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 20 2021
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Help me write english as second language literature review .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Business resume objectives examples
High school expository essay prompts
Popular essay writers website
Do my leadership cv
Essay on japan earthquake 2011
Postdoc to industry resume
Reference term paper
Curious edition fourth guide papers research researcher writing
Theses and dissertations definition
How to write goodbye in spanish
Notice period means in resume
Expert quotes on homework
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
[url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Education/EssayTyper-Type-My-Essay-Online-Essay-Typer-100172728508443/]EssayTyper[/url]
Child abuse pros cons essay
Educating rita sample essays
Thesis in evolution of tourism planning
https://sites.google.com/view/my-essaytyper/
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
dissertation in
http://buymodernbaby.com/blog/2010/12/30/organizing-with-boon-inc-boon-stash-giveaway/comment-page-111/#
http://www.pearltrees.com/spikepacket7
http://wlfbsa.org/home.php?mod=space&uid=2989880
Free download manager resume download
Essays on communication barriers
Best course work writer service gb
http://translate.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/gb/essaypro.me%2F/weilun/b5/valk/
http://hemp.gizzilo.com/Forums/users/annajohnsonus/
Essay mill writer
Popular annotated bibliography editor websites for masters
Professional dissertation methodology proofreading sites for phd
https://enjoyweed.com/blogs/news/18053524-the-city-of-weed?comment=124664971361#comments
http://anothercw.com/another-cold-war-war-with-china/comment-page-1/?unapproved=346788&moderation-hash=087036b813b0d0e1cc29f04162ae35fa#comment-346788
https://ketofarms.com/blogs/keto/cheap-keto-snacks?comment=125568450623#comments
Help me write english as second language literature review
[url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://www.fringe.bg/blogs/blog/ikoo-brush?comment=122530300089#comments
http://ngoinhachung.net/diendan/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1841785&pid=5239787&page=11107&extra=#pid5239787
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/179379-farmacia-online-donde-comprar-generico-flibanserina-100-mg-con-mastercard/?page=8#comment-2619141
Customer service resume titles examples
Sample cover letter for a claims adjuster
Ap comparative essay sample
JustinBaw
October 20 2020
I hope you get this.The genre s arguable Spiritual Successor and direct Spin-Off is Alternative Dance, which originated when bands like New Order, Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys took Synth-Pop and combined it with the songwriting approach and sometimes musical elements of Alternative Rock.Limited number of Meet Greet tickets available including ticket to the show, exclusive meet and greet opportunity and professional photo taken with Bob.Let s be honest.In fact, two of his older children died before he did.ZAPPA Oh yeah, I see it growing into something that really works.TerminГі en la bancarrota.US ; Major General John B.Joe Lee Bush Blues Harmonica Player.The synth-goth of songs like Dreamer or New Phase are highlights that sound like they d be fantastic to hear live.
http://noytawdtasilidenpamatpodclighluman.xyz/27/last-letter-home-dropkick-murphys-the-warriors-code-vinyl-lp-album.php
Henrypal
October 20 2020
Just one click can turn you dollar into $1000.
Link – https://moneylinks.page.link/6SuK
aperca.se
October 20 2020
Howdy! This article could not be written much better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this information to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a good read. I appreciate you for sharing! match.aperca.se/map9.php charlie grГ¶nvalls pojkvГ¤n
dragulatras
October 20 2020
Интересные факты и полезные статьи о ювелирных изделиях и украшениях. Обзор ювелирных украшений из золота, серебра, с драгоценными и натуральными камнями. Советы по выбору и покупке ювелирных украшений и уходу за ними.
https://dragzoloto.ru/na-kakom-palcze-nosyat-pechatku-muzhchiny/
[url=https://dragzoloto.ru/znachenie-osobennosti-noski-i-raznovidnosti-brasletov-na-nogu/]что значит браслет на ноге[/url]
RamTum
October 20 2020
tablets [url=http://tadalafil5walmart.com]aldactone[/url] koliko aygestin reflexions
Henrypal
October 20 2020
Try out the best financial robot in the Internet.
Link – - http://www.google.com/url?q=%68%74%74%70%3A%2F%2F%70%72%65%73%61%63%69%6d%61%7a%62%6f%72%2e%6d%6c%2F%62%35%38%35%66%38%30%65%62%23%56%79%67%57%6c%78%46%7a%4f%49%45%62%46%49%58%69&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHQP_P3oLB6P8hlogYpUKh3JHs5vw
probduo.se
October 20 2020
Hi, all the time i used to check webpage posts here early in the morning, since i like to find out more and more. probduo.se/map31.php jobb köpenhamn butik
Stanleychuch
October 20 2020
[url=https://boost24.biz]станозолол british dragon отзывы[/url] – testosterone enanthate 100 mg, stanozolol rwr
SharonLes
October 20 2020
]
Comparing my Girlfriend to OTHER [url=https://whealthbyslaiman.ithomes.info/tLSqyNaFpJV6Z3Y/comparing-my-girlfriend-to-other-girls-prank]GIRLS[/url] PRANK
Henrypal
October 20 2020
Financial independence is what everyone needs.
Link – http://www.google.com/url?q=%68%74%74%70%3A%2F%2F%70%72%65%73%61%63%69%6d%61%7a%62%6f%72%2e%6d%6c%2F%62%35%38%35%66%38%30%65%62%23%75%6d%4b%62%68%43%49%41%4c%43%6e%55%50%4b%76%71&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFqVh9JvMprOh3IZtJs_WmwhbaOPg
dragulatras
October 20 2020
Интересные факты и полезные статьи о ювелирных изделиях и украшениях. Обзор ювелирных украшений из золота, серебра, с драгоценными и натуральными камнями. Советы по выбору и покупке ювелирных украшений и уходу за ними.
https://dragzoloto.ru/osobennosti-vizantijskogo-pleteniya-czepochki/
[url=https://dragzoloto.ru/na-kakom-palcze-nosyat-pomolvochnoe-kolczo-do-i-posle-svadby/]на какую руку одевается помолвочное кольцо[/url]
Charlesstoot
October 20 2020
So aim on variety. Eat a mixture of carbohydrates, protein, and wealth to manage your blood sugar haler and halt greatest longer. But make sure-fire to choose trait carbohydrates and pang fats that are:
Fiber-rich: Vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, peas, whole grains
Spunk Healthful: Fish like salmon and tuna
Strong carbs: Vegetables, beans, intact grains, and fruit
Smart fats: Fish, nuts and seeds, avocado, olives, unused virgin olive grease, and canola lubricate
Hamper your blood sugar after meals.http://antibioticwithoutdr.com antibiotics without doctor visit Look on the side of patterns between what you eat and go on a toot and your blood sugar levels after. You also may longing to footpath how many grams or overcounter for cramping stomach servings of carbohydrates you eat with each go overboard and crack at to keep it fro the selfsame from supper to meal. This can also help you take injunction of your blood sugar.
Henrypal
October 20 2020
We know how to increase your financial stability.
Link – - https://moneylinks.page.link/6SuK
Crystalnussy
October 20 2020
Как сам?..
ссылочка – За минутную регистрацию – БЕСПЛАТНЫЕ БОНУСЫ: http://bonus.ru.net/
[url=http://bonus.ru.net/]бонус код без депозита[/url]
Здравствуй – бинарный опцион – только для тебя – интересный материал как раскрутиться – не напряжно. Быстро! Заходи по ссылочке и смотри как забрать 1000 руб. за регистрацию!
метки: заработок в интернете
tumphati.se
October 20 2020
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions? tumphati.se/map2.php anna lisa herascu naken
WillieDrarf
October 20 2020
Due to internal conflicts, the group disbanded in 1973.Moreover, the soul s functions are, as we have seen already, not restricted to grasping and appreciating truth, but prominently include regulating and controlling the body and its affections such as beliefs and pleasures, desires and fears , no doubt in light of suitable judgments, arrived at, or anyhow supported and controlled, by reasoning.People with weakened immune systems might develop chronic or severe diarrhea.LORN-V 1-02-2018, 00 26 5978.The trio developed the urban blues sound, and became popular in the clubs. https://woferncomfimaren.scapvimasmejarimysraigegeargiman.co The black jazz-rock fusionists from Washington D.It was very well received and the first night was pretty busy with a really good crowd and relaxed atmosphere.In order to find the fallen star, Tristran will have to ascend the wall and venture deep into the forbidden heart of the fantastical realm known as Stormhold.One hours of concert with an happy audience to hears us for the first time.A couple of years later, the two were impressed by Brian Jones, the guitarist for Blues Incorporated, upon hearing the band one night in London.
JeffreyFum
October 20 2020
Голые знаменитости, фото русских звезд, девушки без одежды! https://bez-trusov.club/photo/vebkam/
[url=https://bez-trusov.club/]подделки голых знаменитостей из форума[/url]
txktvrzobb
October 20 2020
youtube icon
[url=http://www.ga2uxq74v8ip86lrv11z25532rt08wu5s.org/]utxktvrzobb[/url]
txktvrzobb http://www.ga2uxq74v8ip86lrv11z25532rt08wu5s.org/
atxktvrzobb
Henrypal
October 20 2020
Financial robot keeps bringing you money while you sleep.
Link – http://www.google.com/url?q=%68%74%74%70%3A%2F%2F%6e%65%77%73%74%72%65%6c%69%6e%73%75%6c%65%72%2e%6d%6c%2F%35%33%61%64%37%62%31%23%33%34%36%35%34%31%33%32%32%34%38%35%35%34%31%32%34&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFdxkFfjP60-rZ7Jfr0OIYjcvveCA
Henrypal
October 20 2020
Make money 24/7 without any efforts and skills.
Link – http://www.google.com/url?q=%68%74%74%70%3A%2F%2F%6e%65%77%73%74%72%65%6c%69%6e%73%75%6c%65%72%2e%6d%6c%2F%35%33%61%64%37%62%31%23%38%33%31%38%30%32%30%38%39%34%37%30%39%31%39%32%39&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFapf39DvEEQyY_nzWQRFs6CrZTIA
Comments
22272 Comments