OUR STORY
The Journey Behind Copano Oyster Co.
Meet lauren
Lauren never imagined she would become an oyster farmer. Before founding Copano Oyster Co., she built a successful career in corporate America, thriving in high-stakes sales, fast-paced negotiations, and the challenge of closing deals. But over time, she felt something was missing—a deeper connection to her work, the environment, and the impact she wanted to make.
That search led her back to the TX coast, where she became fascinated with oyster farming—an industry built on patience, resilience, and respect for the water. Despite the skeptics who said it wouldn’t work, Lauren saw an opportunity. The conditions in Copano Bay—low salinity, relentless winds, and unpredictable waters—posed challenges, but she was determined to prove that with the right care, attention, and innovation, oysters could thrive. In 2023, she seeded her farm, laying the foundation for what would become Copano Oyster Co.
The farm
Today, her farm produces the Copano Cream oyster—an oyster as rich as the history of the bay itself, with a deep cup, faint brine, and a smooth, creamy finish. More than just growing oysters, Lauren farms to challenge expectations, to learn from the water, and to contribute to a more sustainable future for Texas oysters. Farming isn’t easy, but neither is building something that truly matters. Every oyster she pulls from the water is a testament to the risk she took, the resilience she’s built, and the belief that great things can grow in even the toughest conditions.
The History
El Copano, a once-thriving port on the shores of Copano Bay, known for its tales of pirates and smugglers, has since disappeared beneath the waters, due to erosion and natural disasters. Our company honors this rich history while working to preserve the coast for future generations.
Explore more stories from the Bayside Historical Society and the restoration of the Wood Mansion on Facebook.