We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marvianna Gray. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marvianna below.

Marvianna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Everyone knows that I’m a huge Hip-Hop/Rap enthusiast, so the name of my business didn’t stray too far from Hip-Hop, One day I was listening to E-40’s song “Function,” and the rest was history. The message behind the song and how it gets the people going is the exact impact I wanted for my company. We’re all “Out Here Tryna Function,” at the end of the day, ESPECIALLY in the entertainment industry.

Marvianna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

So the best way to describe myself and the work that I do is simply “Entertainment Media Maven.” and what makes it even more special is I am completely Independent. I have no official backing or funding by any record labels, talent agencies, or production companies. I created “Out Here Tryna Function,” Talent Agency in Essex County, NJ and my main goal was to start off small and aid upcoming artists around my city, but as time went on and my name started to travel around; I became the networking queen around town.

I started gaining notoriety with local artists in Jersey through social media posting. OHTF’s Instagram and Twitter page’s became the new music hub for artists who wanted exposure and audience members who wanted to listen and give their feedback in the comments. I began curating small concerts underneath OHTF in 2018. Once we finally picked up some momentum in show throwing, COVID side swiped the company in 2020, so I had to put Out Here Tryna Function on pause physically to adjust to virtual entertainment.

During the height of covid, a new task was bestowed upon me, motherhood! I welcomed my son in 2020 and I also kicked off my professional music managing career and podcasting. I currently manage two rising music artists coming out of New Jersey, Juice Potter and Hugo Fuego. I am also lead host of podcast #MOMSDONTSMOKE (episodes available on Newfiremusic.net and YouTube), I Interview music artists and music entrepreneurs.

If you thought my plate wasn’t full enough, I am also pursuing law. I plan to enroll into law school next fall in 2023 for Entertainment/Media. With the many hats that I wear in the industry, law is for the big boys and I’m the biggest shark in the sea. I see myself as an advocate for independet music entertainers and the mission has always been to professionally get artists to the highest level in their entertainment career. Out Here Tryna Function will be the largest if not the only Talent Agency located in New Jersey.

O.H.T.F. – Services offered (2022);

Artist/Media Consultations

Interviewing Services #MOMSDONTSMOKE Podcast (Paid service)

PR Resource Hub

Show/Concert/Festival Booking

Artist Relations Management

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Being open to conversation and dialogue! I can be introverted at times but in this industry you have to be vocal and commanding in tone. Not aggressive, but open to engaging and leading conversations. Networking and public speaking has helped my clientele grow immensely and has created life-long industry friendships and bonds.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I can’t give you guys all of my secrets lol But a lot of OHTF’s funding comes from the paid services we offer, supporter donations, and Marvi G!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/o.h.t.f
• Instagram: @marviannagray
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@O.h.t.f/featured
• Other: Instagram – @o.h.t.f – business page @momsdontsmoke- podcast Artists – @jugopotter – Juice Potter @live.str – Hugo Fuego

Image Credits
Traptographer Hugo Fuego