Jackson Free Press

Connie Brown, 43, was born in Natchez, Miss. and currently resides in Brandon. She is the wife of the late Andre Brown. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Brown knew she was destined to one day be a business owner as well. As a child she adored dolls, dressing them in many different styles. Brown is now a successful business owner and a senior at Mississippi College, majoring in social work. She holds a degree in pre-radiology.

Brown designed Fondren's Fashion House (310 Mitchell Street), her place of business, to sell sophisticated apparel for women. The store carries the latest trends in apparel and accessories. Brown picks out all of the store's stock personally. She has style experts on hand for ladies who wish to upgrade to a more modern look.

"Our store is an experience," Brown said. "Every customer that comes, we want to give them a sharpened experience."

Brown is working to develop a men's apparel line and to expand her store not only in Mississippi, but all over the United States. She will be opening her next store in Natchez.

A member of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Brown wishes to be more involved in the community. In the future, she wants to be a member of Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that prepares low-income women for job interviews. Brown plans to eventually start a clothing line and to develop an organization for teen girls to keep them on the right path.

"It's not all glamour to own a business," Brown said. "It does require a lot of hard work to keep the business going."