From a Family Farm to a Life of Creating
For Lauren Kunz Chateauneuf, big ideas have always started close to home. Growing up in Webster, New York, she spent her childhood on her family’s four-generation Christmas tree farm—an environment that quietly shaped her future as an entrepreneur and community leader.
“I didn’t realize it then, but working on the farm taught me everything about consistency and responsibility,” she says. “You learn that growth takes time, and every season matters.”
That early lesson in patience and hard work became the foundation for a life built around turning ideas into reality.
Starting Young: A Boutique and a Vision
At just 23, Lauren opened her first business, a gift boutique called Tessellations. It was a bold move—one that reflected her love of creativity and connection. “I wanted to create something beautiful that brought people together,” she explains. “I didn’t want to wait for the ‘perfect time.’ I just went for it.”
The shop became a local favorite, known for its unique products and welcoming energy. More than that, it marked the beginning of a career built on innovation and intuition. “When you start young, you make mistakes fast,” she says with a laugh. “But you also learn fast.”
Though Tessellations eventually closed, it gave Lauren her first taste of business ownership—and the confidence to keep going.
Reinventing Tradition: Kunz’s Tree Farm
After her early retail success, Lauren returned to her roots—literally. She took on the leadership of Kunz’s Tree Farm, continuing a family tradition that began long before she was born. But instead of just maintaining it, she modernized it.
“I didn’t want to change the heart of it,” she says. “I just wanted to help it grow.”
Lauren introduced new ways to engage customers, added seasonal retail experiences, and focused on building a loyal community around the farm. Her leadership helped the business stay relevant in an era when local farms faced increasing challenges.
“It’s not just about selling trees,” she explains. “It’s about helping families make memories. That’s what keeps people coming back.”
Expanding Horizons and Taking Risks
Never one to stay in one lane, Lauren went on to work in real estate—another field where she could merge creativity and people skills. She became an award-winning realtor, earning recognition for her ability to see potential where others didn’t. “I love helping people find the space that fits their story,” she says.
Her next venture was co-founding H&S Septic Services, where she helped grow the company between 2010 and 2016. The industry was completely new to her, but she saw opportunity where others might have hesitated. “Sometimes success is just saying yes to something different,” she says. “If you’re willing to learn, you can lead.”
That willingness to step outside her comfort zone became one of her strongest traits.
Leading With Compassion: Habitat for Cats
Alongside her business ventures, Lauren has always made time for what she calls her “heart work.” For more than 15 years, she has volunteered with Habitat for Cats, an organization that rescues and supports thousands of cats across her region. In 2019, she became its president, guiding its expansion and community outreach.
“Rescuing animals has always been part of who I am,” she says. “I can’t walk away from a life that needs help.”
Her leadership there mirrors her approach to business—hands-on, practical, and deeply compassionate. “You don’t need to be loud to make a difference,” she adds. “You just need to be consistent.”
Balancing Work, Family, and Purpose
Lauren’s story is also one of balance. She’s a mother of two daughters, and she says her family is what keeps her grounded. “They’re my why,” she says simply. “Everything I do—every risk, every late night—is about creating something better for them.”
She acknowledges that balance doesn’t always come easy. “You have to give yourself grace,” she says. “Some days you’ll win in business, some days you’ll win at home—but if you’re showing up with heart, you’re doing it right.”
Lessons From a Lifetime of Building
Across every venture, Lauren Kunz Chateauneuf has stayed true to a few simple principles: integrity, persistence, and empathy. “I’ve never been afraid to start something new,” she says. “What matters is following through and lifting others up along the way.”
Her story isn’t about overnight success—it’s about steady growth, adaptability, and courage. She’s proof that when you mix creativity with hard work, big ideas don’t just stay ideas—they become lasting contributions to your life, your industry, and your community.
“I’ve learned that you don’t have to do everything perfectly,” she says. “You just have to care enough to keep going.”
To learn more about her work and journey, visit Lauren Kunz Chateauneuf.
Himani Verma is a seasoned content writer and SEO expert, with experience in digital media. She has held various senior writing positions at enterprises like CloudTDMS (Synthetic Data Factory), Barrownz Group, and ATZA. Himani has also been Editorial Writer at Hindustan Time, a leading Indian English language news platform. She excels in content creation, proofreading, and editing, ensuring that every piece is polished and impactful. Her expertise in crafting SEO-friendly content for multiple verticals of businesses, including technology, healthcare, finance, sports, innovation, and more.
