A Fort Worth witchcraft shop that hosted a Pride event open to children has closed its storefront, with its owner citing exhaustion and community disputes as Texas Coalition for Kids welcomed the news.
Higher Purpose Emporium lists October 23, 2026, as the end of its brick-and-mortar operation on its website. The business claims to be moving its sales online.
“The closure of Higher Purpose Emporium is a win for Texas children. Kids should never be exposed to LGBT events or activities promoting witchcraft. Frankly, it’s shocking that this store managed to stay open as long as it did,” Texas Coalition for Kids President Kelly Neidert told The Dallas Express.
Owner cites burnout
The owner described the demands of providing spiritual readings over several years and conflicts involving other members of the community in an Instagram statement announcing the closure.
“I have grown weary of maintaining all of this,” the owner wrote.
The owner said some people took advantage of the readings, treating the service like a vending machine or a deck of cards, and described the work as taxing.
“I have received messages from Hekate that my intuition has been correct and it is time to close HPE.”
The owner said the decision would allow time to rest and recover from burnout.
“Thus, I am going on another sabbatical for at least 1 year.”
The statement does not identify the 2024 Pride event controversy as a reason for closing.
Pride event drew protests
The shop advertised its October 26, 2024, Pride Costume Party as a celebration of LGBTQ members of the witchcraft and pagan communities, as The Dallas Express reported before the event.
Organizers scheduled a family-friendly portion from noon to 5 p.m., followed by an adults-only portion from 6 to 9 p.m.
Texas Coalition for Kids protested outside the event, objecting to children’s attendance, as DX reported in its follow-up coverage.
HPE defended the event at the time, disputing accusations that it sexualized children.
The Dallas Express reached out to HPE for comment but did not receive a response.
Provided by Dallas Express
