Getting to Know Marilyn: A Q&A With the Artist Behind the Bench
If you’ve ever worn a piece of Marilyn Brogan Jewelry, you know it carries something special—a sense of care, intention, and timeless style. But what about the artist behind the bench? We thought it was time you got to know Marilyn a little better, so we asked her some personal (and fun) questions about her creative life, her guilty pleasures, and her adorable studio assistants. She didn’t hold back—enjoy! - From the team at Marilyn Brogan Jewelry
Q: What’s your go-to playlist or podcast when you’re at the bench?
I’m a bit of a true crime buff. Right now I’m listening to Unraveled, which dives into the Long Island Serial Killer case (LISK). When I need something lighter, I switch over to Good Hang with Amy Poehler, where she interviews incredible folks like Michelle Obama. I also love The Recipe with Kenji and Deb—two of my favorite chefs, Kenji Lopez-Alt and Deb Perelman from Smitten Kitchen. It always makes me hungry, but I love hearing people talk passionately about the things they love.
Q: Do you have a favorite local shop or artist in Apalachicola whose work inspires you?
Yes! I love Downtown Books and Purl. It’s a small but mighty store with a great selection of books—and yarn in the back! Dale, the owner, has amazing taste in books, and she can order anything I want. I used to be a knitter, but since moving to Florida, I just haven’t had the desire to knit (it feels pointless in this climate!). That said, in a different chapter of my life, this shop would’ve been incredibly dangerous for my wallet.
Q: What’s your guilty pleasure—or better yet, your non-negotiable indulgence?
I agree with Mindy Kaling—there’s no such thing as a guilty pleasure! But if we’re talking indulgences, I always have a 72% dark chocolate bar in the house. And I am completely devoted to my air popper. Fresh popcorn is my go-to snack, and this contraption has truly changed my life.
Q: Do you have any pets—and do they ever “help” in the studio?
Boy, do I! I have two little dogs: Leon and Charlie. Leon is 14 years young and mostly chihuahua—he can be heard greeting shoppers on Thursdays and Fridays. (Saturdays are their day off—it’s in their contract!) Charlie is shaggy and sweet, and though he looks like a terrier, his DNA test says otherwise. They’re excellent security guards and always alert me to the arrival of shoppers or UPS.
Q: Is there a piece of clothing or accessory—aside from your own jewelry—that you can’t live without?
Definitely my skirt collection! I’m a sucker for a good circle skirt—pockets are mandatory. I love bold, bright patterns, and cotton or linen are my go-to fabrics. I’m also a fan of bright-colored shoes—sneakers, sandals, and the occasional boot. Life’s too short to wear boring clothes.
Q: What does your workbench look like—neat and organized or creatively chaotic? And what does a typical studio day look like?
People tell me it’s fairly orderly, even though I think it’s a bit messy. I do know where things are most of the time, which is what counts, right?
Almost every day, I ride my golf cart to the studio with Leon and Charlie. Monday through Wednesday are my studio days—I’m usually working in the back, either at the bench or on office tasks. I try to keep bench days and admin days separate, so I can dive in without distractions. On those quieter days, I’m answering emails, designing, photographing pieces for social, and working with custom jewelry clients.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self, just starting out in the jewelry world? And how has your idea of success changed over time?
When I first started making jewelry, I treated it as a side hustle to fund my “real” art practice. I thought of jewelry as the thing that paid the bills, not the art. That was a mistake.
My fine art was quiet and solitary, while jewelry forced me to interact with people to make sales. I didn’t take it seriously for years, and I had a bit of an identity crisis over that! It’s so annoying in hindsight.
If I could go back, I’d tell myself: Make the work you want to make, and it will sell. Believe in your aesthetic. Talk about your vision. And don’t bother with wholesale—it’s not for you.
Q: Do you have any little rituals that help you shift into ‘creative’ mode?
Yes—no screens allowed! I put my phone on Do Not Disturb and physically put it away. I don’t check email or touch the computer. I put on some chill music, make a cup of coffee, and either grab a sketchbook or play with actual materials on my bench. I’ve been “sketching” more with parts lately, laying things out physically. Music + caffeine + no screens = creative. Sometimes I’ll light a candle and set an intention, too.
Q: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received from a customer?
That’s such a hard question! I’ve been honored to make many meaningful pieces—whether commemorating a special occasion or incorporating heirloom materials. When someone trusts me with that kind of work, that’s the compliment. Their trust is everything.
Q: How has living in Apalachicola shaped your creative rhythm compared to your years in San Diego?
Apalach and San Diego are obviously very different places, but honestly, my creative rhythm hasn’t changed that much. What’s influenced it more than anything is running a brick-and-mortar shop. I plan my schedule around when the store is open and when I can carve out quiet time. Right now, I’m feeling a little burned out, so I’m trying to be gentle with myself and make room for rest—and maybe even a little creative reinvention.
From the Team
We hope you enjoyed this peek behind the scenes at Marilyn Brogan Jewelry! Whether you’ve been following Marilyn’s work for years or you’re just discovering her, we’re so glad you’re here. If something in this post made you smile, we’d love to hear about it—drop us a note or come visit the shop in Apalachicola (bonus: you might meet Leon and Charlie too). Until then, thank you for supporting handcrafted, meaningful jewelry—and the creative spirit behind it.