Dazey Lady Feature: Mama Cax - Redefining Disability
Mama Cax - Model, blogger, world traveler, public speaker, advocate, and amputee
I discovered Mama Cax through a podcast. She talked about all the amazing things she was doing despite her disability. Of course I had to stalk her Insta right after and was blown away by both her stunning feed, amazing style, and those drop dead gorgeous looks! She had grown quite a large following of over 135k people who just adore all she's doing in the fashion and female empowerment world. This gal survived cancer at a young age and lost one of her legs but she did not let that stop her from fulfilling her dreams. Mama Cax is a shining example of strength, elegance, and bold self expression. Through all this she has become a well known spokesperson for the intersectional feminist movement.
It was a long shot, but I figured I should reach out to see if she was interested in being featured on our Boss Blog. As luck would have it she was in LA speaking at Create & Cultivate, the ultimate girl boss conference! I was honored she took the time out of her busy schedule to stop by Biz Babez and shoot with me. We made the arrangements to shoot about a month in advance and I was anxiously awaiting for the day to arrive. I wanted to do something more special than our usual shoots at the office so that morning I ran to the fashion district and got some amazing vintage fabric for a backdrop. She arrived with a bag of awesome clothing and accessories, including this epic wig. She said, "I want to make this a fun and playful shoot!" I couldn't have agreed more! Mama Cax was such a cool and down to earth girl and we had an awesome time shooting and chatting. It's always the best when you meet a role model who is so nice and relatable.
Scroll around below to see the full shoot and read our interview! Mama Cax has some powerful words to share.
Mama Cax! First off why don’t you tell us a little about yourself. Where are you originally from and what's your full name?
I was born in Brooklyn but originally from Haiti. I spent most of my childhood in Haiti before moving back to New York in 2004. Mama Cax is my blogging name but most people call me Cax. I hold a B.A and M.A in International Studies but currently I'm a full time blogger and model.
You’re a lady of many talents and pursuits! How would you describe all you do?
It doesn’t quite fit in one box I guess. Aside from blogging and modeling, I often get to speak at events and conferences and the topic of discussion varies from intersectional feminism, body image and sex positivity. Ultimately I like to bring the perspective of a disabled woman to these platforms as we are often not present in those discussions.
I love hearing how you went from working in a government office to being a fashion icon and jet setting around the world. What prompted this change?What does fashion and self expression mean to you?
Totally unplanned. I always thought I’d end up working at a non profit organization. While I worked at the mayor’s office, outside of my 9-5 unbeknownst to me at the time, I was creating and nurturing a brand. From curating my Instagram feed to blogging about travels and body image, it all started paying off when I realized I could also get paid to create content for some of my favorite brands. I took a year off to get my masters, with the hope of getting a better paying position. Life doesn’t always workout the way we plan and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After getting the opportunity to model on a Wet n Wild campaign it made sense to get represented by a modeling agency. Although me being where I am is completely by chance I also can’t deny the work I’ve put into it. People tend to organically label me and those labels often come with negative assumption. Fashion is one of many ways I let the world know who I am; risk taker, confident and creative.
Where are some of the places you have traveled? Which place is your absolute favorite and why?
I’ve studied in Europe and embarked on a solo backpacking trip in south east Asia. I’ve probably been to 35 countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. I’ve created great memories in every single one. If I absolutely have to pick one I’d say Iceland in the spring; Dreamy landscape, the weather is perfect and I love the 22 hour daylight. If I could pick more than one, I would have to add Haiti (because it will always be home), Ivory Coast, South Africa and Thailand. These countries have great food and vibrant cultures from the clothing to the music.
How would you say having survived cancer and an amputation at age 16 has shaped you as a person?
I think surviving cancer has pushed me to aim to enjoy the little victories in life and try to live it to the fullest. I always say that if I had a do-over there’s very little that I would change. These experiences have made me the person I am today, they have definitely made me appreciate my ability to adapt.
You have become a huge advocate in the body positivity movement. Why is this movement vital not only to you but all women?
I was unaware of the movement until I joined Instagram. For the longest time it had been a movement to get plus size women (mostly white) to accept their bodies but I’ve slowly watched it include other women (thankfully). I often use the term self-love, but to me it is meant to celebrate and elevate bodies that have been marginalized for so long; plus size, hairy, queer, trans, diverse skin shade and disabled. I think self perception has a strong link with self esteem therefore it affects so many aspects of our lives.
You have not let your disability get in the way of a very able, full, and colorful life. What does the word “disability” mean to you? After posting on our Insta-stories we had a few girls reach out who also wear prosthetics and are struggling to embrace and show them off the way you do. What’s one important message you have for these girls?
Disability is essentially an impairment, often times it affects us because our environment is not designed with us in mind. Having a disability has allowed me to find a new community and look at our world through a different lens, one that constantly pushes me to think of ways of making opportunities and spaces accessible. As an amputee, there isn’t one way of embracing yourself, for me it meant showing off my prosthetic leg but I understand that our society is not very accepting. To other girls who wear prosthetics I say do what makes you feel comfortable and work on loving yourself at your own pace.
As a blogger you’ve had a large following on Instagram for some time now, and are now signed with an agency as a model. You travel the world speaking at conferences like Create & Cultivate. What has all this attention and fame been like for you?! The good and bad.
Yes I’m currently represented by JAG Models. I’m always amazed by the messages from all over the world, especially from people whose stories are similar to mine. And always honored to get invited to speak at conferences and events, rubbing elbows with women who have inspired and continue to inspire me. From the likes and comments it’s easy to see the positive but it can be frightening and lonely. Once you’re considered a public figure, your picture can be shared on any platform where the comment sections are not always positive. Often times people equate popularity with “doing well” or “she’s made it” but my life is still very much like a roller coaster; I have great days, depressing ones, worries about not budgeting well and an almost non existent dating life.
What’s in store for the future of Mama Caxx?! Tell us all your wildest dreams :)
I’lll be on yet another exciting panel at South by South West (so follow me on Instagram for a chance to see me talk). I shot an amazing campaign for Tommy Hilfiger and that will be out in the Spring. Since I never imagined I’d be a full time blogger, model and speaker, It’s hard to allow myself to dream but some things on my list are:
- to help provide prosthetic limbs to children
- be featured in Vogue print magazine(I like the tangible stuff)
- and finally setting up a fund to provide scholarships for students with disabilities to study abroad
What does being a Dazey Lady mean to you?
Being confident, pursuing my dream, helping my community but most importantly encourage other young women to do the same.
Comments
RonaldOrach
April 20 2021
Живописная, богатая интересными достопримечательностями, красивыми горами, термальными источниками, Словакия является «близкой сообразно духу» страной чтобы россиян; торжище недвижимости Словакии cтабилен – и предлагает разнообразные и более бюджетные варианты чем, предполагать, соседние Чехия иначе Австрия. Cловацкая Республика расположена в Центральной Европе и граничит с Украиной, Польшей, Чехией, Австрией и Венгрией. Столица государства – Братислава, а к его наиболее крупным городам относятся Тренчин, Кошице и Прешов.
С севера и северо-востока Словакию окружают горные цепи Западных Карпат. Их самые высокие пики расположены в Высоких Татрах – это Герлаховски-Штит (2655 метров над уровнем моря), Кривань и Дюмбьер (с высотой более 1850 метров). К югу от Карпат место предпочтительно лежит для возвышенности, а сообразно плодородным долинам текут многочисленные реки, впадающие в Дунай. Наиболее крупными из них являются Ваг, Нитра и Грон. Большая черепок Словакии лежит для высоте, превышающей 750 метров над уровнем моря, только нагрузиться здесь и Среднедунайская низменность, сколько расположена у Дуная в районе Братиславы и Комарно.
Живописная природа, сверкающие на солнце снежные вершины, избыток замков и исторических достопримечательностей, 1200 термальных и минеральных источников и 22 лечебных курорта – все это делает Словению необыкновенно привлекательным направлением подобно ради отдыха и туризма, так и ПМЖ.
Сообразно надежности финансовой системы Словакия занимает 4 место в Евросоюзе. После последние 15 лет в Словакии не обанкротился ни один банк. Высокая ликвидность недвижимости Словакии является средством ради сохранения и увеличения финансов. Продать завтра ее дозволительно довольно дороже, чем она была куплена сегодня.
Продуманное законодательство [url=https://goo.gl/maps/yTwaiYukkyms2PEg6]братислава недвижимость отзывы[/url], малорослый высота преступности, надежная банковская система, благожелательное известие к русскоговорящим людям – главные факторы, стимулирующие покупку квартир и домов в Словакии россиянами, украинцами, жителями стран СНГ.
Доброжелательность словаков, безмятежный и неторопливый уклад жизни, желанный климат с мягкой зимой и теплым летом привлекают в Словакию иностранцев чтобы жизни, работы, бизнеса, отдыха разве учебы. Дети иммигрантов могут учиться в гимназиях и университетах Братиславы сиречь соседней Вены. Пожилые люди хорошо себя чувствуют в стране без мегаполисов с красивой природой и многочисленными курортами.
Стабильность экономики влияет на стабильность стоимости недвижимости Словакии. Она всегда больше привлекает иностранных покупателей – как безгранично состоятельных, беспричинно и не несказанно богатых. Беспричинно, только из богатейших людей России Олег Делипаска давеча купил виллу в Братиславе ради €5 млн.
Только основную массу российских покупателей недвижимости в Словакии составляют «среднеобеспеченные россияне», интеллигенция, которой не сообразно карману приобретать весьма дорогую недвижимость в соседней со Словакией Австрии, отмечают специалисты рынка недвижимости. Поэтому эта группа покупателей сосредоточила свое уважение для близлежащей Словакии. От Венского международного аэропорта до Братиславы всего 40 километров, 30 минут езды автомобилем или автобусом. Самолеты из Москвы и Санкт-Петербурга летают в соседнюю с Братиславой Вену изрядно единожды в день. Таким образом, прежде жилья в Словакии можно приходить быстрее, чем предварительно подмосковной дачи.
Henrypal
August 04 2020
Earning $1000 a day is easy if you use this financial Robot.
Link – https://plbtc.page.link/zXbp
StephenRah
August 04 2020
[url=http://1541.ru/cms/reklama.php]Я Спец в Pinterest и в нем лучшее от Adwords, YouTube, Facebook, instagram – миллионы посетителей, ТОП10, лиды, таргет, обр. ссылки, контекст, Тысячи тегов, видеопины. Сегодня это лучшее в SMM для продаж и популяризации в Etsy,Ebay,Amazon. 300-500 usd в месяц[/url]
KendallSkymn
August 04 2020
Guy King, The same thing that make you laugh can make you cry.
Otis Redding – Complete Unbelievable.
He taught me that it was possible to obtain enough knowledge that one could begin to take on aspects of dragons themselves, to even include a version of their breath weapons.
http://saithiniusforceweavergholbinn.xyz In Jimmy McDonough s biography Shakey, Neil said of Hendrix s work he was the greatest electric-guitar player who ever lived.
Its been a long time.
The stacked leather heels of my city boots had broken off, apparently from climbing a mountain the night before.
Robertwoops
August 04 2020
[url=http://prostitutkilov.xyz]юные сучки бляди[/url] , размещенные на нашем ресурсе, настолько прекрасны, что выбор будет сделать совсем не просто, но выбрав самую развратную красотку-путану, она воплотит в реальность самые смелые сексуальные фантазии.
Martydab
August 04 2020
https://evanino.com/groups/buy-etoposide-1326306405/
https://tudeals.com/groups/discount-epivir-without-prescription/
http://gamecomenius.com/forums/forum/geral/
https://painmanagementreview.com/groups/cheap-generic-augmentin-1397559991/
https://painmanagementreview.com/groups/cheap-generic-augmentin-1397559991/
https://tudeals.com/groups/buy-female-sildalis-in-india/
https://happyfolks.info/groups/buy-lidocaine-ampoules/
https://herniatalk.com/groups/cheapest-virility-patch-rx-usa/
http://goodvibeclub.com/groups/voltaren-tabletten-online-kaufen/
online pharmacy https://amsmotoroils.com/groups/where-to-buy-pure-lithium-1871729929/
Hingirorn
August 04 2020
The cleansing company performs cleaning of spaces of numerous dimensions as well as setups.
We offer professional [url=https://maidservicenyc.pro/]professional maid service[/url] for private clients. Making use of European tools and certified devices, we achieve maximum results and give cleansing in a short time.
The business’s specialists offer cleaning up with the assistance of contemporary technologies, have special tools, and also have actually accredited cleaning agents in their toolbox. Along with the above advantages, red wines offer: desirable rates; cleaning in a short time; excellent quality outcomes; greater than 100 favorable testimonials. Cleaning offices will aid maintain your work environment in order for the most productive job. Any type of company is incredibly important atmosphere in the group. Cleansing solutions that can be gotten inexpensively currently can assist to arrange it and give a comfortable space for labor.
If needed, we leave cleaning up the cooking area 2-3 hours after putting the order. You obtain cleaning up immediately.
We offer price cuts for those who make use of the service for the very first time, as well as positive regards to teamwork for routine consumers.
We offer high-grade cleansing for huge enterprises and also little companies of various instructions, with a discount of approximately 25%.
Our pleasant group supplies you to obtain familiarized with desirable terms of collaboration for business customers. We sensibly approach our activities, clean utilizing professional cleaning products as well as specific devices. Our workers are trained, have clinical publications as well as are familiar with the subtleties of eliminating facility and also hard-to-remove dust from surfaces.
CarmenMaw
August 04 2020
JustinLiz
August 04 2020
качественный веб сайт https://lolz.guru/market
Michaelgon
August 04 2020
Привет всем! Класный у вас сайт!
Что думаете по этим новостям?:
http://energynews.su/41097-soyuznaya-cheharda-kak-rossiyskie-chinovniki-zabyli-soglasovat-ritoriku.html [b] Союзная чехарда: как российские чиновники забыли согласовать риторику [/b]
[url=“http://energynews.su/19396-uchenye-rabota-na-dache-prodlevaet-zhizn-na-12.html”] Ученые: Работа на даче продлевает жизнь на 12% [/url] [b] Ученые: Работа на даче продлевает жизнь на 12% Специалисты Гарвардского университета провели многолетнее масштабное исследование, по итогам которого [/b]
стрелков новороссия http://energynews.su/novorossiya-novosti-svodki/
Ещё много интересного нашел тут: [b] смотреть видео новости сегодня [/b] http://energynews.su/
JeremyThuch
August 04 2020
[url=https://exclusive-profit.com/]инвестиции в криптовалюту сегодня риски и перспективы[/url] – мониторинг фаст хайп проектов exclusive-profit, мониторинг хайп сайтов exclusive-profit
ArlenShomy
August 04 2020
услуги по хранению документов
[url=https://b2b-doc.ru/]архивные услуги москва цены[/url]
Tylerdog
August 03 2020
гидра сайт
по запросу [url=https://hydra24russia.com/]сайт гидра в обход блокировки[/url] вы найдете настоящий гидра сайт
GeorgeblueT
August 03 2020
Привет!
Нашел интересную фотоподборку на этом сайте: http://watafak.ru :
прикольные гифы http://watafak.ru/gifki-gif-animacii/
анимация на прозрачном фоне http://watafak.ru/gifki-gif-animacii/
http://watafak.ru/foto-prikoly-interesnoe/6799-kapitan-ochevidnost-pomogaet-chelovechestvu.html [b] «Капитан Очевидность» помогает человечеству [/b]
[url=“http://watafak.ru/interesnoe/13225-5-neozhidannyh-nahodok-obnaruzhennyh-pod-vodoy.html”] 5 неожиданных находок, обнаруженных под водой [/url] [b] 5 неожиданных находок, обнаруженных под водой 5 неожиданных находок, обнаруженных под водой [/b]
http://watafak.ru/foto-prikoly-interesnoe/5578-simpatichnye-rybachki.html
skyreveryDaync
August 03 2020
You are the one who decides where and when your private jet will fly. It is possible to organize and perform a flight between any two civil airports worldwide round the clock. In airports, private jet passengers use special VIP terminals where airport formalities are minimized, and all handling is really fast – you come just 30 minutes before the estimated time of the departure of the rented private jet.
When you need [url=https://skyrevery.com/]private jet charter[/url] now, we can organise your flight with departure in 3 hours from confirmation.
Jonaamoum
August 03 2020
Препараты качественные,купили на сайте anticancer24.ru
Доставили из Москвы за 3 дня
софосбувир +и даклатасвир производитель
greghx69
August 03 2020
Sexy pictures each day
http://skimpydressporn.instasexyblog.com/?abbie
Chrisdiaws
August 03 2020
гидра сайт
по запросу [url=https://hydraobhod.com/ ]как зайти на сайт гидра через тор[/url] вы найдете настоящий гидра сайт
Calvingem
August 03 2020
джойказино вход официальный сайт
club[/url]Manuelasync
August 03 2020
АДВОКАТ ЗАВОДСКРР™ РАЙОН
[url=http://advokaty.zp.ua/]МЕЖОВКА АДВОКАТ[/url]
Andrewstism
August 03 2020
Discover More [url=https://hydra2020zerkala.com]гидра[/url]
Comments
22173 Comments