About GRIT, LLC

GRIT, LLC was founded in 2008 by Laurena Marrone.

The company has since rapidly developed into a well-respected organization, providing its diverse clientele with publicity, promotion, management, marketing services and much more. While she was born and raised in New York City, Laurena initially made her mark as a publicist and promoter with musicians and artists in the Los Angeles area. In the late 80’s and early 90’s, Laurena was the youngest person to hold an impressive National Director’s position at MCA Records where she worked with such diverse artists as Danny Elfman, Jill Sobule, Tom Petty, Fine Young Cannibals, The Lightning Seeds, Bell Biv DeVoe and Erik B. and Rakim. She also worked on the soundtrack for the cult classic film Pump Up the Volume starring Christian Slater. She continued on to work and cultivate her talents as an independent publicist and promotion strategist for nonprofit organizations, music distributors, theatre companies, gyms, artists, athletes, designers, event planners and more – eventually making her one of the most diverse and experienced entrepreneurs in the business.

In addition to her vast set of invaluable skills, which also include grant writing and innovative guerrilla marketing tactics, Laurena more importantly has the first-hand knowledge and experience as a working artist and entrepreneur, having toured several countries as a Flamenco dancer and founding what became the largest Flamenco dance academy and non-profit organization devoted to Flamenco in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. She produced several national tours for internationally acclaimed artists, and in 2005 and 2007, she produced and executed the first-ever Northwest Flamenco Festivals with some of the finest artists in the genre from Jerez, Spain, the birthplace of Flamenco. The Festivals won grants and endless support from the City of Portland and attracted thousands of Flamenco aficionados from across the globe.

Since 2008, Grit, LLC has offered a variety of customized services to musicians (including Grammy, Emmy and Latin Grammy nominees), performing artists, event planners, fashion designers, and more.

Laurena’s desire to exceed client expectations and to persevere during uncertain times in the global economy have definitely been traits that others will continue to admire and appreciate. When asked about the diversity of the company, Laurena’s reply never waivers: “Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness.”