Meet Che’ Houston | Macaron Artiste’

We had the good fortune of connecting with Che’ Houston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Che’, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I am a woman who has been blessed with many gifts and talents, but I am also the woman who seeks to find what sets me apart. I watched a video of Tyler Perry one day, and he said something like, “God has blessed us with many gifts and talents, but if you do not FOCUS on one, you will not perfect it.” I knew what he meant. I started baking and decorating cakes over 26 years ago, and I pondered over all the desserts I baked while realizing the Atlanta dessert scene was saturated with cakes, cupcakes, chocolate dipped strawberries and infused desserts. A few years ago, I discovered the world of macarons, and I fell in love with the cuteness, colors and flavors. I thought to myself, “How can I make this mine.” Well, I’m a southern girl with a French name who loves macarons, it was destined that my business is Che’Rene’ Macarons French Macarons with Southern Finesse.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I work in the substance abuse and alcohol field. I am a part of an awesome team of clinicians, social workers, peers and administration staff. We provide services to assist with people who are ready to leave the past behind and start over. What sets me apart from others is this – I am living proof of determination, resilience and hope. I am honoring my purpose and passion. I always tell people I serve veterans during the day and slay macarons at night. But neither my life nor starting a business has been easy. I have doubted myself, and there was a time I did not recognize my worth, but I continued to strive, work hard and stay focused. When starting my business, I surrounded myself with women who I admired. I followed suggestions, set goals, executed plans and prayed. I am most proud of finally LIVING and not just existing. I get to pour into myself, my business and other diamonds in the rough. Che’Rene’ exudes professionalism, exclusivity, decadent and chic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I am from Atlanta, I have a few favorite spots. For brunch, the Atlanta Breakfast Club is one. Ain’t nothing like a southern breakfast! A mid-day fun place to shop and eat is definitely Ponce City Market. For dinner, I would suggest Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar. I am not much of a nightclub kind of girl, but I love the live music venues around the city. My favorite is City Winery. And of course Centennial Park (Atlanta’s historical park), The New Zoo Bar and Piedmont Park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My amazing wife. She listens to all my grand ideas and plans over and over! She never complains. She just listens. She also helps me stay organized and on track. She keeps the butterfly in me grounded when needed (smile).

Website: www.cherenemacarons

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherenemacarons

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherenemacarons