lisa butterworth

In every issue and every story, we are creating a space to tell stories by us and for us; to be in community, in learning, in care and compassion. DEI is basically gone (I mean, really…). For us, at Synonym, diversity and equity is not just an initiative, it is who we are. We understand the intricacies of what means to share stories within our communities that show the variety, the diversity of everyone’s experience, and yet there’s a thorough line in which we are SYNONYM. If you’ve been supporting us so far, thank you thank you. We appreciate all of you who have purchased a magazine, subscribed to our substack, and contributed to our year-end fundraiser. We appreciate all of you who have mentioned us, asked about us at your local book store, and let us know you’re there! We really can’t do it without you. We’re gearing up next year to support YOU and our community with more in-person events beyond book fairs. We’re just starting to piece together Issue 05 and we know a lot of you are excited to pitch us a story and we thank you for your interest and patience.

Squeezed every last drop out of summer. Ready to fully commit to fall.

Sending laser beams of love from our family to yours 💗 Plus all the cheer and merriment your heart can stand. I hope I’ve gotten to hug you in person this year, and if not, know I’m comin’ for ya 💫

We made (another) maaaaaagazine!!!! Issue 2 of @synonym_mag is off to the printer and it’s a real beaut. Brought to you by too many cortados, late-night editing sessions, and the heart and hard work of SO MANY wonderful humans. Available for pre-order now (link in @synonym_mag bio). Stay tuned for December events!

Last day of summer break dump. LOVED EVERY SECOND

This project has been a long time in the making and so close to my heart. Some iteration of it has been in the works for over 8 years but I’m glad it’s where it is now and can’t wait to keep working on it. I couldn’t have done it without my wonderful SYNONYM team and collaborators @lisabutterworth , @nidiacueva_stylist , @welikehim , and @thisisforest /@jspeasmaker From @synonym_mag : “Our mission is to amplify the voices and stories of immigrants worldwide. At Synonym, we’ll spotlight these stories and share how trade, politics, colonialism, and capitalism have changed food cultures around the world, for immigrants and countries’ natives alike. We’ll explore all of this in the most intimate ways possible —through generationally shared flavors, the dishes placed on a table, the spices packed in a suitcase.   Issue One’s theme is all about pantry, how so many different cultures have reached for items like canned meat, packaged seasoning, rice and beans, and condiments in order to substitute, add umami, or fuse their culture’s food with that of their new country. We have interviews with the multifaceted Somali writer, chef, and artist @ifahmed , as well as dip-tastic recipes from @alysewhitney ’s cookbook “Big Dip Energy” utilizing pantry essentials. We explore the historical nuances of classism within canned foods from a socio-economic perspective as well as a personal essay by @bettyhallock about La Choy foods. This issue is filled with beautiful imagery by @yudi_ela , @juliastotz , @andrew.bui , @extracelestial as well as illustrations and art by @joshcochran , @evahscat , @hiro_kurata , among others.  Cover photo by Yudi Ela Echevarria (@yudi_ela )” Thank you to everyone who worked on this first issue with us! (Sorry I couldn’t tag everyone, IG limits me to 20)

Ooooohhh what is this, a COVER REVEAL??!!? 👀 SYNONYM Magazine: Issue One In our inaugural issue, we delve into the theme of the pantry, uncovering the fascinating ways in which diverse cultures have turned to staples such as canned meats, packaged seasonings, rice and beans, and condiments to adapt, innovate, and fuse their culinary heritage with that of their new homes. Preorder coming soon! Cover photo by @yudi_ela Props by @audreytaylorvisuals Food by @waterloopapi Design by @welikehim

Man, I love summer.

For me, Balboa bars are the quintessential summer treat, inextricably linked with my favorite life things—sandy toes and salty hair and sun-kissed cheeks and late vacation nights with the people I love. I decided it was time I learned how to make them and you can find the recipe in the new issue of BUST. Thank you @toridicksonphoto for capturing their imperfect perfection in all its dipped and sprinkled glory!

Here’s something fun that happened to me at the beginning of the pandemic: I got an autoimmune disease! My body started attacking its own melanin! I now have unpredictable tie-dye patterns on my skin and get funny questions from uninhibited kids! It’s been a journey. And in honor of last month’s Vitiligo Awareness Day I wrote about it for Oprah. I’ll link it in stories but it might be paywalled so here’s a synopsis: stress is a health hazard, bodies are weird and amazing, beauty culture sucks, and representation is a salve. Extra thanks to @beccazellerphoto for taking this photo I’m not embarrassed to have running on the @oprahdaily home page. My fellow autoimmune folks…I see you!

This issue means SO much to me for SO many reasons. 30th anniversary! 23 years since I discovered BUST on my break at Borders Books in Santa Barbara! 16 years since I first moved my ass to NY and got to call this girl gang fam! I am forever grateful. And full of feelings. PLUS omg @xboygeniusx ❤️‍🔥 ON STANDS NOW 📸: @ramonarosales

I love interviewing people, but I also love editing other people’s interviews, which I’ve had the great pleasure of doing for @greatdiscontent . This one is special because the way @beatiewolfe ’s brain works is truly a joy to witness, and also because it was one of @hughweber ’s last. He was the most curious, generous, humble conversationalist, and I hope to add a little Hugh to my own future question-asking. Just one tiny speck of the inspiring earthside legacy he imparted ✨❤️✨