Maye Musk: “I Am Just Getting Started” — On Modeling, Motherhood, Mars, and Raising Her ‘Genius Boy’ Elon Musk
Maye Musk has lived a life that reads less like a conventional biography and more like a series of reinventions across continents, careers, and decades. Long before she became widely known as the mother of Elon Musk, she was already building her own identity as a model, dietitian, and entrepreneur — a woman who would later rewrite the rules of age and beauty in the fashion industry.
Speaking from her home in Los Angeles, Maye reflects on a journey that has taken her from financial struggle and single motherhood to global fashion campaigns, bestselling books, and runway appearances well into her 60s and 70s. Her memoir, A Woman Makes a Plan, captures this long arc of survival and transformation, blending personal hardship with lessons on resilience, independence, and reinvention.
Even now, Maye continues to work actively in modeling and public speaking, often emphasizing that ambition does not have an expiration date. She describes her life philosophy in simple but firm terms: take care of yourself, stay disciplined, and keep moving forward. For her, health and structure are not just lifestyle choices but survival tools that allowed her to balance multiple roles — raising three children, rebuilding her career, and navigating years of uncertainty.
Her story is also deeply connected to her children, particularly Elon Musk, whom she often refers to as her “genius boy.” Alongside Elon, she raised Kimbal Musk, now a food entrepreneur, and Tosca Musk, a filmmaker and producer. Each of them has built a distinct career path, but Maye often credits their independence and curiosity as key traits shaped during childhood.
Reflecting on motherhood, Maye has spoken openly about the difficulties she faced as a single parent during periods of financial strain and emotional stress. She describes a time when she had to quietly endure hardship without sharing it widely, even with close family members. Looking back, she acknowledges that her approach was to avoid complaining and instead focus on survival and providing stability for her children.
However, she also recognizes how perspectives on struggle have evolved over time. While she once believed in handling everything internally, she now encourages openness and communication, especially for those going through difficult situations. In her view, asking for help and speaking about challenges is essential, rather than suffering in silence.
Beyond her personal story, Maye’s outlook on life is shaped by curiosity and a sense of adventure inherited from her upbringing. Raised in a family that traveled extensively across the Kalahari Desert in South Africa, she grew up with a mindset that valued exploration, independence, and resilience. That early exposure to uncertainty and discovery helped shape the philosophy she would later pass on to her own children.
Her reflections also extend beyond Earth itself. When discussing Elon Musk’s ambitions, including space exploration and the long-term idea of human life on Mars, Maye often speaks with a sense of wonder rather than skepticism. For her, the concept of Mars is not just science fiction but part of a broader narrative about human potential and exploration.
At the same time, she emphasizes that her own identity is not defined solely by her son’s achievements. While Elon Musk’s rise in technology and space industries has brought global attention to the family name, Maye has built her own legacy in fashion, nutrition, and writing — particularly by challenging the idea that success belongs only to the young.
Walking runways at major fashion events in her late 60s and continuing into her 70s, she became a symbol of longevity in an industry often focused on youth. Her work with major brands and appearances in international publications helped establish her as a global figure in her own right.
As she looks ahead, Maye Musk frames her life not as something winding down, but as something still evolving. Her statement — “I am just getting started” — reflects a mindset that rejects the idea of aging as decline. Instead, she views each stage of life as another opportunity to grow, adapt, and contribute.
From survival in difficult years to global recognition in fashion and wellness, Maye Musk’s journey is ultimately one of persistence. And as she continues to write, model, and speak publicly, she reinforces a central message that runs through her entire story: reinvention is always possible, at any age, in any circumstance.
