Today we’d like to introduce you to Synclaire Butler
Hi Synclaire, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Synclaire Butler, I was born, raised, and since we last spoke, still currently residing on Dena’Ina land, otherwise known as Anchorage, Alaska! I am an artist, entrepreneur, and the creator of Pleasure Hauz, and now a new mom to my baby girl, Beatrice! Last time we caught up I was able to talk about how I got started and what led me to where I was then, but so much life has happened since then, including more pivoting with a surprise pregnancy!
Since our last conversation, Pleasure Hauz has experienced significant growth and transformation. The mission to center Black joy, life, and pleasure remains steadfast, but I’ve expanded our reach and impact in exciting ways. In fact, I would say because of the many shifts I have had to make, has led us to an even richer and more expansive brand getting ready to do a long promised release this Fall.
After launching Pleasure Hauz’ initial website, we saw an incredible response from our community. This both overwhelmed and encouraged me to diversify and revisit our offerings. One of our most exciting developments has been the expansion of our in-person events and collaborations. Last Summer’s partnership with The Salt Eaters Bookshop in LA and Art Exhibition in Anchorage were experiences that truly embody the spirit of Black pleasure, joy, and rest that we champion.
My surprise pregnancy has been a profound source of inspiration, reinvigorating my creativity and prompting me to revisit my roots. This unexpected journey has reaffirmed my commitment to Pleasure Hauz, myself, and this new life God has blessed me with. I’ve found new layers of joy and rest, which I believer our audience will see has translated into our work. The pregnancy has given me a fresh perspective, fueling our expansion into new areas and efforts.
Bringing life into this world is absolutely the most challenging experience any person could face, especially as a Black birthing person. It is earth shattering and a deep becoming that is revolutionary. Having my daughter has made me revisit my own childhood and life in ways I never imagined. Being a new parent has made me think about the true possibility of leaving the world better than I left it, as cliche as that sounds.
But I do ask myself now more regularly what are my commitments? what do I want to see in the world now and for my daughter? and what can I do to ensure that happens on a personal level, political level, social level, etc. I think about historical and contemporary artist, dreamers, and creatives that have made Pleasure Hauz possible. Everything I do, and am able to do, to know, to learn, to express even, has been made possible by those before me and engaging with the work of my contemporaries today. Pleasure Hauz is a continued dream, conversation, and promise to Black Women, Black Girls, Black Queer Folks, Black Differently Abled Folks, Black Lovers, Black Elders, and the like.
I have always been interested in the human body in general, in relationships, in what it means to be human and to exist really, I was actually a pre-med student at Spelman College. I love science, math, anthropology, and minored in Anthropology and Sociology with my major being Comparative Women’s Studies. My mentor, and truly my Angel at Spelman and beyond Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall, The Women’s Center as a whole, the language I gained, my Spelman Siblings, and my experiences along the way helped me figure out and sharpen my purpose.
Being a Creative and Entrepreneur, I know the ways in which what we create can and in my opinion, should reflect who we are and what we can be. Pleasure Hauz is not only intended do disrupt this spoon feeding of trauma, Black death, and , but also to reveal, and in hopes empower us all to change the narrative, the experience, the future, on an individual and communal scale.
Our exclusive merchandise line releasing alongside the Magazine this Fall will be reflecting our core values and mission. This journey has been marked by continuous learning and adaptation. The feedback and support from our community have been instrumental in shaping our path and our work. Today, Pleasure Hauz stands as a testament to the power of centering Black pleasure, enriched by the personal experiences that continually inspire and guide all of us. My pregnancy and the birth of my beautiful daughter has been a beautiful reminder of the importance of joy and rest, infusing Pleasure Hauz’ mission with renewed energy and creativity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of building Pleasure Hauz has been anything but smooth to say the very least. The last several years, uncoincidently during this journey of my Saturn Return, I’ve faced some significant personal and professional challenges. But it’s these experiences that have profoundly reshaped both me and Pleasure Hauz, enriching our mission in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.
One of the most harrowing experiences was the freak car accident in October of 2022 that left me in a wheelchair and in recovery through May 2023. I was pinned between two cars in an incident that felt straight out of a Final Destination movie. The recovery process was long and grueling, testing my physical and emotional resilience, as well as my faith. This period forced me to confront my vulnerabilities and rethink how I approach my work and personal life.
In addition to the physical recovery, it comes as no surprise that I struggled even more with ongoing battles with my mental health, including my bipolar depression and impostor syndrome throughout the ups and downs. Navigating these internal struggles while leading an organization centered on joy and pleasure has been a challenge. There were days when my own mental health felt at odds with the message I was promoting, and finding a balance is still a continuous journey.
The surprise but very welcomed pregnancy definitely added another layer of complexity to my life. While it has been a profound blessing, it has also brought immense stress, and the sleep deprivation chile. But my baby, Beatrice has brought the most intense happiness and joy I’ve ever known. Balancing the demands of pregnancy, post partum and parenthood with the responsibilities of leading Pleasure Hauz has required a new level of resilience and adaptability, or “pivoting” as my therapist would say.
Despite these challenges, each struggle has reinforced the importance of the mission and inclusivity of Pleasure Hauz. The experiences have deepened my understanding of the necessity of pleasure, joy, and rest, especially in the face of adversity. My experiences have also highlighted the incredible support system within community, whose encouragement and belief in our mission have been a constant source of strength.
The road has been difficult, but every obstacle has taught me valuable lessons and made me more committed to creating spaces where Black joy and Pleasure are prioritized. These experiences have shaped Pleasure Hauz into a more authentic and resilient organization, one that truly understands the complexities of balancing joy and struggle. And let me tell you, ain’t no struggle like the struggle of parenthood!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
It is so important for people to know that Pleasure Hauz is more than just a business or a magazine—it’s a movement dedicated to centering Black joy, life, and pleasure. We specialize in creating environments and experiences that prioritize these elements through a multifaceted approach.
Our primary offering is our online digital magazine, which features insightful articles, interviews, and tips around pleasure. Additionally,Our virtual and in-person events have set us apart, serving as vibrant spaces for Black folks to connect, celebrate, and explore the depths of pleasure and joy. And for those who are not Black, but that are truly invested in this vision and mission, they have found joy and solace when given the invitation to join us on this radical journey. These events have gained a reputation for their dynamic and inclusive atmosphere, drawing participants from across the globe.
What truly distinguishes Pleasure Hauz is our unwavering commitment to making Black pleasure more accessible than Black trauma, and both false and limiting narratives. We strive to create a world where Black joy and rest are paramount, and this vision is woven into everything we do.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the community we have built, truly, OUR PEOPLE! Our supporters are not just consumers but active participants in a movement that challenges societal norms and celebrates Black life in all its forms. The feedback and engagement from our community inspire us to continually innovate and expand our offerings.
We want readers to know that Pleasure Hauz is a sanctuary for Black folks seeking rest, joy, and connection. Whether through our magazine, events, or merchandise, we are dedicated to fostering a space where Black Pleasure is celebrated and prioritized.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I feel like what might surprise people or not a lot of people know this about me at least, is that I grew up thinking I was going to be an Obstetrician/Gynecologist. That’s the reason I was pre-med at Spelman! I really really have always been so fascinated by our bodies. I spent 10 months in high school shadowing a Doctor by the name of Dr. Carol Mitchell-Springer at Alaska’s Women’s Health. But y’all, I could NOT get with them needles. It sounds ridiculous considering I took the classes in college, Biology, Chemistry, Statistics, etc. And I loved it! I took literally every required to get into medical school. But ultimately, I had to be honest with myself and my boundaries. And in hindsight it is funny to see how again, my purpose has become clearer over time, it’s changed, it’s grown, it’s deepened, but my commitments to Black Women’ specifically, have remained the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pleasurehauz.com
- Instagram: pleasurehauz
Image Credits
Kyle Woodford
Lena El Gabalawy
Keon McKay
Geno Murray
Joey