February: Pearland Arts League
When Naomi Stevens, the chair of the Pearland Arts League, attended the initial brainstorming sessions that were called by former Pearland Mayor Tom Reid, she said she never envisioned the group of people around her would grow into a nonprofit organization that aims to put Pearland on the art world’s map.
“When [Reid] pulled this group together, we had about 20 people, and then it grew to about 40,” Stevens said.
Pearland Arts League
11200 Broadway St, Pearland
832-922-9918.
Open Saturdays only from 12-8 p.m.
March: South Side Roller Derby
After growing up as a figure skater, Brenda Holley decided to trade in her ice skates for roller skates.
Holley originally tried out for a Houston-based roller derby league but was told to come back the next season. Instead, she founded South Side Roller Derby in 2006, a league that serves Pearland and Friendswood.
South Side Roller Derby
1230 Broadway St., Pearland
281-482-4060
www.southsiderollerderby.com
Hours: Various hours, check website for more details
August: Stan’s Pop Shop
Before the idea of Stan’s Pop Shop came to mind, owners Karen and James Slaton drove around Webster and asked about available space for a business.
The couple had always wanted to start a business, but they were unsure of what it would be. Today, Stan’s Pop Shop sells Funko Pop figures and special sodas and candies.
Stan’s Pop Shop
17070 Hwy. 3, Webster
832-905-2922
www.stanspopshop.com
Hours: Tue.-Sat. noon-7 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m., closed Mon.
October: Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Pearland
Marcelo Azevedo, co-owner of Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Pearland, started his self-defense and jiujitsu training in 1994.
Before opening the jiujitsu studio in 2016, Azevedo ran a studio in Brazil. He came back to Pearland when Vinicius Magalhaes, owner of Gracie Barra Texas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wanted to open another studio.
Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Pearland
3229 E. Broadway St., Pearland
832-406-7298
www.gbpearland.com
Hours: Mon., Wed. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tue., Thu. 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., closed Sun.
November: Third Coast Games
Every hobby game store longtime tabletop gamer James “J” Womack had visited felt like a piece of the puzzle was missing, he said.
So when his wife, Chandra Womack, suggested he finally open his own store after his game room began to overflow at home, he readily agreed.
Today, Third Coast Games in Friendswood aims to provide a family-friendly experience for gamers of all ages.
Third Coast Games
3208 FM 528, Ste. 100, Friendswood
832-569-5986
www.thirdcoastgamestx.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. noon-8 p.m., Fri. noon-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m.
