Project Description
Emerald Boes: Unleashing the Magic of HORRID
Step into the enchanting world of Emerald Boes, the vibrant soul behind the mesmerizing realm of HORRID. As the owner and founder of HORRID, Emerald has cultivated a space where darkness finds its voice, and where the unconventional and alternative are celebrated with open arms. From the depths of her artistic spirit to the physical embodiment of her vision in the form of HORRID Magazine and the HORRID retail shop, Emerald has created a haven for those who embrace the beauty of the macabre.
Emerald’s journey began in 2018 with the creation of HORRID Magazine. As a talented photographer specializing in darker art forms, she found herself facing rejection when submitting her work to other publications. Her hauntingly beautiful photos, often featuring elements of gore or conceptual themes, were deemed too dark for mainstream acceptance. Determined to give artists like herself a platform to express their creativity freely, Emerald birthed the idea of a magazine that would showcase the unapologetic beauty of the unconventional.
The pages of HORRID Magazine became a sanctuary for artists from around the world who had previously been silenced by societal norms. With each quarterly issue, Emerald curates a collection of 20 to 25 diverse artists, providing them with a space to unleash their creativity and embrace their visions. What started as a personal endeavor soon blossomed into a collective movement, empowering artists and readers alike to explore the depths of their imagination.
But HORRID Magazine was just the beginning. Emerald began organizing pop-up events, bringing together Gothic, alternative, and dark art enthusiasts to foster a sense of community. These events became a meeting ground for kindred spirits, where vendors, artists, and creatives could showcase their work and connect with like-minded individuals. The HORRID retail shop became more than just a space to sell merchandise—it became a hub of inspiration and collaboration.
The journey to establish the physical shop was not without its challenges. Emerald initially started with pop-up events, setting up her own six-foot table to display her creations. Then, she seized an opportunity to open her first shop within a tattoo parlor. While it provided a stepping stone to test the waters of a brick-and-mortar space, Emerald yearned for full creative freedom. After a year, she made the difficult decision to close the shop. However, fate had other plans in store. A few months later, Emerald stumbled upon the perfect location, and HORRID was born.
Since its opening in November 2022, HORRID has become more than just a retail shop; it has become a sanctuary for the alternative community. Emerald’s passion for supporting other small businesses and connecting with alternative artists, vendors, and service providers is evident in the eclectic array of offerings within HORRID’s walls. The shop serves as a physical embodiment of Emerald’s commitment to creating opportunities and events that celebrate the alternative, providing a safe space where the extraordinary is embraced.
Emerald Boes infuses her personal journey into every aspect of her work. She identifies as a modern practicing witch, drawing inspiration from nature, spirituality, and the power of intention. From abundance rituals and moon cycle ceremonies to crafting candles infused with her love and magic, Emerald’s witchcraft journey intertwines with her creative expression, infusing her creations with an ethereal energy.
When you step foot into HORRID, you can feel Emerald’s intentionality in every corner. The c
andles she meticulously handcrafts and the potions that line the shelves instill her belief in their transformative power. Each item serves as a tool for personal growth, creativity, and manifesting one’s desires. Emerald’s dedication to her craft ensures that every product she sells is one she wholeheartedly believes in, inviting customers to embark on their own transformative journeys.
Through HORRID, Emerald seeks to challenge societal taboos and break free from the constraints of conventional norms. The tagline, “From Darkness We Create,” embodies her mission to shed light on the beauty found within the shadows. By exploring themes of trauma, mental health, and the divine feminine, HORRID Magazine and the HORRID retail shop foster a sense of catharsis and healing through art. Emerald’s unwavering commitment to empowering artists and providing a platform for self-expression has created a movement that resonates deeply with those who have felt marginalized or misunderstood.
Looking to the future, Emerald envisions HORRID expanding its reach and impact. Her five to ten-year plan involves transforming the space into a warehouse-like environment, accommodating more small businesses, service providers, and vendors. With a deep desire to create a safe haven for the alternative community, Emerald aims to amplify HORRID’s influence, connecting with as many like-minded souls as possible. As she continues to manifest her vision, Emerald Boes is poised to lead the charge in embracing the darkness and transforming it into an extraordinary tapestry of creativity, community, and boundless possibilities.
HORRID | Denver’s Horror Shop
1974 S Acoma St
Denver, CO 80223
Country of Origin – United States
