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

Hi Mariel, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

For me it is how it brings others together.

I have always felt much like an outcast. When I began to discover the artistic gifts I had, it wasn’t one that conformed to how everyone else was. It was how I felt. It was creating my brand…a brand that would never go away.

When I was younger, someone actually told me “You are not punk”. And punk was not something you could just be…it was your own style…; there is no such thing. So I thought to myself, well, “that’s not right! You can’t tell someone you are not punk when punk is something that is somewhat undefined!”

It was then that I realized I wasn’t a misfit…I wasn’t an outcast…I was exclusive all to my own! I was exclusive in my thoughts, in my taste, and most importantly, in my designs.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I didn’t start my story overnignt. I spent about 10 years working retail. After that time, I married a wonderful human being. I was still unfulfilled…i knew there was something missing. I decided that was enough! I always talked about sewing and having my own boutique, but never actually took the steps to do this. It was so scary… the reality of doing this all by myself. So i decided to take a silversmithing class. The first day I walked into class, I decided! This is it. Here is where I belong! I am going to make jewelry. At 31 years of age, I knew finally what I was supposed to do. How does one feel at home silversmithing! I can’t explain it, but I did, and I am now consumed by the beauty and the art and the comradery it has created in my life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I just relocated from pa to the gateway to fl. I would love to take my friends to the freshwater springs near by.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, mother and father have been my biggest supporters. Without them, I never would have been free to be the freak I am!

Website: Www.thatsnotpunk.com

Instagram: Thats_Not_Punk

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