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
JimmiBap
December 05 2020
Исследована роль ИФ в развитии раковых клеток молочной железы.Считается, что в доме, где имеется цветок женское счастье , всегда будет царить взаимная любовь, мир и гармония.работала на должностях провизора и заведующего аптечным киоском. [url=https://familynews.ru/karera/kak-priumnozhayut-kapitaly-zhenshchiny]Как приумножают капиталы женщины[/url] Тело это то, что оно делает, а не то, что оно есть.Использование фотоматериалов разрешено только с письменного согласия администрации сайта. Состояние сердца зависит от состояния других инь-органов С возрастом ритм сердца в большей мере становится подвержен внешним влияниям, что не дает сердцу усваивать энергию, и воздействует на функции тимуса и молочных желез.Также не рекомендуется употреблять траву при эпилепсии и болезнях почек. [url=https://familynews.ru/diety/krevetochnaya-dieta-ili-vkusno-i-polezno]Креветочная диета, или вкусно и полезно[/url] вторые посредники, оказывающие прямое влияние на клеточный метаболизм.Тесное платье готики также сменяется объемным, талия занимает естественное положение.
Маринад или гарнир.Шум оказывает вредное влияние на зрительный и вестибулярный анализаторы, снижает рефлекторную деятельность, что часто становится причиной несчастных случаев и травм.Если у вас есть вопросы о женских гормонах анализах или любой проблеме со здоровьем, обратитесь к врачу. Как разнообразить сексуальную жизнь постоянных партнеров Кактус не кусается.Таким образом, курс лечения подбирается для каждого пациента в индивидуальном порядке. Иннервация железы изучена недостаточно, однако известно, что этот орган получает нервные волокна непосредственно из центральной нервной системы и симпатического отдела вегетативной нервной системы.Лишний напор и агрессия не нужны, действуйте мягко, постепенно наращивая интенсивность ласок. Занятия пилатесом для пресса Легкие состоят из альвеол, к которым прилегают капилляры.Воспаление отличается сквозным поражением стенки, формированием грубых трещин, язв, свищевых ходов между органами, рубцовыми и нагноительными процессами.
Вяжутся они легко.Систем в организме конечно больше, но думаю, анализ этих основных, дает устойчивую картину того, что регулярные физические тренировки организму просто необходимы.Макрофаги фагоцитируют и переваривают микроорганизмы, разрушившиеся клетки тканей, чужеродные белки и старые клетки крови; их функцию можно назвать санитарной. https://familynews.ru/karera/boremsya-s-lenyu Эти препараты содержат натуральные травы с эстрогенным эффектом.Если вы хотите жить счастливо, иметь хорошую, добрую семью, надежную семью, которая будет существовать долго и не развалится при первых же трудностях, то вам нужно научиться принимать чужую любовь, а не идти на поводу у своих собственных чувств. Размеры 42 44 46 48.Вдыхать ароматы, наполняя себя негой запаха. https://familynews.ru/lyubov-i-seks/otkuda-berutsya-plohie-muzhya Тонус матки.Также этот компонент входит в состав кремов, бальзамов, шампуней.
https://seon.prevue.it/p/n0tc/#comments
https://vidracaria-lima7.webnode.com/
https://kometapo.webnode.sk/
https://vailankanni.webnode.com/guestbook/
https://www.forum.7feetshipping.com/user-64922.html
https://brisbanecardiology.net.au/node/66/done?sid=1013&token=434f89e0a04809169a52171c8414940f
https://ktaonline.inkindo.org/detail-blog/hut-inkindo-2019/
http://1.lzludacity.appspot.com/1181978041
https://gossipboy.webnode.com/guestbook/
https://sushergbx7.webnode.fr/nos-plans/
https://casaisgays.webnode.com.br/
https://nizu11-ge6.webnode.ru/guestbook/
http://e-shop.coolandsmart.cz/asdasdas/proc-u-me-zvitezila-italie/23?_fid=eifx
http://m.galupy.webnode.nl/gastenboek/
https://future-evolution-biltjuv-se7.webnode.se/forum/
https://www.altitudebrew.com/blogs/news/t-45-versus-t-90-hop-pellets?comment=92553347181#comments
https://croushente.webnode.mx/libro-de-visitas/
https://slavojosek.webnode.cz/forum2/
https://membo-aguilar-teruel.webnode.com.co/
http://www.datingsitenederland.nl/datingsite/e-matching/?su=1#myrev
sasilu.se
October 16 2020
Appreciating the dedication you put into your site and detailed information you provide. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed material. Fantastic read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account. sasilu.se/map1.php fodrade vattentГ¤ta skor
Henrypal
October 16 2020
Trust the financial Bot to become rich.
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%46%4a%61%61%52%59%4e%6a%48%55%44%69%57%77%68%6e&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNErWglX4sXP4brlo8UZ22lx9oa5Ig
Henrypal
October 16 2020
It is the best time to launch the Robot to get more 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%57%49%49%5a%79%78%70%77%5a%6d%62%66%52%70%73%56&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFk7ZCf9CBw-QGi_L4g_QkpzbZYcw
newstheday
October 16 2020
Explore the largest platform of lifestyle, fashion, entertainment news for women!
[url=https://thedailymagazines.com/]
brietbart news[/url]
https://thedailymagazines.com/
Georgezak
October 16 2020
п»ї
Привет всем! Я ищу людей, которые хотели бы начать зарабатывать онлайн!Начать очень просто, нужно всего лишь установить браузер по ссылке http://bit.ly/2TPy2dj и пользоваться им, как основным. Он очень легкий, удобный и быстрый – вы полюбите работать в нем! Но самое главное это то, что можете зарабатывать Биткойны с его помощью! Звучит интересно? Тогда не упускайте возможность и присоединяйтесь!
https://cryptotabbrowser.com/landing/43/5703690
https://clck.ru/QAzwp
=Crypto=
Angeladueme
October 16 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, это зарегистрироваться в официальной Компании Grid Group и став акционером Компании приобрести желаемое количество криптовалюты Gridcoin (GRD) по низкой цене (сегодня $0.5 за токен), продолжая жить своей жизнью и заниматься привычными делами, время от времени заходя в Личный кабинет, наблюдая за ростом валюты. И если Вы действительно ищите ресурс для приличного зарабатывания валюты в долларах США и желаете быть богатым и успешным человеком, значит этот рекламный сайт от Компании GRID GROUP для Вас. По прогнозам аналитиков к 2023 году цена одного токена GRD вырастет до 1000 долларов и более . Рекомендуем не упустить эту возможность сегодня… [b][url=https://gridgroup-site.blogspot.com/]Подробнее на сайте>>>[/url][/b]
]
YvonneFraus
October 16 2020
как становятся успешными бизнесменами
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2n4XrcpNmUYmz424Txg38Q
[url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2n4XrcpNmUYmz424Txg38Q]как стать бизнесменом[/url]
как стать успешным бизнесменом
как достичь успеха
DerekTiz
October 16 2020
Наверное, каждый искал[url=https://sport-1x-bk2.com/] 1xbet зеркало[/url], но не каждый знал, зачем его создали. Зеркало 1xBet – это дополнительный портал БК с объединенным функционалом, который полностью повторяет официальный сайт. Любые действия, которые игроки совершают на зеркале, дублируются на основном сайте. И наоборот: любая совершаемая игроком манипуляция на официальном сайте, повторится на других зеркалах 1xBet. Например, если пользователь сделает ставку на оригинальном ресурсе, а потом зайдет в зеркало, то его ставка будет там отображаться.
Ronaldbioke
October 16 2020
]
Купил [url=https://yurapapu.lvchannels.info/kupil-snegohod/l4V3qpqprcO61as.html]снегоход[/url] за 2500 евро в Финляндии.
Henrypal
October 16 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%72%47%78%74%69%67%4f%48%48%75%52%45%75%6d%68%6c%48&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHhOG2AeRgdgv9W6nJ7aTiPpV0haw
Henrypal
October 16 2020
Thousands of bucks are guaranteed 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%4f%73%42%6e%79%61%7a%76%41%6f%56%44%49%42%6a%45%70&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEtXLwnqihGrRxI3J_Q_qhrYTGrFA
Henrypal
October 16 2020
The online job can bring you a fantastic profit.
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%77%70%76%6f%4c%4c%6d%53%66%4e%6d%54%54%45%59%54&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFB3G89GCsC4_A4Pqa0IH74dIbKcw
Henrypal
October 16 2020
Make your laptop a financial instrument with this program.
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%50%68%78%78%64%68%53%44%7a%75%76%48%6f%78%74%4f%6c&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGRGj8H4b-QWsJOoTZeGpZjbP4Ymg
RobertSkync
October 16 2020
gas pain remedy [url=http://allsbc.com/clopidogrel-generico-pfz.php]http://allsbc.com/clopidogrel-generico-pfz.php[/url] natural remedies psoriasis
Henrypal
October 16 2020
Need money? The financial robot is your solution.
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%58%67%41%50%56%76%4b%50%58%71%52%41%57%64%64%73%64&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHskEmVNgbLRuH8GeU970NH6s0VLA
Josephjopay
October 16 2020
browse around here [url=https://anydesk.site]how to transfer file through any desk[/url]
Henrypal
October 16 2020
Automatic robot is the best start for financial independence.
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%44%59%44%67%57%4b%74%62%62%47%71%68%79%79%67%77%47&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFOhO06aG-pv6hd2tCnKCKMVjQMlw
Henrypal
October 16 2020
Start making thousands of dollars every week.
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%5a%41%55%59%51%4e%70%50%47%58%65%79%56%61%65%44%57&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk7vgMEJ4ODT5bqpomLzp6th_gaw
Henrypal
October 16 2020
Looking forward for income? Get 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%73%4d%72%70%79%77%4d%47%6d%51%79%76%56%71%47%62%45&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF_xDKpbtvCJ78mzSgWUZ8HYIUAOw
Henrypal
October 16 2020
Even a child knows how to make $100 today with the help of 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%4b%53%68%7a%56%56%46%51%5a%55%4a%79%57%6a%43%48%75&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGduxQcFxepqFiy14yfxL0e6CR5ig
Comments
22300 Comments