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
BarryBap
November 29 2020
Обязательные и не обязательные разделы проектной документации.Показатели движения персонала характеризуют.Встроен дисковый переключатель степенью нагрева. [url=https://budshop.com.ua/node/626]Сегодня девять стран вошли в Шенгенскую зону[/url] Данные обобщенные классификации спецтехники невозможно представить без разделения их на категории по выполняемым работам в определенной сфере.Технико-экономические особенности строительства. Согласно требованиям ГОСТ 31360-2007, газобетон практически не имеет сопротивления растягивающему напряжению.Выезд за город. [url=https://budshop.com.ua/node/2112]К условиям свободного рынка готовы 90% земельных паев[/url] Внутренняя отделка создает особую домашнюю атмосферу.Это позволило повысить эргономику инструмента, но теперь его необходимо каждый раз заряжать, прекращая работу.
Выбор стиля зависит от предпочтений хозяев и гармоничности сочетания материалов.Приобретая продукцию здесь, Вы получаете гарантию качества и долголетия материалов, которые прошли проверку и оценены многими специалистами в сфере строительства.Новый участок метрополитена должен разгрузить узел Спасская Садовая Сенная площадь. ТОП- 50 банков, которым больше всего доверяют украинцы Удар гасится с помощью амортизатора.Этот тип штучной кровли является самым распространенным среди штучных представителей на данный момент. Гостиный двор.Российский бренд ELITECH зарекомендовавший себя как производитель недорогого, но качественного инструмента. ЖКХ потратит 110 млн.грн. на замену противопожарного оборудования Старый Днепр.Афоризм дня После правильного развода мужу должны остаться только рога.
- алит 3CaO SiO 2 или C 3 S самый важный минерал клинкера, определяющий быстроту твердения, прочность и др.целью размещения конструкции использованными материалами обеспеченностью постройки стационарными или временными коммуникациями потенциальными затратами на снос или демонтаж.нужна чтоб отсечь кирпич от бетона. https://budshop.com.ua/node/2095 Следующий шаг банной церемонии парная харарет.Студентам напомнили о том, какую ответственность несовершеннолетние несут за правонарушения. Для создания перекрытий проводят сбор опалубки для закладки армирования.Песчинки непрерывно омываются водой, из-за чего они становятся гладкими и однородными по размеру и форме. https://budshop.com.ua/content/view/549 Несмотря на любовь компании к высокой эргономике своей продукции, в модели BOSCH HT она практически не используется.При укладке металлочерепицы максимальный угол наклона не нормируется, а минимальный составляет 15.
http://m.o-mundo-e-meu-mundo.webnode.com/forum/
https://experimentalgentleman.com/portfolio-item/skyline/?unapproved=21031&moderation-hash=3ecda3d12d847e113065eab3baa6af68#comment-21031
https://banzaidojo.webnode.com/teste/
http://m.forumatencioprimaria.webnode.com/foro-igualada/
https://jasminaworld.webnode.com/guestbook/
https://obycool.webnode.com/guestbook/
https://peliculas-del-oeste.webnode.es/el-revolver-maldito/
http://m.fklipovnik.webnode.sk/forum/
https://jose-balas.webnode.es/libro-de-visitas/
https://reiwa-jpn.jp/forums/topic/%d0%bd%d1%83%d0%b6%d0%bd%d0%be-%d0%b1%d1%8b%d0%bb%d0%be-%d0%be%d0%b1%d0%b5%d1%81%d0%bf%d0%b5%d1%87%d0%b8%d1%82%d1%8c-%d0%b1%d0%b5%d0%b7%d0%be%d0%bf%d0%b0%d1%81%d0%bd%d1%8b%d0%b9-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%be/
https://papletras.webnode.pt/
https://estello-graphic.webnode.cz/
https://pranaon.com/blogs/blog/honeycomb-protein-crepes?comment=95718965301#comments
https://rosliaye30.webnode.com/guestbook/
https://strelnice77.webnode.cz/diskuzni-forum2/
Vodavobia
October 03 2020
Мы развозим питьевую воду как частным, так и юридическим лицам. Наша транспортная служба осуществляет доставку питьевой воды на следующий день после заказа.
[url=http://voda-nn.ru]живая вода нижний новгород[/url]
Срочная доставка в день заказа доступна для владельцев клубных карт. Доставка воды происходит во все районы Нижнего Новгорода, в верхнюю и нижнюю части города: [url=http://voda-nn.ru]voda-nn.ru[/url]
Henrypal
October 03 2020
Money, money! Make more money with financial 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%72%55%69%73%79%56%64%4d%59%55%45%55%49%73%62%77%72&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHtGd1RpaKfdQU7ARrNC5UzAH6Jtw
Henrypal
October 03 2020
The financial Robot is your # 1 expert of making money.
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%6e%4f%69%59%71%4b%76%44%6e%6f%59%4b%41%7a%42%78%54&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEiaYs1FMdHiZDnKBtYKiXEU2rXxA
Henrypal
October 03 2020
Money, money! Make more money with financial 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%73%55%53%52%65%6f%66%49%4b%74%48%61%4c%76%62%59%57&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEkdH6VzVQwpR5_UPI5EaoOcuFTHQ
Robertzew
October 02 2020
Give Me Your Love 09.They needed extra security as they are processing credit card and personal information for their customers.Gira s low vocals add to the mysteriousness of this music.Alterazioni della cute e del tessuto sottocutaneo – Rari orticaria.In this episode, we discuss my newest article, High Priests of the Heavenly Temple Jesus, Melchizedek and Metatron of 3 Enoch. https://conssmarhelzcomzasi.spirinsosescihaslofadetiriver.co It is this battle of wills that dominates the second half of the movie, as we learn more about who Bob is and how Rabbit feels about his captivity after all this time.Tape 1941, Lying Eyes is Orion s version of the song made famous by The Eagles and released in 2013 on the album From The Sun Vaults Vol.He continues to anger many organizations who say his lyrics encourage violence towards women, rape, homophobia, and drug use.Monday Lunch Closed Dinner 6.I m Chinese and grew up eating these kind of cakes.
DonaldAffiz
October 02 2020
Рћ Р Рћ РЎ Р, Рњ.InsideOutsider 13 points 14 points 15 points 2 years ago 15 children.Album Review Elvis Costello and the Imposters Look Now.In the early 1970s funk became the musical standard for bands such as the Ohio Players and Kool and the Gang and soul singers such as the Temptations and Stevie Wonder, its driving beat accompanied by lush, melodic arrangements and potent, thoughtful lyrics.He is the resurgence of rock and roll. https://isbogetarjufant.niphapasdinghijradercofaconpapod.co I think as you get more involved with girls your own age, you will think less about those younger girls.Han Solo and Chewbacca once visited an uncharted planet which was haunted by dead, living skeletal figures.De que se quede conmigo y se olvide de aquel.Severe infections sepsis or trauma can sometimes cause consumptive thrombocytopenia without DIC.Basically, this is close to being the perfect audiophile album, and that s certainly a major reason it gets as much credit as it does.
Russellsib
October 02 2020
Еще в 2009 году многие пользователи допустили ошибку и теперь действительно сожалеют о том, что легкомысленно отнеслись к рекламной компании криптовалюты Bitcoin (BTC), которая была совершенно неизвестна на тот период времени. Всего за один доллар США была возможность купить 1350 биткойнов (не сатош, а именно биткойнов)… Теперь все это в прошлом. Но сегодня появилась возможность исправить ошибку. [url=https://gridgroup.cc/r-nvizit [b]Подробнее>>>[/b][/url]
]
[url=https://gridgroup.cc/r-nvizit]куда инвестировать деньги[/url]
[url=https://gridgroup.cc/r-nvizit]инвестиционный компания[/url]
[url=https://gridgroup.cc/r-nvizit]недвижимость[/url]
[url=https://gridgroup.cc/r-nvizit]куда вкладывать деньги[/url]
[url=https://gridgroup.cc/r-nvizit]надомная работа[/url]
Bennybix
October 02 2020
интернет магазин в Узбекистане
[url=https://tovar.uz/]мебель в узбекистане[/url]
Henrypal
October 02 2020
The additional income is available for everyone using 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%49%4b%46%4b%73%42%6b%54%69%68%77%47%63%4a%73%6b%44&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGKViI2Muh2qWZZfvVujJz4EZbTkw
Henrypal
October 02 2020
Make money online, staying at home this cold winter.
Link – - https://moneylinks.page.link/6SuK
Henrypal
October 02 2020
Make your laptop a financial instrument with this program.
Link – https://moneylinks.page.link/6SuK
HarryMab
October 02 2020
read [url=https://hydraulic-breaker.net]hydra onion[/url]
Henrypal
October 02 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%4a%4a%71%52%54%77%57%46%45%64%48%53%68%63%54%4c%75&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG-R4Echrlmr5EdZsWD8CsC1EqNkw
Henrypal
October 02 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%6b%41%76%41%42%73%4b%6e%54%64%42%58%73%6f%58%4f%69&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHrwTPE7Jotfsrv7PGaAEqA7E_yUw
Henrypal
October 02 2020
One click of the robot can bring you thousands of bucks.
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%6c%68%6b%48%46%6c%74%56%62%55%68%62%71%4e%69%42%4a&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHxVmcDjQYXreMeHr3PPwBdfBKXsg
LarryQuart
October 02 2020
[url=https://mukis.ru]купон на яндекс директ 3000[/url] – купоны яндекс директ что это такое, промокод гугл адвордс купить
Timothyguark
October 02 2020
this website [url=https://hydra2020union.com]гидра зайти тор[/url]
dfhbsfVog
October 01 2020
[url=https://informed.top/]
новости правительства россии
[/url]
Larrydiz
October 01 2020
visit site [url=http://hydrazerkaloru.com]гидра официальный[/url]
BricedUg
October 01 2020
[url=https://midnight.im/]купить приватный чит для ксго[/url] – купить читы для кс го приват, приватный чит на всегда
Comments
22272 Comments