A purr-fect resale shop recently opened on Roosevelt Road in Oak Park.
The owner, Magda Szymczyk, is the founder of Gypsy Cats, a cat rescue organization. Money she raises from the operation of the new shop, which is called Grateful Threads Resale Emporium, will go to the cat rescue.
Szymczyk will feature her own fiber art, as well as embroidery, jewelry, and tapestries other artists make. She will also sell repurposed items, and has upscale items for resale. Some items cost as little as $1, while vintage coats and similar goods can cost as much as $350.
The artist has spent 25 years at Gypsy Cats, which gained nonprofit status 12 years ago. The organization saves felines in different ways; some are available for direct adoption, while others are in colonies where caretakers provide shelter, water, and food, with support from Gypsy Cats. Currently, there are eight cats ready to go to their “forever” homes.
In order to provide funds for the cats, Szymczyk has been selling her work at various outdoor events for years. She has always wanted a brick-and-mortar store, but found the rents prohibitive. Recently, though, another animal lover told her she could have space for a reasonable amount in a mixed-use building, and she grabbed the opportunity.
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