Ameena Lacey

If you’re browsing at the Made in Oregon Store, you probably won’t
find ball gags or nipple clamps… but you should! Milwaukie’s own
Spartacus has been producing top-quality leather and fetish wear for 20
years. While many strippers, goths, Eagle habitués, and other
downtown types are familiar with the Spartacus storefront kitty-corner
from Powell’s Books, few would guess that much of the merchandise is
made locally by a family-owned business. Ameena Lacey has been a part
of that family for over 10 years, first in retail, then in marketing
and sales since moving back from New York last fall. When not traveling
to hardcore European trade shows, Ameena keeps busy with her
six-year-old daughter and, as Candy Lacey, sings and plays keyboards
and Theremin the in post-punk goth band Cold Metal.

How did you get into this line of work?

Back in the day, in the mid-’90s, all the young goth chicks worked
at the retail store. If you were goth in Portland in the ’90s, you went
to Spartacus.

What’s the nature of your duties?

I do a lot of trade shows, national and international, so there’s a
lot of traveling. This weekend I’m going to Cleveland and Detroit. This
summer I’m going to England for a big sex trade show, and in fall I’m
going to Berlin. The European shows are hardcore. They have live sex
acts at trade shows.

Is there a must-have Spartacus piece?

Our most popular items are definitely cock rings.

Do you know how to size a guy?

We sell three-packs. Most people can usually use the smallest size,
but if they’re a little scared, they can start with the larger one
until they get comfortable with it. We definitely encourage people to
use either the leather or the rubber ones first, because if you can’t
get it off, you may have to have it cut off.

Favorite part of the job?

Product development. That’s really fun. Right now we’re working on
an after-care lotion, to be used if you’re sore after a play session.
We’re working on a more feminine line of nipple clamps that’s more
jewelry-inspired. Our beaded nipple clamps have been doing really well.
We’re working on a more upscale velvet line—restraints, collars,
and blindfolds.

Do you have to keep up on the latest trends in ball gags and
such?

Definitely. There are industry magazines and online magazines, and I
skim them every day.

Do you use restraints and paddles in your daily life?

No comment.

Is there a goth trend for summer?

Even in the fashion magazines, they’re saying that because the
economy is going down, that fashion is turning really dark.