Meet Sharon Brown of Marrone Market

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Brown.

Sharon, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always had a passion for decorating. I was a stay at home mom for many years and then the empty nest. There was a lot of sadness in my family at the time, my mother suffering from Alzheimer’s, my Great nephew passing away at only 15 months old from Myocarditis. I wanted to do something that made me happy and I always felt my happiest when I was shopping in European Antique stores. So much character, so much history so many choices. I began on a very small scale by having my merchandise in an Antique store in Houston in the Memorial area. I might as well have stuff there because I’m there so much of the time! I did this for two years, learning the trade and knowing what to do and what not to do. Then I got brave and stepped out and got my own small place in my hometown, Friendswood. I was nervous but also very excited. It was a lot of work getting started. The first year is always tough I think. My store is a one and only in this area as far as high end Antiques, Home Decor and Gifts. I think it’s my mix that sets my store apart from others. Everyone comes in and tells me they love the store, it’s so cute, it’s so beautiful, etc…I think when you mix your styles you give off a warm cozy feel. I’m a bit on the eclectic side and I have tried to provide quality products rather it be furniture, art or a gift item for a man, woman or child. There’s something for everyone here. I have traveled to Italy and brought back some wonderful pieces of Art. I also was able to make contact with a soap company and now I am a direct importer of Gori Soaps from Italy. After my first year we were needing a bigger place and was lucky to be able to gain square footage from a tenant leaving next to us. We just finished adding on 500 more square feet and adding new product lines! We are excited to have the space, it feels good!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it’s not easy to open a store in a small town like this. First of all Houston is like a hub for Interior Decorators so being located way outside of that in itself is a challenge. That’s why I knew I would have to carry some very nice gifts so people could shop daily. Also the majority of people of Friendswood don’t support their local shops. I think a part of that is due to for so many years Friendswood didn’t have much and we had to leave and go in to Houston to shop. That has changed more in the last few years. We seem to be getting more quality stores and restaurants, therefore it’s slowly changing. Just getting your name out in the first year is tough but I also highly recommend Dex Media for any website social media help. I’ve been very pleased with them and their affordable.

Please tell us about Marrone Market.
My store is unique in many ways. I offer a wide range of Gifts, Home Decor and European Antiques. I try to buy or Import items that nobody else has. I like being different. It’s a big mix of high quality that sets us apart from others.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I probably would have located differently closer to I-45, around our Baybrook mall area or started with a bigger square footage here in town. I was very limited at first with such a small space.

Pricing:

• We have a $20 candle – up to a $2500 piece of furniture or Art.

Contact Info:

• Address: We are located at 610 S. Friendswood Dr. In Friendswood Texas
  281-993-4949
  Open on Mondays 12:00-4
  Tuesday – Friday 10:00 – 6:00
  Saturday – 10:00 – 4:00
  Sunday – Closed
• Website: Marrone Market.com
• Phone: 281-993-4949
• Email: sharon@marronemarket. om
• Facebook: Marrone Market

Image Credit:
The picture of the three women are: from left Minnie Millentree, Leslie Sinclair (of Houston Segreto) and third is me Sharon Brown. We hosted a book signing with Leslie’s newest book.

Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.