What do you get when you combine fun and funky fashion, unique home decor, and a one-of-a-kind art studio? The kind of immersive shopping experience you’ll only find in downtown Bradenton’s Gypsea Soul boutique.
From the moment you set foot in the teal-colored Victorian building, it’s clear that this shop is one of the area’s most interesting hidden gems. Everywhere you look, it seems there’s something beautiful waiting to catch your eye.Â
Store owner Ashley Louda hand-selects all of the items she carries, and she has incredible taste! Most of the clothing items come from California and you’ll only find a few of each style in the store. The inventory is constantly changing, making it easy for shoppers to find unique and stylish pieces every time they visit. Â
The boutique also carries a huge selection of accessories, handmade jewelry, home decor, custom painted furniture, and more. In addition to items she creates herself, Ashley also carries inventory made by more than 14 other local artists. From beautiful necklaces made by an artist with stage-four cancer to pendants made from doubloons that came from Mardi Gras floats, there’s a story behind almost every item in the store.
The eclectic style of this shop is what gives it so much charm. Whether you’re looking for something funky, fun, and glamorous or want more of a laid-back hippie/boho vibe, you’ll find it here. There’s also no mistaking the coastal theme. You’ll find a stunning selection of items featuring seashells, mermaids, sea turtles, manatees, and more.Â
Gypsea Soul also has a full art studio upstairs. Ashley, her daughter Stevie Louda, and several other local artists teach classes there in the evenings and some weekends. One of the most popular is the “Glam Glass” class, where you can have a blast sorting through fossils, shells, gems, beads and more to make a unique 8×10 resin mosaic-style creation.Â
Other upcoming classes include “Mermaid Crowns” with special guest artist Lynn Dahmand “Victorian Valentines” with special guest Artist Katie Kaluza. All classes are BYOB and some include a specialty cocktail.
In the future, they plan to offer even more classes, including “Mommy and Me” art projects, jewelry making, and classes where participants can bring in their own furniture to learn how to update it with custom paint, shelling, and more.Â
The second floor is also available for themed parties, which can be purchased in addition to the art class of your choice. Some of the most popular are the Children’s Mermaid Parties and the adult’s “Crafts and Cocktails” party.
Gypsea Soul is located at 615 15th St W. in Bradenton.Â
They’re open from 11 am until 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday and are closed on Sunday and Monday.Â
You can keep up with the latest news and events by following them on Facebook and Instagram.Â
For questions about classes, custom orders, or anything else, you can call the store at (941) 896-3156.
Have you visited Gypsea Soul yet? We would love to hear about some of the unique treasures you found there!Â
