Barbro and Max Tore Sivertsen were able to move into shop premises on 1 December to start up the niche shop Hokus Pokus, in Myre in Øksnes municipality in Nordland.
The idea was for Barbro Sivertsen to have a place to spend her days doing some small work and management, and they were happy to get started.
However, the joy did not last long.
Demons
At the end of January, the landlord, Familiekirka på Myre, which belongs to the Pentecostal congregation, came for a visit to ask about a meeting about rules of order at the house, Barbro Sivertsen tells Dagbladet.
– We were served a notice of dismissal there, because they thought we had alternative goods in the store, says Barbro Sivertsen.
DEMONS: The landlord believed that this soap had a number of other qualities than washing hands. Photo: Private.
sea view
Øksnesavisa mentioned the case first.
The family church did not like either the goods or the decorations in the windows at Hokus Pokus, according to Sivertsen.
The windows were decorated with solar collectors, which Sivertsen thought could be used to spread the little sun they get in the north in winter.
In addition, they sell a sponge with built-in soap, Spongelle, which has a natural stone in the middle.
– They believed that you got demons into you if you opened it or washed with it, says Sivertsen.
Warns others after medication ‘nightmare’
Black magic
They are also said to have claimed that there were demons in the window decorations, and that the name Hokus Pokus is associated with black magic.
SUNGLASSES: This window decoration contains demons, according to the landlord of Hokus Pokus. Photo: Private.
sea view
Dagbladet has gained access to the resignation letter from Familiekirka.
It says, among other things: “The word Hocus Pocus is a spell used by magicians and conjurers. Hocus Pocus is also considered belief in unknown powers. Hocus Pocus and magic are not compatible with what the church stands for, and have a content we cannot allow in God’s house”
TERMINATION: This is the reason for the termination from Familiekirka’s side. Photo: Private.
sea view
– I started to wonder what they were talking about, it was just nonsense, says Sivertsen.
But it wasn’t nonsense. The couple were given a month to get out of the premises. It corresponded to the notice period in the contract.
Sivertsen came up with the name Hokus Pokus herself, because she wanted there to be a “magical atmosphere” in the store. They sell everything from clothes and scented candles to decorations and sweets.
Stumbled – got panic disease
– Greater pressure
Now they have to do it from a room that is ten times as big, and over three times as expensive, according to Sivertsen.
– It will be a bit tragicomic. We smile about it, but it also puts a lot more pressure on us financially.
She does not want to tarnish the Family Church, but is going out with the case to warn others.
– We, as a newly started company, want to warn people that they have to be a bit careful with what rights they have and what they sign, says Sivertsen.
Dagbladet has been in contact with Familiekirka Myre, which does not wish to comment on the matter.
