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Pastor and entrepreneur LaShunda Brown, has quickly solidified her place as a distinguished figure among the Lowndes and Butler County communities. Not only is Brown the standing pastor of Living Christ Ministry in Montgomery, she also is the owner of several businesses including Life Restaurant, Life Beauty Supply, and Life Changing Thrift Store all located in Fort Deposit. She has served as pastor for seven years and a business owner for about 15 years. 

Brown’s work as a business owner showcases her love for public service and her commitment to changing the lives of community members, one step at a time. Her career has included various fields of work including many years developing business for hotels and banking, but Brown found her true passion helping people and being able to give back to communities in need. 

When asked to describe her calling, Brown emphasized her love for public relations and inspiring people, which is something that pushed her to start her many businesses.

“I love people and I always want to be able to give back to the community,” Brown said. “I just want some young girl that looks like me in a younger version to see that she is able to do whatever she puts her mind and heart to. There are no limits and there’s nothing that can stop her. I just want my life to be a living episcopal for people to see that it’s achievable.” 

Born and raised in Starkville, Mississippi, Brown currently resides in Montgomery. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southeastern Baptist College. 

Priscilla Brown, LaShunda’s mother, describes her as a very humble person and expressed how proud she is of Brown in all aspects. 

“She has such a sweet spirit and as a businesswoman, she is always at the top of her game,” Priscilla said. “LaShunda always sees what she can get and before jumping into something, she investigates and figures out the pros and cons which is something that makes her a great businesswoman. It’s been really great to see her blossom into the woman she is now, and her sweet spirit has brought her a long way. 

“I would say that she is a daughter that everyone should want to have because of how caring and compassionate she is. She tries her hardest to help everyone she comes across and her work with the youth of the community is one of the most inspiring things I have ever seen.”

Life Beauty Supply and Life Changing Thrift Store currently operate as non-profit organizations with all revenue being donated to Living Christ Ministry and Life Changing Mission.

Brown acknowledges that being a business owner isn’t always easy, but she pushes ahead anyway so that she can continue to benefit the community. 

“At first it was a little difficult,” Brown said. “Once I began to get my foot in with the community and they saw that they could trust me, it all became different. It was a huge transition going from working for someone to working for myself but at the end of the day it’s all about getting people to understand the value of what I bring to the community and the business world.”

Michael Perdue, a fellow pastor and business associate of Brown’s, spoke highly about Brown’s personality and character. Perdue highlighted that there aren’t enough words to describe the type of person Brown is.

“LaShunda has a true love for God that reflects in the way she loves people. Her service and passion for God overflows to other people,” Perdue said. “She’s one of those people that loves God, loves the work of God, and loves God’s people and even saying that is injustice to how great she is. She’s on fire for God and it shows in the way she carries herself and in the things she does.” 

Through her work, Brown has established many connections and continues to leave a mark on every person she comes in contact with. 

Baron Sadlin, CEO of EOS Consultant Services, emphasized that Brown has a true passion for helping people and has not changed over the years. 

“She’s the type of person that you are just drawn to,” Sandlin said. “She just loves people and loves to serve, that’s the biggest characteristic of hers that stood out to me when I met her. She just has a genuine love for people, and it’s been a joy to see her grow over the years. That’s just how she is, and it doesn’t surprise me because she is truly a hard worker. Once she says she’s going to do something, she’s going to work on it until it comes into fruition. It’s been a pleasure to not only see it, but to be a part of this with her.” 

Regular operating hours for Life Restaurant are Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and it is located 881 Old Fort Road in Fort Deposit. Life Beauty Supply and Life Changing Thrift Stores are located at 950 Old Fort Road East and operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

For more information on Living Christ Ministry and Pastor LaShunda Brown, visit the church’s Facebook page at Living Christ Ministry.