Today we’d like to introduce you to MC Laura O.
Hi MC, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi Voyage Houston, thank you for having me.
My name is MC Laura O. I’m a professional emcee and journalist, and my journey into this space has been anything but ordinary.
It all began in 2013. At the time, I enjoyed public speaking. I’d host events for friends just for fun, birthdays, bridal and baby showers. I didn’t think of it as a career path, it just felt natural. But then people started asking me, “Do you do this professionally?” That question kept popping up, and it planted a seed.
Back then, I was in my first year of a demanding master’s program in journalism at Emerson College in Boston. I juggled full-time school, a freelance reporting gig, and a part-time job. I remember earning $500 off of my first wedding gig, which was a big deal for me then, because I thought to myself, “Wow, I can be paid to do this? Me?”
I saw that moment as a turning point. I knew if I was going to take this seriously, I had to be intentional. I used every opportunity at Emerson to sharpen my presence and performance. I hosted WERS 88.9’s The Secret Spot, an R&B and soul radio show, and Every Woman Has A Story, a campus talk show. I even competed in Miss Massachusetts USA to improve my posture, poise, and confidence under pressure. If there were free public speaking sessions in the community, I would sign up and attend. I was training myself to command a room on and off stage.
Years later, I moved to H-Town to continue building my journalism career, and with that came a new chapter of growth as an emcee. I’ve now hosted everything from corporate conferences and galas to festivals, weddings, and private celebrations across multiple cities. Balancing solopreneurship with the demands of a media career hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me how to adapt quickly, stay prepared, and show up fully, no matter the crowd or venue.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? Definitely not. But if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
One of the biggest challenges has been educating people on the value of an emcee. There’s a misconception that it’s just someone standing on a stage talking into a mic. In reality, the role is so much deeper. It’s about shaping the energy and flow of an event. A great emcee enhances the audience’s experience, supports the organizers’ goals, and keeps everything moving smoothly, even when things go sideways on or off stage.
Before I ever step on stage, I do a lot of prep work. I research the client or organization’s history, understand the tone and intention of the event, participate in planning meetings, help fine-tune the programming, and prepare to be mentally ready to pivot in real time. That part often goes unseen.
Earlier in my journey, I knew that to reach bigger stages, I had to be willing to do smaller gigs, sometimes for little or no pay. Just like my journalism professors used to say, working in a small market teaches you the ropes, gives you room to grow, and lets you make your mistakes in front of a smaller audience. That mindset helped me see the long game. Every gig was a training ground for the kind of high-stakes events I knew I was meant to lead.
Another challenge has been balancing solopreneurship with a demanding career in media. Time management, burnout, and dry seasons where gigs slow down are all part of the reality. During those down periods, I’m not just waiting around, I’m working on content strategy, following up with contacts, reworking my portfolio, and figuring out how to stay visible and keep people up to date. But it can get overwhelming, and I’ve had to learn how to pause, reset, and set boundaries to keep from running myself into the ground. That is why I’m happy to have pounded the pavement earlier in my journey. Those word-of-mouth referrals have come a long way for me when I haven’t posted consistently on social media.
Then there’s the challenge of growth and breaking out of the box that people try to keep you in. I remember a moment a few years back when a fellow emcee passed me a gig. He said it was a co-ed bridal shower and that “a woman” would be better suited. Now, I love hosting events like that, but how it was positioned made it seem like he couldn’t see my full range. And it was the only type of event he and other men would refer me to.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an event emcee and host.
Over the years, I’ve become known as “The Crowd’s Energy Source,” a title I wear proudly because it speaks to the impact I aim to have every time I take the mic.
I’ve hosted various events, from corporate events to cultural celebrations, weddings, and festivals. My specialty lies in creating experiences that feel both dynamic and intentional. I bring the hype when needed, but I also know when to slow things down, read the room, and make space for meaningful moments.
What sets me apart is my deep commitment to cultural competency. As a Nigerian-American woman (Igbo babe to be precise), I’ve had the honor of emceeing across different African and multicultural communities. That exposure has taught me the importance of respecting cultural traditions, understanding customs, and creating a space where everyone feels seen and valued.
And let’s talk fashion, because yes, I’m known to be a little extra. My stage presence begins the moment I walk into the venue. From bold colors to statement pieces, I use fashion as part of my performance. Before I ever speak, I’m already setting the tone. The look, the energy, the vibe. It’s all intentional.
I’m most proud of the way I’ve grown over the years. People don’t just remember what I say on stage, they remember how they felt during the event. That’s what I strive for every time.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to know your value and protect it.
When I first started, I said “yes” to many gigs. And while that hustle taught me a lot, I eventually learned that constantly pouring without boundaries leads to burnout. Value isn’t just about how much you charge, it’s about how you carry yourself, how you prepare, and how you teach people to respect your time, talent, and presence.
Speaking of charge, yesterday’s price is not today’s price. If you charge a specific amount, stand on business. Educate your potential clients or audience about your value so they better understand the price point. Don’t feel like you have to lowball yourself to book a gig.
That leads me to my next lesson, which is alignment. Not every gig is meant for you, even if the check looks right, you’ve been rejected from a booking, or someone ghosts you after an inquiry. When an event, client, or opportunity aligns with your energy and values, the work becomes more than just a job, it feels more purposeful.
The next lesson is always to be a student. Success doesn’t happen overnight. I had to grow into the version of myself I am now. I’m unlearning and relearning. I reach out to people whom I consider my advisors to guide me. I study the greats on TV. I attend networking events and public speaking forums and build a community of support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lauraotv.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurao_tv/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAURAOTV/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraonyeneho/
