ROOMIIInyc
Bringing the Story of the Chelsea Hotel to Life ThroughLiving Narratives
by Man-Laï Liang
WHAT I DO
The Public Speaker is a cultural storytelling experience centered on the legendary Chelsea Hotel in New York. For more than a century, the Chelsea has been far more than a place to stay — it has been a sanctuary for artists, writers, musicians, and dreamers who shaped the cultural landscape of the city and beyond.
At the heart of this project is Man-Laï Liang, a long-time resident of the Chelsea Hotel who lives in what is known, in true New York fashion, as R00MIIInyc . Having lived within its walls for decades, she carries a rare perspective on the building’s artistic legacy and the lives that have passed through its halls.
Through The Public Speaker, Man-Laï shares the living history of the Chelsea through immersive narratives that blend personal memories with cultural history. Each story brings the building to life — room by room, moment by moment — revealing the atmosphere, encounters, and creative energy that have made the Chelsea a cultural icon.
Presented at private gatherings, cultural institutions, and special events, these talks invite audiences into a deeply human story of art, creativity, and New York’s bohemian spirit. More than a lecture, it is a journey into a place where lives, art, and memories intertwine.
The Public Speaker transforms the history of the Chelsea Hotel into a living experience — one that allows audiences not only to hear its story, but to feel as though they have stepped inside it.
WHO I AM
Photo by LINDA TROELLER
Man-Laï Liang is a modern day Renaissance woman. Her creative mind and bold spirit is constantly inspired and nourished within the walls of the notorious Chelsea Hotel in New York City. She is a no nonsense, go-getter who not only gets the job done but goes above and beyond the call of duty every time. Her multitude of interests and talents allows her to fulfill any endeavor as a fully committed, passionate professional. Having lived at the Chelsea Hotel for decades, in the apartment known in New York as “Room III,” she has become one of the rare witnesses to its unique artistic life and history.
Her freelance career is broad and extensive. She has worked as a fashion editor, fashion stylist, set designer and casting director for magazines, music videos and television shows in Europe and New York. This was a natural evolution from her early years as a model and having worked in both the U.S. and Europe. While working with many, many industry professionals (and thanks to her charm and charisma), she has built and maintained an unmatched list of international industry contacts. This led her to evolve into event planning, brand consulting, and promotional marketing in the realms of fashion, accessories, lifestyle, interior design and entertainment. Man-Laï’s success comes from her attention to detail and eye for the perfect aesthetic. She is known for resourcefulness and fresh innovative ideas/concepts that make any vision truly come to life. Through her public speaking, she now shares the living stories and creative legacy of the Chelsea Hotel with audiences around the world.
Testimony
During a recent ASMALLWORLD Ambassadors event in New York City, we had the privilege of hosting an intimate evening at the iconic Hotel Chelsea, beginning with a cocktail reception followed by a refined three-course dinner.
A highlight of the evening was the exceptional intervention of Man-Laï, who graciously joined us as our guest speaker. Her talk was nothing short of extraordinary. She brought the hotel’s rich history to life in a way that was both accessible and deeply captivating. As a long-time resident, she offered a rare insider’s perspective, sharing personal anecdotes and subtle details that cannot be found in books or articles. These intimate stories gave our guests the feeling of truly connecting with the soul of the hotel.
Man-Laï’s presence, eloquence, and natural storytelling ability immediately captivated the audience. Guests were highly engaged, asked many questions, and were genuinely impressed by her authenticity and depth of knowledge.
Thanks to her remarkable contribution, the evening became much more than a dinner, it became a meaningful journey through history. Our guests left feeling privileged, with a profound appreciation of the place where they had spent the evening, and a sense of walking in the footsteps of the many legendary artists and personalities who shaped its legacy.
Man-Laï is an outstanding public speaker, and her participation created an unforgettable and truly special experience for all.
