Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Williams.
Hi Andrea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I came into this work because storytelling has always been how I made sense of the world. Before there were companies or programs or titles, there was a little Black girl who knew that stories held truth, survival, and possibility. I started in theatre, moved into film, and over time found myself producing because I was always the one connecting the dots, holding the vision, and making sure the work actually got done.
I learned early that talent alone is not enough. You can have a beautiful idea and still watch it fall apart if there is no structure, no plan, and no one protecting the people and the process. So I built my career learning how to do both. I tell stories, and I build the systems that allow those stories to exist in the world.
Along the way, I worked on stages, sets, and in rooms where I was often the only one who looked like me. I saw how many Black women were carrying projects, people, and entire productions without being seen or supported. That shaped everything. It pushed me to create spaces where our work, our leadership, and our voices are taken seriously.
My television career as a true crime producer has also taken off, with over six seasons of Fatal Attraction under my belt, as well as Snappe on Oxygen, Celebrity Crime Files, and For My Man. Even in TV, my work centers my love for storytelling—telling people’s stories with care, truth, and attention to detail.
Today, I am the co-owner of B.OK Productions, where we have projects on Peacock, Prime Video, Tubi, and more. I am also the Executive Director of The Healing Stage, a nonprofit that centers Black women, health, and performance. And through Studio Onyx, I mentor artists and producers who are ready to move from surviving their creativity to actually sustaining it.
Everything I do now comes from that same starting place. I believe in stories. I believe in Black women. And I believe we deserve to build things that last.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges in my journey has been often being the only one in the room—the only Black person, the only woman, the only queer person. That experience affects everything. You carry more than just your own work; you carry the weight of representation, the pressure to prove that you belong, and the responsibility of showing that others like you can belong too.
There were times I had to really fight against feeling out of place, against self-consciousness, and against the doubt that creeps in when you’re constantly the “only one.” Teaching and mentoring through Studio Onyx has shown me just how common that feeling is, and it’s part of why I’ve been so intentional about creating spaces where artists and producers—especially Black women and queer creators—can step in fully, be seen, and know without question that they belong.
It’s not easy, but those experiences have made me resilient, intentional, and committed to making sure the next person in that room doesn’t have to fight the same battles alone.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Through Studio Onyx, I created The Lab, a space where emerging artists and producers can learn, experiment, and step confidently into leadership. My last cohort has been incredible—participants from the program have gone on to produce and direct their own projects, building work that reflects their vision and voice.
Theater has always been a core part of my journey. I’ve had the honor of directing and co-producing productions like Steel Magnolias, Fences, The Colored Museum, and a sold-out run of The Color Purple, which remains one of my proudest moments. My experiences on stage and behind the scenes—especially during my own health journey—showed me just how deeply art, creativity, and healing are connected. That realization led me to create The Healing Stage, a nonprofit that centers Black women, health, and performance, offering a space where creativity and wellness can thrive together.
My television producing career has also been a major part of my work. I’ve produced over six seasons of Fatal Attraction, as well as Snappe on Oxygen, Celebrity Crime Files, and For My Man. Even in TV, my focus remains storytelling—bringing people’s stories to life with care, depth, and truth.
With B.OK Productions, we’ve been able to take that same approach to film. Since 2020, I’ve co-produced and directed projects including Priceless: The Score, Priceless: The Dawn, And They Named Her Love, The Calling, Coming Home for Christmas, and Mixed Christmas, all of which have found audiences on Peacock, Prime Video, Tubi, and more. Through B.OK, I’ve been able to focus on centering Black lesbian storytelling—bringing work to life that is often overlooked but deeply needed—and ensuring that these stories are told with care, authenticity, and space for joy.
I’m known for creating spaces where Black women’s stories and voices are centered—on stage, on screen, and in development programs. People recognize me for bringing productions to life with care and intentionality, whether it’s directing and producing theater or film, mentoring artists through Studio Onyx, or producing television. I’m also known for bridging creativity and wellness, showing that you can pursue ambitious, bold work while honoring your health and whole self.
In addition, I’ve built a reputation for taking projects that might otherwise be overlooked and giving them visibility, from centering Black lesbian storytelling in film and television, to producing sold-out theater runs, to guiding emerging creators to step into leadership and ownership of their work. Essentially, I’m known for turning vision into reality while making space for others to do the same.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just create work—I impact the communities I touch. I think about the people, the process, and the long-term ripple of everything I do. Whether it’s theater, film, television, or mentorship, I’m intentional about building spaces where stories, artists, and audiences all feel seen and valued.
I also bring lived experience into the work in a way that informs everything I do. I’ve produced, directed, and performed through my own health journey, and I’ve learned how art and healing can exist together. That perspective allows me to approach projects with a depth, resilience, and empathy that shows up in the stories I tell and the people I support.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love best about the city is that Black excellence is everywhere—Black women in leadership, thriving arts communities, and creativity all around. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by that energy and talent. The challenging part is that there’s always something happening. My workload often keeps me from attending all the amazing events, so when I finally have free time, I have to make tough choices about where to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://withonyxkeesha.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxkeesha/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theonyxkeesha
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnyxKeesha
- Other: https://www.skool.com/the-lab-studioonyx-8456
