Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanora (Onney the CEO) Laws.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
While the males of the entertainment industry continue to dominate, far too little gratitude has been paid to their female counterparts. Along came Onney—a force determined to shift that perception with her no-nonsense demeanor, spirited personality, and an unmatched work ethic fueled by passion and purpose.
Born Lanora Laws, and carrying the legacy of the celebrated Laws family (Ronnie, Hubert, Eloise, and Debra Laws), Onney knew early on that her gifts could not be confined to a single lane. Though her first love has always been poetry, the Houston-bred creative expanded her artistry into acting, modeling, playwriting, directing, publishing, producing and authorship—refusing to let the world limit her expression.
In 2008, she stepped boldly into entrepreneurship, founding Onney Publishing & Performances, Inc., a company that quickly became a trusted home for aspiring writers and storytellers. With over 15 authors published, Onney has not only left her mark on the literary world but has also given countless voices the opportunity to be heard. Her skills as a writer and editor deepened during her tenure as Entertainment Editor and columnist for the Houston Sun Newspaper (2008–2011), sharpening her ability to both craft and elevate powerful stories.
Onney’s journey as a performer flourished after a life-changing spoken-word performance at the Def Poetry Jam Summit, produced by co-founder Danny Simmons, where she captivated an audience of over 7,000 at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre. That moment became the gateway to stages across the nation, where she shared the spotlight with legends including Ron Isley, Angela Winbush, Carl Thomas, Darrin Henson, Shirley Murdock, BET comedians Shawn Harris, Shang, and Michael Blackston. She later took her talents on the road, starring in numerous stage plays that inspired her to begin writing and producing plays of her own—often in collaboration with her dear friend and colleague Ablyss Gillespie.
Her creativity also led her into the music industry, where she released her album BeYou2Feel Music. Several tracks from the project found their way onto movie soundtracks, mixtapes, and albums, further proving that her artistry knew no boundaries.
But Onney’s impact has always extended beyond the stage and screen. She has been honored with numerous accolades—including the Woman of the Year Award, Boss of the Year Award, MLK Humanitarian Award, Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Producer of the Year Award, and Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Celebrated by dignitaries such as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Annise Parker, Congressman Al Green, and State Representative Ron Reynolds, she has received proclamations, trophies, and acknowledgments for her philanthropy, mentorship, and tireless community service. For Onney, these honors are reminders of her true mission: to uplift, empower, and give back.
Never one to remain stagnant, Onney transitioned behind the camera, serving as Casting Director for Brother’s Forever Productions and collaborating with Clear Quality Media on screenplay projects. She later expanded her vision by founding Onney Studios, a premier podcasting studio in Houston, Texas. There, she helps podcasters monetize their message, amplify their voices, and gain the recognition they deserve.
As the Executive Producer and Host of her acclaimed talk show, Outside the Box with Onney—filmed at Onney Studios—she continues to break barriers. Now streaming on over 25 platforms and picked up by networks including AStar TV and 3rd Coast TV, the show embodies her mission to inspire, educate, and challenge perspectives while creating space for authentic stories to be told.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Onney’s proudest role is being a mother of three sons and grandmother to her beloved grandson. Her artistry also extends into the world of visual arts, where her acrylic and epoxy resin works have been displayed in exhibitions.
With every stage graced, book published, community served, and story told, Onney continues to build a legacy grounded in resilience, creativity, and service. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose—a story still being written, with many chapters yet to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not always been smooth. I’ve faced seasons of struggle—from the challenges of single parenting to overcoming domestic violence. Yet, through it all, my desire to rise above and prevail never diminished. Becoming a mother at the young age of 16 came with obstacles that could have defined me, but instead, it fueled my determination not to become a statistic.
Balancing motherhood with ambition taught me resilience, though prioritizing time to recharge has been an ongoing challenge when your dreams demand so much of you. I’ve made my share of missteps—bad investments, misplaced trust, and relying on people who were quick to enjoy the fruit of my labor but unwilling to water the tree that produced it. One of the hardest lessons was realizing that not everyone will understand or support your vision. My dreams were often “too big” for those closest to me to grasp, and I had to accept that sometimes, strangers would cheer me on louder than people in my immediate circle.
But I’ve learned to be at peace with that truth. Because sometimes, we are called to be the very change we wish to see. And in leading by example, we may inspire even the most doubtful hearts to believe again. If I can do it, so can you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Onney Studios is Houston’s premier podcasting and multimedia production hub, dedicated to helping creators bring their vision to life. We specialize in professional podcast production, high-quality audio and video recording, editing, branding, and distribution support—ensuring that every client not only produces content but also builds a recognizable and monetizable brand.
What sets Onney Studios apart is our personalized approach. We don’t just provide state-of-the-art equipment and studio space—we invest in each podcaster’s journey, offering creative guidance, production strategy, and industry insights to help them stand out in a crowded market. Our team takes pride in creating a supportive, professional environment where voices are amplified and stories are told with excellence.
We are proud to have worked with powerhouse names such as Garry Owens, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Savoy, Simone Ellis, and many more. Their trust reflects the reputation we’ve built for quality, professionalism, and results-driven production. At Onney Studios, we don’t just produce podcasts—we help build legacies.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
To be honest, I don’t have many favorite childhood memories. Most of what I experienced in those early years was layered with trauma and the presence of adults who were in need of healing themselves. But even in the midst of hardship, there were small, beautiful moments that stand out.
Some of my most cherished memories were during the times we had the least. When my mother broke free from an unhealthy relationship, it was just her, my two brothers, and me living in a tiny two-bedroom apartment with very little furniture. On Saturday mornings, she would treat us to Shipley Donuts before heading off to work to provide for us. In the evenings, we’d sometimes spread a sheet out on the dining room floor and share simple meals—often just peanut butter sandwiches. And yet, those moments felt full. We didn’t realize it at the time, but the joy wasn’t in what we had—it was in who we had. No matter how little there was, we had each other, and that made it everything.
Pricing:
- $550 Platinum Start-Up Package (for new podcasters) ✔️ In-Studio Professional Photo Shoot (for intro video + social media) ✔️ Custom Intro Video ✔️ Custom Logo ✔️ Lower Thirds & Titles for all in-studio recordings ✔️ Custom Lighting
- $350 Deluxe Start-Up Package (for new podcasters) ✔️ Custom Intro Video (with images/videos you provide) ✔️ Custom Logo ✔️ Lower Thirds & Titles for all in-studio recordings Note: Returning clients starting a new show must repurchase this package.
- $150 Start-Up Package (for returning podcasters or those with existing branding) ✔️ Setup of Lower Thirds & Titles ✔️ Use your own intro video & logo
- 📡 Distribution Services – $200/Month (Upload Only) Let our team upload your finished episodes directly to your selected platforms, including: YouTube Amazon Music Apple Podcasts iHeart Radio Good Pods Overcast Cast Box Pocket Casts Radio Public iTunes Spotify Facebook (optional) Just provide the day/time you want your episodes released, and we’ll handle the rest!
- 💰 Studio Pricing Studio A 1 Hr – $180 1.5 Hr – $270 2 Hr – $360 3 Hr – $540 4 Hr – $720 Add 15 Min – $45 Current Sale on 4 Hr Booking Block :$576 (20% off) Ends 9/1/2025 Great for Filming multiple Episodes – Content Creation Day Studio B 1 Hr – $210 1.5 Hr – $315 2 Hr – $420 3 Hr – $630 4 Hr – $840 Add 15 Min – $52.50 Current Sale on 4 Hr Booking Block :$672 (20% off) Ends 9/1/2025 Great for Filming multiple Episodes – Content Creation Day
Contact Info:
- Website: www.onneystudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onneystudios and https://www.instagram.com/onneytheceo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnneyStudios
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutsideTheBoxWithOnney
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/m6CRaPHUV3pMg9n126-KBw
