Orla G. Manning

Photography by Lafiya Watson

A lot of ladies are hustling and grinding, but with Orla Georgia Manning, there is a lot to offer. The Italian/Lebanese, African-American New York native, is an advocate for the “just do it” mentality. With work on record labels and even a member of the “I Want to Work for Diddy” Season 1, the grind has been going on for quite some time, but not without its journey.

“I know they’re out there and I’ll be another one out there,” Orla said of the other women on the grind. “A lot of female promoters; doing this, doing that, but I have good ideas. Everyone needs to know that I’m here and I want to help people.”

Growing up in the Chelsea section of New York, the 27 year old producer had entertainment in her eyes, however was unaware of the path she’d take. Orla took her life down to Miami, Fl. Finding herself within record labels and coming across a number of individuals and opportunities, Orla was on a successful path, yet still unclear. Following this 3 year stint in the music industry, she arrived back in NY, still unaware of her road after bouncing around from label to label. Music, as an option was then questioned. Her mother ran into an ad at a bus stop for “Made in New York,” a workshop/class for up and coming film producers that teaches the basics of production, allows for guest speakers, preps all students for on-set actions, and places an emphasis on job placement.

Photography by Lafiya Watson

Photography by Lafiya Watson

Following tenures and internships at Slip ‘N’ Slide Records, Sony, and Embassy Row, there was an entertainment firm, Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein, and Selz, P.C. Orla took on a number of roles from Assistant to Casting Director to Assistant to Promotions Managers. Amidst the learning experience was the production of “Miracle on 42nd Street,” which was a documentary on Section 8 Housing that was only offered to actors.

Influenced largely by music, the club life became her scene. Orla began meeting club promoters and began to brainstorm the idea of a reality show directed towards the lives of club promoters. Club Star, as an idea was born. This show has been in the works and has the likelihood of great acceptance. It hasn’t come easy. Gaining clearance to film an abundance of footage sometimes isn’t warranted by owners and management of the venues. “If we can’t get clearance, we make our own scene and shoot,” Orla said.

The grind consists of a “never say die” attitude. “People say ‘I thought you would be done already.’ I just brush it off and keep going. It’s just a test to see how bad you want it,” Orla said.