Connect
To Top

Che’ Houston of City of Atlanta on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Che’ Houston and have shared our conversation below.

Che’, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
“I have found joy outside of work in deepening my relationship with the God of my understanding. The awareness of who He is and how much this relationship impacts my soul brings me peace and fulfillment. This joy is not just a feeling, but the manifestation of my labor, my waiting, and the watering of seeds that have been planted over time. Allowing Him to guide me has brought me freedom and clarity, strengthening me in ways I never imagined. It’s a humbling, life-changing journey that continues to bring purpose, peace and JOY into my life.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ché Houston, founder and CEO of ChéRené Macarons and more. I am a resilient woman, motivator, and disruptor in the macaron space, I’ve built my brand on passion, purpose, and innovation. Since 2019, ChéRené Macaron has transformed from an online bakery to a sought-after luxury brand, collaborating with prestigious hotels, corporate partners, and retailers.

What makes our brand unique is the perfect blend of high-quality, gluten-free French macarons with Southern-inspired homemade dessert flavors, paired with a deep commitment to social impact. We focus on creating second-chance employment for veterans, individuals overcoming personal challenges, and neurodivergent adults, showing that success is not just about business, it’s about changing lives.

Our journey is just beginning, and we’re excited about what’s to come as we continue to disrupt the pastry world with creativity, resilience, and unwavering purpose.”

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
“As a child, I believed I didn’t really matter because I never seemed to fit into any circle. I was a creative, inquisitive soul who matured beyond my years, and my thought process often strayed off the beaten path. Because of that, I felt like I wasn’t being heard and was constantly being silenced.

Today, I know that I am worthy. I have abilities that I now recognize as wisdom. I’m humbled by the gifts I’ve been given, and I cherish them deeply. I’ve come to understand my impact, my power, and the resonance of my words. I no longer feel silenced; instead, I know that my voice is powerful, and my presence is felt.”

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
“I stopped hiding my pain when the pain outweighed the pleasure. There came a time in my life when I was no longer living in alignment with my morals and values. As a result, I lost those closest to me and found myself alone in desperation, wanting to escape the life I no longer recognized or wanted to live. I laid down my pride and sought help from those I could speak my truth to. In doing so, I was set free. I reached a level of acceptance that not only healed me but also gave me a clear assignment to help others who are desperately seeking freedom from their own pain.

Today, I am an inspirational speaker, and I have had the honor of sharing how my pain became a powerful tool for growth and transformation. My story is one of resilience and empowerment, and I’m dedicated to helping others see their own potential for healing.”

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say, “My recovery, my relationship with God, my kids and grandkids, the relationships with my family members and wanting to help guide others with resources to better their personal life and business endeavors is what really matters to her.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
“The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I was resilient, authentic, and made an impact. I want them to remember me as someone who never gave up and stayed true to her values. She was funny, always kept you laughing, and her smile lit up the room. She was a praying woman who loved and appreciated her family and friends. She used her pain to fuel her purpose and inspired others to step into their own power. I hope they’ll say I left behind a legacy of empowerment, joy, faith and she could make some delicious desserts.”

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Ju Media
Red Brand
Idajohn

Suggest a Story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories