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
GregarBap
November 26 2020
Просто они удовлетворенные люди, которые занимаются творчеством с удовольствием.А вот нарушения состава среды полости рта приводит к развитию различных заболеваний. [url=https://lady-lady-lady.ru/novosti/massazhnaya-podushka.html]Массажная подушка[/url] Мятный зеленый чай.Вывязывать округление на рукаве не понадобится полотно заканчивают, закрывая петли. Представительство находится на остистой поверхности 7-го шейного позвонка С7.Киев, Голосеевский Сегодня 09 09. [url=https://lady-lady-lady.ru/spravochnik/pochemu-kofemashiny-lomayutsya.html]Почему кофемашины ломаются?[/url] Кроме того, окситоцин стимулирует чувство привязанности к семье, желание заботиться о слабом поле, детях и стариках.Какие анализы нужно сдавать.
Для этой цели делаются напитки, в которые добавляется куркума.Это говорит о наличии более серьезных причин, чем аппендицит. Хороший магазин белья Готовьте блюда на пару, отваривайте и запекайте, чтобы сохранить в ней максимум пользы.При посадке расстояние между растениями должно составлять 20-40 см. Характер болей во влагалище.Если же родинка имеет окраску, близкую к цвету твоей кожи, загар будет скорее всего безвреден. «КУПОНГИД» – КУПОНЫ СО СКИДКОЙ Время входа и выдоха можно определить по спирограмме.Принимать напитки с золотой специей можно при болезнях почти всех органов.
Женские гормоны есть не только у женщин.И помните, если уход подошел одному растению, не факт, что другой цветок положительно откликнется на такие изменения. https://lady-lady-lady.ru/lyuboznatelnym/finskaya-zimnyaya-odezhda.html Отличный сервис для изучения английского языка.При необходимости, врач может назначить более тонкую диагностику, включающую в себя более узкоспециализированные данные. Можно пересаживать, рыхлить почву в цветочных горшках, удобрять и поливать.Советы для здоровья. https://lady-lady-lady.ru/novosti/odezhda-dlya-budushchih-mam.html Крупные соцветия Сенсации ослепительно белоснежного тона со временем окрашиваются в зеленоватые оттенки.Мои спатифилумы цветут только тогда, когда побудут в холоде достаточное время или если я переставлю в темноту.
Henrypal
September 15 2020
Online job can be really effective if you use this Robot.
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%4c%67%67%71%4e%67%52%6f%43%4e%76%45%6a%72%67%46%54&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH51H3Ew8BsEtOSnIb5FhQ2Lwv2bQ
Henrypal
September 15 2020
Financial robot is the best companion of rich people.
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%41%6c%4a%56%41%43%4e%53%51%6d%59%68%4a%72%73%58%44&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFXzNf2J7uBjJ3QXabnL3lyU9Ln6w
RalphJuB
September 15 2020
добротный сайт https://xcasino-com.ru
Henrypal
September 14 2020
Have no money? Earn it online.
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%6d%53%72%71%46%69%75%6b%4a%63%76%7a%55%54%4d%58%6d&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8MXe6VtrNLWL1Mh37MZaeaRVggA
20News20Vog
September 14 2020
[url=https://informed.top/]
новости беларуси свежие тут бай
[/url]
Gregorynot
September 14 2020
примерный сайт https://betwinnerbett.com
DonfUh
September 14 2020
penis on viagra lady viagra what would happen if you took 1000mg of muse and viagra https://judshop.com/
Mandydog
September 14 2020
таблетки которые помогут бытро скинуть лишний вес
Кето диета таблетки для похудения.
Ни один сильный жиросжигающий препарат не сможет привести к нужному результату, если параллельно продолжать питаться фаст-фудами, увеличивать порции, злоупотреблять калорийным алкоголем. Нужно запомнить основное правило: питание и спорт всегда на первом месте!
Мы работаем по всей территории Республики Беларусь, курьерскими службами и транспортными компаниями. Доставка товара зависит от работы курьерской службы или транспортной компании, обычно это срок доставки от 1 до 3 дней , ежедневные отправки со склада.
https://www.dieta.mirstore24.ru/pohudeniya/kapsuli-dlya-pohudeniya-30-sht.php
Все прекрасно худеется)
безопасность для здоровья в виду натурального состава; высокую эффективность (потери веса до 5 кг.в неделю); гипоаллергенность; высокую усвояемость; чистую и здоровую кожу; снижение количества целлюлита и отечности.
Дополнительные условия диеты.
AlicefUh
September 14 2020
active cbd oil gold label can cbd oil make you tired cbd oil broken arrow https://cbdoil4u.org/
Mandydog
September 14 2020
Если сибутрамин действует на головной мозг, «отключая» интерес к еде и удовольствие от ее поглощения, то орлистат работает на уровне кишечника, блокируя ферменты, расщепляющие жиры. Крупные молекулы жира не способны пройти сквозь стенку кишечника, и покидают организм вместе с другими непереваренными остатками пищи. Поскольку жир – самая калорийная часть рациона, количество усвоенных калорий снижается и человек теряет вес, не ограничивая себя в любимых продуктах.
Рнструкция РїРѕ применению Редуксина.
РҐСѓРґРёСЏ РіРѕСЂРґРѕРЅРё (Р 57 Hoodia) – экстракт кактуса для похудения.
https://www.dieta.mirstore24.ru/pohudeniya/kapsuli-dlya-pohudeniya-30-sht.php
Чаще всего, люди прибегают к народной медицине, чтобы нанести наименьший вред здоровью, однако лекарственные средства помогают намного эффективней, они продаются в аптеке.
Дозировка РРєРѕ Слим – 1 таблетка 3 раза РІ день. Для приема ее нужно растворить РІ 200 РјР» РІРѕРґС‹. Стоимость препарата составляет около 900-1000 СЂ. Противопоказания Рє приему РРєРѕ Слим:
Нельзя принимать БАД людям, страдающим хроническими болезнями (при обострении) и расстройством пищеварения. Важно проконсультироваться с доктором перед приемом средства.
Henrypal
September 14 2020
Make thousands every week working online here.
Link – - https://moneylinks.page.link/6SuK
Petersed
September 14 2020
otc constipation remedies [url=https://www.prevencionintegral.com/comunidad/forum/comprar-rivotril-sin-receta-en-espana]https://www.prevencionintegral.com/comunidad/forum/comprar-rivotril-sin-receta-en-espana[/url] remedy herpes
Jamesfuect
September 14 2020
добрый веб ресурс https://pinupsbets.com/
Sarahobeby
September 14 2020
]
SLENDERMAN XГ‚Y NHГЂ KIM CЖЇЖ NG VГЂ Sб»ђNG TRONG CГЃI CГ‚Y VГЊ Bб»Љ ДђUб»”I [url=https://slendermantm.vipost.info/slenderman-xay-nha-kim-cuong-va-song-trong-cai-cay-vi-bi—-uoi-khoi-lang-trong-mcpe/p4KAaI-0p7acg64]KHб»ЋI[/url] LГЂNG TRONG MCPE
Henrypal
September 14 2020
Financial independence is what everyone needs.
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%65%6a%66%78%66%77%54%42%57%74%65%52%57%62%67%70%70&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH_wPQp-TP6SV_uQzPk7wJtZHT-KA
RichardJet
September 14 2020
пригодный веб сайт https://booi-cazinos.ru
Josephwex
September 14 2020
блестящий веб сайт https://plays-fortuna.ru
Craigengex
September 14 2020
важный сайт https://vulkanplatinumcasino.ru
Henrypal
September 14 2020
Earn additional money without efforts.
Link – https://tinyurl.com/y7t5j7yc
CarlosBrode
September 14 2020
Привет! Видели занос в Casino Z? Оцените стрим https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoNfuQCLN7A&feature=youtu.be&t=1435 Стримеры в Midas Golden Touch со ставки 2500 занесли 2218750 рублей. А в целом за стрим около 3 000 000. На следующий день написали, что казино им все бабки вывел без проблем
Comments
22314 Comments