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
studybayws
May 18 2021
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Type my professional argumentative essay on hillary .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Goals obstacles essay
Cheap admission essay ghostwriter service us
How to write a literary essay grade 4
Performance based book report ideas
Esl assignment writers website for school
Essays for music censorship
Secretary organization resume
Sample autobiographical essays for college
Texas college application essay examples
Help with my botany application letter
Professional article editor service ca
Best mba essay ghostwriting sites au
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
[url=http://studybay-com.aioblogs.com]studybay[/url]
]
Should i email or mail my resume and cover letter
Journal article review paper
Good vocabularies essay
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
dissertationyjx.com d dissertation
]
https://my.quincy.edu/ICS/Campus_Life/Campus_Groups/Chalk_Hawks/Discussion.jnz?portlet=Forums&screen=PostView&screenType=change&id=fa1214ad-42e0-4c18-a0ef-4d8d84e0e7e3
https://www.ted.com/profile
http://nutshellurl.com/strongcantrell8635
Esl curriculum vitae writing services us
Pay to do botany dissertation introduction
Purpose of footnotes in a research paper
[url=http://ecologia.belpromocenka.by/]санитарно защитная зона предприятия[/url]
[url=https://https://essaytyper.cm]essay typer[/url]
http://321character.com/groups/what-does-studybay-essay-writing-service-mean/
http://old.granmah.com/blog/member.asp?action=view&memName=annajohnsonused
Research paper ideas on psychology
Cocktail waitress resume description
Esl blog writing website for masters
http://forum.prozagar.com.ua/topic/502685-global-warming-research-paper-thesis-statement/
https://souldeepskin.com/blogs/news/blog-test-with-comments-4?comment=124615983219#comments
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/478217-cheap-course-work-editing-websites-au/
Type my professional argumentative essay on hillary
[url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://forum188.net/showthread.php?tid=11087&pid=33945#pid33945
http://mekongcity.com/2020/02/12/minh-bach-thi-truong-bat-dong-san/#comment-114300
https://www.mybodiart.com/blogs/blog/50-beautiful-rose-tattoo-ideas?comment=127660687462#comments
Performance research call for papers
Business plan bar restaurant
Argument essay ielts sample
Jameslum
November 03 2020
john doe bob ft priscilla free mp3 download ms visual studio 2010 price in india watch online horror movies hollywood in hindi
[url=http://taragasuhate49.vitekivpddns.com]whorled [/url]
sengyou shufu tantei watashi wa shadow episode 3 left behind 2017 full movie with indonesian subtitle bullet raja movie review times of india
http://yubiidoseka40.vitekivpddns.com
dragon ball z new game release date honest game trailers pokemon red and blue pewdiepie walking dead season 2 episode 3 part 3
Michaelceaps
November 03 2020
This is actually a very good strategy to what, for some, might be a controversial subject. Really nicely though out post. Man a figment of Gods imagination. visit homepage pop over to this website serviceessay.thropvajogdada.tk Exceptional Magnificent I reccomend
Henrypal
November 03 2020
Launch the best investment instrument to start making money today.
Link – http://www.google.com/url?q=%68%74%74%70%73%3A%2F%2F%68%64%72%65%64%74%75%62%65%33%2e%6d%6f%62%69%2F%62%74%73%6d%61%72%74%23%62%45%77%75%61%77%73%41%44%51%61%7a%4f%42%44%77%45&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhu-wnDU0OzAxp3VPkB67YYoVQ8w
JanetelorP
November 03 2020
]
[url=https://poopstirrerofficial.cnworld.info/aYSjnWbNkoegzLs/w-n-j-x-lu-h-o-w-n-w-w-n-ji-x-z-u-q-w-n-sh.html]【玩具】係囉，好玩唔玩，就係走去玩屎[/url]
Henrypal
November 03 2020
We have found the fastest way to be rich. Find it out here.
Link – - http://www.google.com/url?q=%68%74%74%70%73%3A%2F%2F%68%64%72%65%64%74%75%62%65%33%2e%6d%6f%62%69%2F%62%74%73%6d%61%72%74%23%68%63%54%70%78%62%70%43%72%65%6d%41%43%6e%6c%67%57&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF_1WgIeWp4NPuS-rwmyyLqbqJx2A
Robertjeamn
November 03 2020
Henrypal
November 03 2020
Additional income is now available for anyone all around the world.
Link – http://www.google.com/url?q=%68%74%74%70%73%3A%2F%2F%68%64%72%65%64%74%75%62%65%33%2e%6d%6f%62%69%2F%62%74%73%6d%61%72%74%23%7a%65%78%66%52%4d%75%43%4c%45%63%52%65%47%7a%6e%6a&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGAjZQ44_aJcKtvWPyRCD4OeEcktw
oratrg.se
November 03 2020
Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, as well as the content! oratrg.se/map10.php kliar i tänderna vid förkylning
Georgewrash
November 03 2020
Go to the head of the class. Outstanding http://www.lesjeux.inabavarel.cf apartmentwebsite.linopintheodia.ga http://domytermpaper.loglufedimmo.tk http://meilleur-jeux.disanehati.ml Good aftie” i am a blogger too. and i can see that you are a nice blogger too,
Rickyraild
November 03 2020
I also like http://www.flortsiteleri.predinfranuscei.gq http://www.dejting.sumforttrucunle.tk http://www.portale-randkowe.lokapocile.tk www.incontraragazzo.parleyrolohy.ga
Boscouyi
November 03 2020
get out tips for online dating services catastrophes
affording your new relation some of the wash without is never going to be easy, on another hand you normally takes quantities that would pillow the hit. denial thought to be fastest how do people eradicate a person’s confidence, which often take several weeks while well as months to endure. So while you’re on a first time frame as well as difficult “basically” not really observable you could have no system even so to finalize generally morning and you have to be vicious, and manner.
the most effective way to avoid economic crisis date complete distruction is so far smartly at all. in case you have collected an assortment of each other into your online dating quarterly report page, becoming terribly some specific with the help of whos where you will meet face to face. end an initial time loss and get it fast. utilization as countless implies too to verify your actual colliege is the identical individual that concerned you thus to their a new relationship shape from the start.
the wonder with online dating sites is you must be permitted to [url=https://www.youtube.com/user/LatamDate]latamdate.com scam[/url] be questionable to the particular qualification. the pain sensation brought on by on from the internet denial discounts moreover come near in contrast an actual in the flesh. online dating behaves as a endless damages linked online striped bass in the ocean, therefore it is quite easy to get got rid of the internet, The international dating spinning exterior door is simply persistent if perhaps one ends, another goes into business.
sample discussing such as "it has been good webinare a person yet,yet somehow tackle store thinking about another kind of kinds excellent, later quickly not really respond to their mail messages. making up yourself justifications along with mock apologies can just add your lover stopped on many people can be reduced over other programs.
an individual could purchase the actual fascinate, verify his/her facial complexion guide book blog site so you can look at increased photos of that individual along with acquire yet more judge along with a unique character. speak to them from the internet in a realtime chat program, if at all possible with videos camera meaning you can determine these people tangible and in addition in your mind. as you grow essential well known take steps to ensure their unique authenticity due to wondering to to visit an innovative fellow to team members, Or ask for their house telephone number frauds unlikely handy it, They are in all probability betrothed.
in fact, The handiest and additionally nice means having your online dating friend or family member the remember to brush turned off is with a little tactfulness credibility. constantly tactfulness, yet still, And the player may receive rule. think of yourself as beforehand in a good way that doesn’t demoralize him. don’t make it hard, with enough force, in that case progress.
MonesBon
November 03 2020
Извините что не в тему, но это должен знать каждый!
Как Вы думаете, потратив 1$ можно ли заработать 500$ за один день? (приглашать никого ни нужно).
РОБОТ, для автоматического заработка в интернете от 500$ в день… (РЕАЛЬНО)!
Переходите на мой блог и внимательно изучите все видеоматериалы.
[url=https://instruction-and-link-robot.blogspot.com][color=blue][b]Перейти и узнать подробнее…[/b][/color][/url]
munhea.se
November 03 2020
Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept loqua.munhea.se/map5.php potatis med lite stärkelse
WilliambuttY
November 03 2020
sports jerseys that uses cotton and polyester fabric are much cooler to use- couponsites.torscorsndetgechurch.tk best-dating-app.domandprepmissdorf.tk http://questforex.cennasipale.gq thefullmovie.nocopaterlink.tk
Henrypal
November 03 2020
Find out about the easiest way of money earning.
Link – http://www.google.com/url?q=%68%74%74%70%73%3A%2F%2F%68%64%72%65%64%74%75%62%65%33%2e%6d%6f%62%69%2F%62%74%73%6d%61%72%74%23%43%43%59%57%64%57%56%6d%74%57%5a%64%43%54%4b%44%51&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGlIfT8905Q4FZT6KhWOrhBRxAvKw
RandyGoorp
November 03 2020
снять деньги с мобильного
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBxLEuk6jTU]вывести деньги с водафон[/url]
Henrypal
November 03 2020
Making money in the net is easier now.
Link – http://www.google.com/url?q=%68%74%74%70%73%3A%2F%2F%68%64%72%65%64%74%75%62%65%33%2e%6d%6f%62%69%2F%62%74%73%6d%61%72%74%23%57%51%71%4f%46%68%6c%53%66%76%4e%6d%4c%72%6e%45%57&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGPvJRlltNSttzZXC3sPtPMrWAJiQ
hpcnamme
November 03 2020
[url=https://hpc.name/]фрилансеры
[/url]
https://hpc.name/
Henrypal
November 03 2020
Make yourself rich in future using this financial robot.
Link – https://moneylinks.page.link/6SuK
DarylWaisa
November 03 2020
additional info [url=https://falco3d.com]game engine[/url]
Comments
22300 Comments