Today we’d like to introduce you to Onney The CEO (Lanora Laws)
Hi Onney, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
While the males of the industry continue to dominate, a lesser gratitude is paid to their female counterparts. Along comes Onney, to counter the perception with her no-nonsense demeanor mixed with a spirited personality. As a member of the celebrated Laws family (Ronnie, Hubert, Eloise and Debra), Onney, born Lanora Laws, has created a strong following in her career as well. Although Onney’s first love has always been poetry, the Houston-bred poet and talented thespian has experienced unbridled success not only on-stage as a performer and actress, but off-stage as an author, publisher, model, playwright, and director. She is also the CEO of “Onney Publishing & Performances, Inc.”, which has become a lauded template and formula for thriving authors looking for success. Onney published her first book “Infinite Silhouettes” in 2007. She then went on to publish “Cycle of Alteration” by Ablyss Gillespie, “Old Skool’s Sex Tools” (Volumes I, II & III) by Howard McAfee, “In Its Entirety” by Aja Fitzgerald, and “Praying for a Better Day” by Marquis Jonkins, “Revealing a White Lie, Faith Vs. Facts” by Lloyd C. Ford, “Stolen Options” by Mae Edwards, “Comforting Words in These Days and Times” by Cora Lewis and “Vee’s Broken Silence” by Venessa Nunez just to name a few. Onney perfected her craft in journalism and editing as the Entertainment Editor and columnist for the “Houston Sun Newspaper” from the years of 2008-2011.
Onney performed spoken-word at the Def Poetry Jam Summit put on by Co-Founder Danny Simmons in front of a crowd of 7,000+ at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston, Texas which led to performances for larger crowds. Onney has performed at venues across the country, opening for Ron Isley, Angela Winbush, Carl Thomas, Darrin Henson, BET Comedians Shawn Harris, Shang & Michael Blackston, and many more. She has also shared the stage with The Legendary Shirley Murdock while maintaining the lead female role in the gospel stage play tour “Heaven Ain’t Hard to Find”. Several tracks off her previously released album “BeYou2Feel Music” can be found on multiple movie soundtracks. She has featured on multiple mix tapes, and albums throughout her career.
Onney previously received the “Woman of the Year Award” presented by the Houston Sun Newspaper and the City of Houston. The guest speakers on her behalf consisted of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Annise Parker, Congressman Al Green and many more. She was honored for her community philanthropy and mentorship participation programs, as well as her contributions annually in Juneteenth Celebrations at the historical Emancipation Park located in 3rd Ward Houston.
In 2017, Onney also was awarded the “Female Boss of the Year” for the Houston Hip-Hop Awards. She later landed and currently holds a position as the Casting Director for Brother’s Forever Productions and now works closely with Clear Quality Media for screenplay productions as well. Onney joined forces with Abyss Gillespie to create Selfish Subjects Inc., a joint venture in which they bring their creative talents together to educate the world on social issues through entertainment. The two co-wrote two books entitled “What is a Selfish Baby Daddy?” and “What is a Selfish Baby Mama?”, published by One Publishing & Performances, Inc. These books were created to help raise awareness on selfish situations that happen in co-parenting environments.
These ladies also founded the non-profit organization “The Child’s Perspective”; a non-profit organization that focuses on helping parents identify disagreements and communicate with understanding from The Child’s emotional and psychological view. Onney, also is known for her acrylic, and epoxy resin paintings, and can also be found featured at art exhibits where her fine art is on display for sale. Onney is now a proud Executive Producer and Host of “Outside the Box with Onney” talk show, filmed at Sphere Studios in Houston, Texas that can now be found on over 25 Platforms and have recently been picked up by AStar TV. Onney, currently single, is the proud mother of three sons, now ages 25, 22, and 17 and proud grandmother of a four year old grandson. This CEO has no plans on slowing down on building her legacy.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not always been smooth. From struggling with single parenting to overcoming domestic violence; the desire to overcome and prevail never diminished. Becoming a mother at the young age of 16, definitely created some obstacles, but pushed me not to become a statistic. However, prioritizing time to recharge has been an ongoing challenge when you have so many goals to accomplish. One of the hardest things to accept was understanding that not everyone will understand your vision. My vision was too big for people to grasp, so the support always came from strangers instead of the people that were in my immediate environment. I am ok with that. I realize that sometimes we have to be responsible for creating the change we wish to see and it’s quite possible that leading by example can make a non-believer 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 work?
If “Outside the Box” was a person… Onney specializes in Publishing Authors through her publishing company “Onney Publishing & Performances, Inc.”, she is also known for her hit talk show “Outside the Box With Onney”, a show tailored to bring Entrepreneurs to the table to share their “Aha Moments” with the world. In this unfiltered and uncensored show, Onney interviews professionals from all walks of life that have fearlessly taken the leap towards their individual ambitions and destiny. Onney’s bold and charismatic approach to life creates an ambiance for others to be themselves, inspiring transparency from everyone she sits across. As different Entrepreneurs from all walks of life share the highs and lows of their journey, Onney is hoping to create a new wave of inspiration to all who tunes in. This show is currently running on 25 platforms. She is also known for casting film roles for film companies such as Brothers Forever Productions and Clear Quality Media. When she is not publishing books, casting roles, producing talk shows and writing plays, you can find her creating artwork to be displayed in art galleries in Houston in surrounding areas. From modeling as a brand ambassador for multiple clothing lines, to creating her reality, she is proud of it all.
What does success mean to you?
Success is not measured by the size of your bank account, yet by the number of lives you can impact while here on earth. Success is when your vision can create opportunities for others to provide for their families. That’s legacy, that’s success.
Pricing:
- You can hire Onney Publishing to Publish your next book with packages starting at $1750.00
- You can Book Onney for your next engagement, be it Poetry, Hosting/MC, Special Guest starting at $500
- Onney also offers publishing coaching courses and consultations starting at $100/Hr
- You can book Outside the Box to cover Red Carpet Events starting at $125/hr
Contact Info:
- Email: otb.liveshow@gmail.com
- Website: www.onney.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onneytheceo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnneyTheCeo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJwcXQR4mJYYzYl7c4dMllQ
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