About Shine Bright

Shine Bright Publishing began as a small spark at a Women of Fire conference in 2024 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. During the conference, two women, Lauren J. Brown and Janis M. Smith, met for lunch to discuss book ideas. Lauren had published two children’s books and Janis had a dream that had yet to take flight. As the two brainstormed Janis’ future book that afternoon, they quickly realized they had more than just a children’s book idea, they actually had a really, really BIG children’s book idea—not just a book but a company! Lauren, with three young children of her own, and Janis, a mother of three grown children with 50 years experience in children’s ministry, wanted a company that would highlight Jesus, provoke curiosity, encourage lifelong reading, and solidify identities.

As time passed and their dreams came to life, the company grew brighter. In just one year, the company blossomed into a colorful flame producing a whimsical, bright, and joyful light. Now with three published books and many inquiries, Shine Bright is soaring and expanding.

With the sole purpose of glorifying God, Shine Bright Publishing was founded in 2025, and serves as a Christian publishing company and one of the multifaceted instruments of SOUND MINISTRIES. Shine Bright’s goal is to advance the Kingdom of Jesus Christ through exciting, imaginative, and playful literature by creating wholesome, timeless works for children and teens worldwide..

Lauren J. Brown (founder, author, editor-in-chief)

Lauren J. Brown is founder of SOUND Ministries, a multifaceted ministry with the purpose to rescue the lost and advance the Kingdom of God by demonstrating the love of Christ and releasing His sound of freedom for all to hear. She currently lives on Lookout Mountain, Georgia with her high school sweetheart, her two amazing sons, her incredible daughter, and all of their goofy farm animals (three poodles, bunnies, goats, chickens, fish, cats...and a pig named Elvis!)

Follow Lauren on Facebook @thesoundministries and Instagram!

Janis M. Smith (author, coordinator)

Janis Money Smith has had the great joy of ministering to children of all ages for 50 years. She is the founder of Journey into The Heart of God Ministries, a ministry with a desire to see children and adults know who God is, to know their identity in him, and to encourage people of all ages to tune into God’s voice as they journey with him into his vast and unending kingdom.

Follow Janis on Facebook @janismoneysmith and on Instagram @moneyhoney!