politics—whether in education, business, or local policy—has been challenging. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that every challenge—whether technical, financial, environmental, or just plain ridiculous—has a creative solution. Sometimes, you just have to ditch the floppy disk, roll up your sleeves, and start fresh.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in community relations, strategic partnerships and building brands. I do this by developing a clear mission and vision that tells a clear and authentic story.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my best childhood memories is going to Dodger games with my family. Nothing better than a warm Los Angeles night under the stadium lights watching the Dodgers win! Years later, I got to recreate those same moments with my own kids, watching my son catch a fly ball and go to Dodger camp at the stadium. So much changes but the feeling of being at Dodger Stadium—rooting for our home team, surrounded by generations of fans—will always be pure magic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theduffyco.com
- Instagram: theheatherduffy
