Recently Added
0 Item	Total $0.00

Dazey Lady Feature: Mama Cax - Redefining Disability

Written By Billy Zablan - March 07 2018

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
June 01 2021

NEED PAPER WRITING ?

Good title for research papers .

Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co

]

How to write a history day paper
How do i write a work cited page
Example of a proffessional resume

Persuasive paper topics college
Math problems homework help
Best analysis essay writers service us

Sat essay sample college board
Sample resume summary section
Resume project manager planning

on computer for kids in hindi language[/url] algebra homework help website wwqpj[/url] coding research paper – Warehouse manager resume objective kbvsy 2021[/url] bangladesh vision 2021 essays yhgod[/url] 85536f0

Reform movements in america essay
10 resume red flags yahoo
Ap language essay prompt examples

HGtYUPlKMnGFW
https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.bloggin-ads.com]studybay[/url]

title for research papers [/b]

]
Popular school essay ghostwriting services
Broadcast journalism cover letter examples
Where can i get help with my spanish homework

mba essay ghostwriting website online akwhf[/url] page design resume nqeln[/url] writing tips at university level lmfqe 2021[/url] topics in computer security – An example of a cover letter for an internship pnqtw 2021[/url] graduate engineering resume qbiat 2021[/url]

tghuTRTjigFIr6F
dissertation fr

title for research papers [/b] definition essay writer website au vamgl[/url] personal statement proofreading services for college[/url] and print a resume for free rwpgi 2021[/url] plan marketing and sales strategy example xqqys[/url]

]
https://crowngeorge4.werite.net/post/2021/04/16/5-Simple-Statements-About-Payday-Loans-Online-USA-Explained
https://visual.ly/users/waddellomar41fcnlhk/portfolio
http://57xianbao.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=840873

48 days business plan
Resume writing services kansas city mo
Women and gender studies essay editing sites

[url=http://author24.ru.com]автор 24 личный кабинет[/url]
[url=https://buydissertationyjxy.com]dissertation[/url]

http://www.google.com.om/url?q=https://essaypro.me/
http://krolopp.at/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=610

Term paper writers website us
Best cover letter proofreading for hire au
Best problem solving ghostwriting websites uk

https://forum.nerdcom.host/index.php?/topic/240971-sample-6-point-sat-essay/#comment-671938
https://www.leewolfepottery.com/blogs/news/when-instagram-shadow-bans-or-soft-blocks-you?comment=124676178023#comments
https://www.yukithreads.com/blogs/blog/12639725-yuki-team-riders?comment=124721070191#comments

Good title for research papers
[url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://barcelonaforum.ru/obschii-2/hydra-onion-internet-sait-2954/index757.html#post324172
https://diy-decorator.com.au/poolside-entertaining/#comment-619338
https://www.ehp-wohnbau.de/img_5611/#comment-561965

masters case study sample bswvd[/url] qualitative action research paper uzrhk[/url] why should i get scholarship bvejr 2021[/url] problem solving proofreading site uk zsmse 2021[/url] title for research papers [/b] about good communication skills kwtfx[/url] culture course work ivpsc 2021[/url] job resume length[/url] business plan huehv[/url]

Progress and survival an essay on the future of mankind
Format for book report high school
Assistant director of admissions resume sample

title for research papers [/b] college essays examples fgkns 2021[/url] math homework tamu iwofn[/url] on national parks in india dmnev[/url] of independence essay prompt ewtky[/url] on physical education in school voumo[/url] to write thank you notes for cash – Write a short article about the most famous russian square fikvk 2021[/url]

umenuozajupop
May 03 2021

] Utijvii lhp.bvve.dazeyla.com.gjf.oy http://slkjfdf.net/

Andrewvat
May 03 2021

https://torgovaya.xyz/magnitnaya-shchetka Glider – магнитная щетка для окон, которая сократит время уборки в 2 раза. Упрощает развитие мытья окон, делает его безопасным и более эффективным.

[URL=https://torgovaya.xyz/magnitnaya-shchetka][IMG]https://fedorovkarb.ru/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/glider.gif[/IMG][/URL] магнитная щетка для окон[/url] 845_7ee

@@@***

olawsidujag
May 03 2021

] Euponuwix etl.jwud.dazeyla.com.vpv.rp http://slkjfdf.net/

blackmarke
May 03 2021

https://gidra-zerkalo7.site Гидра вход

blackmarke
May 03 2021

https://gidra-zerkalo7.site Гидра вход

blackmarke
May 03 2021

https://gidra-zerkalo7.site Гидра вход

blackmarke
May 03 2021

https://gidra-zerkalo7.site Гидра вход

vpKjgStmlc
May 03 2021

homework 10-1 order of operations what was the environment in which you were raised essay bad parenting examples do you listen to music while doing homework