We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna-Maria Orlu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna-Maria, how do you think about risk?
I have always been a risk taker even since I was a little girl, I have always been fearless. I think it comes from my upbringing. Being an immigrant, you are taught to be fearless and to never accept no for an answer. It has really served me well all throughout my life because it has created a resilient woman. I like to say if “make it work was a person” it would be me. From being in foster care for 10 years in Dublin, Ireland to moving to America alone, I have always found a way to make the best of any situation and chase my dreams. Nothing was ever handed to me, so it was important for me to take big risks to get the rewards.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When it comes to my brand, I like to describe it as multifaceted, I am an actress, personality, Miss Nigeria United Nation and a philanthropist, these roles require a lot of time, patience with myself and hard work to accomplish. I believe that we are more than just one thing and each role led me to another.

I am most proud of my philanthropy work; I started my foundation this year called Little Blessings, which focuses on the advancement of orphans in Nigeria. We collect new clothes, shoes and school supplies and send it to Port Harcourt, Nigeria to Survivors Orphanage and Compassion Orphanage in Lagos. I have always been passionate about serving the community and being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc Beta Lambda chapter definitely heightened my eagerness to serve. As an actress it has been difficult filled with ups and down but I can’t see myself doing anything else. I will always keep making strides and working towards my goal as a series regular. My recent short film Marche by Wendy Seme Orleans won an outstanding achievement award, and I was also nominated for best actress. I have a few films coming out like Barely directed by Ebeninazeer Nazeer, Heartbeats High Above directed by Oliva Luying Wang and more.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I would take them to Manhattan beach in the morning, I love how peaceful it is over there and LA is known for the beautiful beaches. For breakfast we would go to Breakfast Republic in West Hollywood, the food is amazing. I love shopping so we go to Beverly Center and Santee Alley to shop. Dinner places I would take them is Tao and Wocano, I’m obsessed with their food. For nightlife, there are so many places I love to go in LA but it with have to be an afrobeats event or club, I like going to Station 1640 and Kultur Lounge. The night would end at an after hours spot called Vuuka Lounge.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of my favorite books is The Alchemist, this book has empowered me to always make something out of nothing. I would like to thank God for giving me these talents and guiding me through life. My relationship with God is the most important thing to me. My sister Peace has been my rock and my main system throughout my life. I get all my knowledge and strength from her. I believe it is important to have people around you who see greatness in you, even when you don’t see it for yourself and that’s why I appreciate my sister.

Website: annamariaorlu.com

Instagram: annamariaofficial__

Twitter: iam_annamaria__

Image Credits
Photographers – Zachariah photos, jkopics, Jamaal Murray

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