Rising Stars: Meet Chanel Houston of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Houston.

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 has been one of growth, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Throughout my career, I’ve built my professional experience in corporate learning and development as an Instructional Designer where I’ve had the opportunity to design training programs, support employee growth, and help organizations improve performance through education and development.

Today, I’m in an exciting season of growth. Alongside my professional career, I’m preparing to open my newest business venture, Sharpiros Pizza, which is set to launch in July 2026 in the Atlanta area. Sharpiros Pizza is a franchise inspired by my mother and stepfather’s original restaurant, built on the same family recipes, values, and commitment to quality that made it a local favorite. I’m especially proud to be opening the very FIRST franchise location, carrying on their legacy while introducing the brand to a new community.

As we get closer to opening, I’m thrilled about a few standout menu items already generating buzz, most notably the jerk oxtail pizza and the Keith Lee–approved wings that keep people coming back for more.

My goal is not simply to open a restaurant, but to create a place where families, students, local businesses, and the surrounding community can gather, connect, and create memories.

Looking back, every step from my corporate career to entrepreneurship has taught me valuable lessons about leadership, service, and determination. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I’m even more excited about what’s ahead. This next chapter represents not only a business opening, but the realization of a vision that I’ve worked hard to bring to life.

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?
The journey has definitely not been without its struggles. Balancing a full-time career in corporate learning and development while helping to build a business from the ground up has required a level of discipline and time management that I had to grow into quickly. There were many long days and late nights where I was working on business plans, designs, and operational details after my regular work hours.

There were also moments of doubt and pressure, especially when things didn’t move as quickly as planned. But those challenges ultimately strengthened my resolve and helped me become more resourceful and solution-oriented. Each obstacle taught me something new about leadership, patience, and execution.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work in corporate learning and development, where I specialize in designing training programs and building learning experiences that help employees grow, perform better, and stay aligned with business goals. My focus is on turning complex processes into clear, engaging learning solutions that actually drive results.

What I’m known for is being both strategic and hands-on—I don’t just design training, I think through how it connects to performance, operations, and real business impact.

I’m also very strong in translating needs across teams, whether that’s leadership, operations, or frontline employees, and turning those needs into practical learning solutions.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to lead projects that improve how people learn and work, while also building systems that last beyond a single initiative.

I take pride in being someone who can see the full picture but still execute in the details.

What sets me apart is that I combine structure and creativity. I bring a strong instructional design foundation, but I also approach learning like a business tool, not just training for the sake of training.

That mindset carries into everything I do, including my entrepreneurial work with Sharpiros Pizza, where I apply the same focus on systems, experience, and long-term growth.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One of the most exciting parts of my journey right now is what’s ahead with Sharpiros Pizza. My business partners and I have been very intentional about not just opening a restaurant, but building an experience. We have a lot of fun and community-focused ideas in motion, from themed nights and local events to family-friendly gatherings and creative ways to bring people together beyond just dining.

We want Sharpiros to feel like a place where the neighborhood naturally comes to connect, celebrate, and enjoy themselves. There’s a lot of excitement around what’s coming, and opening next month is just the beginning of something we plan to grow and expand over time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/chanel_alexandr1a