Maye Musk: A Life of Intelligence, Beauty, and Unapologetic Reinvention

Early Life and Education

Born on April 19, 1948, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Maye Musk (nee Haldeman) began life on the vast Canadian prairies before her family relocated to Pretoria, South Africa. Even as a young girl, she possessed a fierce intellectual curiosity and a quiet, self-assured strength—qualities that would define her path across continents and careers.
Behind the luminous presence that would one day grace global runways was a disciplined academic foundation. Maye built her education with the same elegance and precision that later became her signature:

• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, University of Pretoria, South Africa
• Master of Science in Dietetics, University of the Orange Free State, South Africa
• Master of Science in Nutrition, University of Toronto, Canada
• Doctor of Dietetics. University of the Free State, South Africa

Her academic journey was not merely about credentials—it laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to health, science, and human potential.

A Career in Nutrition: The Science of Well-Being

Long before she became known as a fashion icon, Maye Musk forged a respected, decades-long career as a registered dietitian and nutritionist. Her expertise carried her from private practice to lecture halls, research panels, and global stages.

Her work included:

• Private nutrition consultations
• University teaching, shaping future health professionals
• Public speaking on wellness and evidence-based living
• Scientific research and publications

Maye advocated for a practical, science-driven approach to health—one that would eventually echo her broader philosophy of authenticity and self-respect.

Modeling Career: Timeless Elegance, Redefined

Though nutrition was her professional anchor, fashion remained a constant thread in Maye’s life. Her modeling career began in her youth and evolved in waves—each one more striking than the last.

Key Milestones

• 1969: Finalist, Miss South Africa
• 1970s–1980s: Occasional modeling while raising her three children
• 1990s–2000s: Dietetics practice and increased modeling
• 2010s–present: A global resurgence, redefining beauty across generations

Career Highlights

• Became the oldest CoverGirl ambassador in history at age 69
• Featured on the covers of Time, New York Magazine, many Vogue magazines
  Campaigns for Tiffany, Virgin America, Swarovski
• Walked for designers including Dolce Gabana, Philipp Plein, Marc Cain, Vetements, British Vogue Icons
• Appeared in music videos, most notably Beyoncé’s Haunted

Maye Musk stands as living proof that style is ageless—and that reinvention is always in season.

Personal Life and Remarkable Resilience

Beyond the spotlight is the story of a woman who navigated life’s challenges with exceptional grace. After her marriage ended in 1979, Maye raised her three children—Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca—largely on her own, moving across countries to create opportunities for them and her.

Her parenting philosophy emphasized:

• Independence

• Intellectual curiosity

• Hard work

• Confidence and free expression

Her household was a space where ambition was encouraged and dreaming boldly was the norm.

Later Years: A Global Voice for Age Positivity

In her 60s and 70s, Maye Musk emerged as a modern symbol of age inclusivity—an outspoken advocate for embracing maturity as a source of power, not limitation.

She speaks candidly about:

• Aging with confidence

• The value of lived experience

• Maintaining physical and mental well-being

• Following one’s passions at any age

Her memoir, A Woman Makes a Plan (2019), became a manifesto for reinvention, resilience, and fearless self-expression.

Legacy: Intelligence, Beauty, and Bold Reinvention

Maye Musk’s influence spans industries and generations:

• Nutrition: Advancing public health through evidence-based guidance

• Fashion: Shattering age barriers and elevating the visibility of mature beauty

• Motherhood: Raising three accomplished children who have reshaped technology, food culture, and entertainment

• Inspiration: Empowering women worldwide to pursue reinvention with courage

Her enduring message is clear and powerful:
“I never let age stop me from trying something new.”

Key Dates

• 1948 – Born in Regina, Canada

• 1969 – Miss South Africa finalist

• 1970 – Marries Errol Musk

• 1971 – 1974 – Birth of Elon, Kimbal and Tosca

• 1979 – Divorce

• 1990s – Returns to Canada and rebuilds her career

• 2010s – Major modeling resurgence

• 2017 – Becomes a CoverGirl ambassador

• 2019 – Publishes memoir

• 2022 – Oldest Sports Illustrated cover model

• 2022 – Dior Beauty ambassador

Star: Maye Musk @mayemusk  

Jewelry: SANKHARA JEWELRY @sankhara_jewelry  

Dress: MATSOUR‘I @matsouri.de 

Style: Vesa Gashi @vese.brand

Set Assistant: Emir Demhasi @emirdemhasi, Adi Cena @cena.photo, Luis Calvo @luisccalvo

Makeup:  Vincent Tran @vincenttranartistry

Hair: Senada K. Ceka @senadakxo 

Producer: Kyle Le

Executive Producers: Cory Tran @corycoutureproductions & Valentina Gurova @valentinagurova head of PR Aliyans Media Group @pr_aliyans