Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Videau
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?
My name is Lauren Videau, and I’m a proud 32-year-old mother to seven amazing children—three of whom I birthed, and four I had the blessing to take in as my own. I grew up in Mobile, Alabama, before moving to New Orleans, Louisiana, as a teenager. My journey has been shaped by overcoming poverty and struggle, and I’ve always been driven by the desire to create a better life for my family.
I’ve been married for six years to my incredible husband, who has been my biggest support system every step of the way. His belief in me and my dreams has been a cornerstone of my success, and I’m forever grateful for his encouragement and partnership.
I had my first child at 17, and from that moment on, my focus became building a future that would provide stability and opportunity for my children. Even as a young girl, I was a tech enthusiast with a love for math, and by my mid-20s, my passion for numbers truly flourished.
My entrepreneurial spirit led me to try my hand at various ventures, from selling clothes to food, but it wasn’t until I entered the tax industry that I found my true calling. Helping others navigate their finances while leveraging my love for numbers was a perfect match for me.
In 2021, I founded Videaus Tax Service, and we’ve been on an incredible journey ever since. Today, my company boasts a team of 18 tax preparers working globally to assist clients in all 50 states. Each tax return we prepare is a step closer to building a legacy—not just for my clients but for my children, who inspire me every single day.
My story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of pursuing your dreams, no matter where you start.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Teen Motherhood: Becoming a mother at 17 and navigating the challenges of raising a child while still trying to find your own path in life.
Poverty: Growing up in poverty and having to overcome financial struggles, which made even the smallest successes hard-earned.
Relocation and Adjustment: Moving from Mobile, Alabama, to New Orleans, Louisiana, as a teenager, which meant adapting to a new environment while dealing with personal challenges.
Balancing Family and Dreams: Raising seven children (three biological and four you’ve taken in) while building a business and striving to secure a better future.
Starting from Scratch: Venturing into entrepreneurship and trying different business ideas (selling clothes, food, etc.) before finding success in the tax industry.
Breaking into a Competitive Industry: Entering the tax preparation industry, which is both competitive and requires high levels of expertise and trust, as a relatively new player.
Self-Doubt: Battling moments of self-doubt and questioning if success was achievable despite your circumstances.
Lack of Resources: Struggling with limited resources and knowledge in the early days of your entrepreneurial journey, which required perseverance and creativity.
Building a Team: Growing Videaus Tax Service from the ground up and developing a team of 18 tax preparers while maintaining quality and consistency.
Carrying a Legacy: The weight of ensuring that your hard work not only sustains your family but leaves a legacy for your children.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have an incredibly close bond with my team of 18 tax preparers, and I see them as more than just employees—they’re like family. Having faced so many struggles in my own life, I understand the challenges that can come with chasing dreams, overcoming obstacles, and striving for success. That’s why I’m deeply invested in their growth, both personally and professionally. I want to see them overcome the same hurdles I once faced and achieve heights they never thought possible. It brings me immense joy to mentor, uplift, and support them, not just as tax preparers, but as individuals who deserve every opportunity to thrive. Their wins feel like my own, and together, we’re building something truly impactful.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I consider myself a risk-taker, but only for the right reasons. For me, taking risks is about making decisions that have the potential to create a better future for my kids, my family, and our financial stability, as long as the intentions behind those risks are good and ethical. One of the biggest risks I took was starting my own business, Videaus Tax Service, in 2021. Walking away from the safety of a traditional job to pursue entrepreneurship was scary, especially while raising seven children.
I poured everything I had—my time, energy, and resources—into building something meaningful, knowing there were no guarantees. It wasn’t just a financial risk; it was a leap of faith in myself and my vision. But that risk was driven by my determination to provide for my family and leave a legacy that inspires them.
To me, risk isn’t about being reckless; it’s about believing in a greater purpose and being willing to bet on yourself for the sake of those you love. When you approach risks with good intentions and a plan, they often become opportunities for incredible gro
