–by Jen Ruple
PUBLICATION DATE: Sept 14, 2020
A visit to Benfield Wines is now twice the fun thanks to a partnership between owners Rob and Julia Benfield and the owners of GypsySoul Creations, a unique home décor and gift boutique. The boutique is now housed next door to the winery in a separate storefront in the Benfield’s large, late 1800s historic building, located at 102 N. Main St. in downtown Swanton.
A grand re-opening event was held on Wednesday, Sept. 2 to welcome GypsySoul Creations to the building. For the past two years, GypsySoul was located down the street from the winery. “I realize it’s been a struggle for small businesses during the pandemic,” said Julia Benfield. “In this space, they have a bigger front window and a better opportunity to be seen. Partnering is great for both of us.”
Irene Szabo and Bernadette Sanchez are two of the three creators of GypsySoul Creations. 
Cindy Szabo creates a variety of decorative signs for the shop. 
GypsySoul Creations is filled with handmade gift and decor items. 
GypsySoul Creations is located next to Benfield Wines in downtown Swanton.
GypsySoul Creations is owned by of a trio of artists including Bernadette Sanchez, Irene Szabo and Cindy Szabo. “We knew each other from participating in vintage market shows,” explained Sanchez. “We love each other’s work, and it all works together.” Each of the artists bring a specialty to the shop. “Irene is known for her Halloween décor and shadowboxes. Cindy creates our signage and my style is mixed media,” Sanchez added.
Inside the boutique, shoppers will find a myriad of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items for the home, baby gifts, signs and holiday decorations. Currently, an entire room is dedicated to Halloween. “Irene’s Halloween creations are so popular; we may end up leaving it as a Halloween room year round,” Sanchez commented. GypsySoul Creations is open Wednesday through Friday from 3 to 8 pm, and on Saturdays from noon to 8 pm.