Exploring Life & Business with Shantal Long of Elite Children Learning Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shantal Long.

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 Story

From an early age, I knew I was gifted—but my gift didn’t look like what most people recognized. While others sang, danced, or played sports, I carried something different: vision. I learned early how to see beyond my current reality and imagine what could be. That ability—to envision, declare, and then work toward a greater future—became the foundation of my life’s work.

By my teenage years, I understood that my life carried purpose. I made a personal declaration to pursue excellence in everything I touched. I started working young, learned the value of money early, and became intentional about financial discipline, mindset, and stewardship. Those early decisions shaped everything that followed.

In 2012, I founded Ladies First Class, a nonprofit created to equip young women with financial literacy, confidence, and an affirming mindset toward wealth and purpose. Teaching others what I was actively practicing became part of my calling. As I applied these principles consistently, I began building businesses—starting with my first childcare center.

That first center grew into Elite Children Learning Center, which expanded into multiple thriving locations supported by strong teams, systems, and leadership. I currently still own Elite Children Learning Center, and today I also help other childcare owners operate, scale, strengthen their systems, and prepare for growth and exit. Supporting leaders behind the scenes has become a vital part of my work and impact.

The journey wasn’t always easy. There were moments of doubt, seasons of stretching, and times when others didn’t understand the path I was walking. But I stayed rooted in faith, committed to the process, and obedient to God’s leading. Over time, that obedience produced fruit—not just for me, but for those I was called to serve.

Today, I continue to thrive as a business owner, mentor, and strategist. I’ve recently transitioned to Florida, where I am expanding into real estate investing while growing one of my greatest passions: Powered X Prayer (PXP)—a ministry focused on prayer, identity, spiritual authority, and alignment with God’s purpose.

At my core, I am committed to empowerment, legacy, and Kingdom impact. I believe success is possible for anyone willing to trust God, do the work, and honor the process. My life is proof that with faith, discipline, and vision, you can build—again and again—and bring others with you along the way.

“Somebody just like you can become just like me—because God is no respecter of persons, only process.” – Shantal Long

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road. My journey required stepping out on faith long before I saw results. I faced moments of doubt, financial pressure, and skepticism from others who didn’t understand my vision. Learning money management through real-life experience, staying disciplined when progress was slow, and remaining consistent while building businesses were constant challenges. There were times when people laughed or questioned my decisions, but I stayed grounded in my purpose, trusted God through uncertainty, and committed to the process—even when it was uncomfortable.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Elite Children Learning Center is a Christian-based childcare center rooted in faith, purpose, and excellence. Our mission reflects our core values—Love, Education, and Unity—which guide how we serve children, families, and our community every day. The foundation of our center mirrors my personal journey of faith, discipline, and believing in what God places before you.

At Elite Children Learning Center, we provide high-quality early childhood education within a structured, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment. We believe children thrive when they are surrounded by love, guided through education, and united by strong values. Along with academic readiness, we focus on character development, confidence, consistency, and teaching children how to grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially.

What sets us apart is our intentional, faith-driven approach. Just as I learned early the power of mindset, stewardship, and trusting God’s plan, we instill age-appropriate principles of responsibility, discipline, respect, and gratitude. Prayer, positive affirmation, and biblical values are woven into our daily routines, creating a safe and uplifting environment where children are encouraged to reach their God-given potential.

Brand-wise, I am most proud that Elite Children Learning Center was built by stepping out on faith and following God’s vision. At twenty-four, I invested over $30,000 of my own savings into my first childcare facility, trusting God and the process. Today, that single vision has grown into multiple successful centers operating with strong systems, dedicated staff, and a shared commitment to excellence.

What I want readers to know is that Elite Children Learning Center is more than childcare—it is ministry in action. We are building strong foundations for children and families by combining faith, structure, and education. Everything we do is rooted in love, guided by God, and united in purpose, because we believe that when children are raised with faith and intention, they are prepared not only for school—but for life.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of trusting God while staying committed to the promise He’s given me. Vision alone isn’t enough—you have to believe, act, and remain consistent even when the results aren’t immediate. Mindset and faith determine outcomes. Before anything changed in my life financially or professionally, my thinking had to change. Learning to visualize what I wanted, stay disciplined with my actions, trust God’s timing, and commit to the process—even when it was difficult—made all the difference. Success didn’t come overnight, but by remaining faithful, consistent, and willing to grow, I learned that what you believe and practice daily will ultimately shape the life and legacy you build.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eliteschildren.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitechildrenlearning/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elitechildrenlearningcenter
• LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/ShantalLong
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elitechildrenlearning
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/@PoweredXPrayers