Unveiling The Life Of Maye Musk: The Inspirational Journey Of Elon Musk's Mother

Tech giant and entrepreneur Elon Musk is known for his roles in PayPal, Tesla Motors, and SpaceX. But before he began making electric cars and launching rockets into space, he grew up in South Africa with his mother, Maye Musk. Maye, in addition to raising Elon and his fellow successful siblings Kimbal and Tosca, has lived a life that, while different from Elon's, rivals his in accomplishments and fascination. Here are 10 things you might not know about the billionaire's mother:

Biography

Maye Musk has an impressive background that is marked by resilience and achievement. Born in Canada in 1948, she moved to South Africa at a young age and embarked on a journey filled with diverse experiences. As both a model and a dietitian, she has successfully worn many hats throughout her life, showcasing her versatility and determination.

Career as a Supermodel

Maye began her modeling career at the young age of 15. Despite being told her career would end by 18, she proved the naysayers wrong by modeling for decades. She humorously noted, "My friends tell me: I was famous before Elon was famous," highlighting her early success before her son's rise to fame.

After turning 60, Maye experienced a resurgence in her career, largely attributed to her decision to embrace her natural white hair. This bold move led to opportunities like advertisements for Virgin America, the cover of New York magazine, and a cameo in Beyoncé's "Haunted" music video.

Education and Dietitian Career

In addition to her modeling career, Maye holds two master's degrees—one in dietetics and the other in nutritional science. She initially built a successful dietitian practice in South Africa and later transitioned to Canada in her 40s, where she rebuilt her career from scratch. This dual career path has provided her with stability during times when modeling work was scarce.

Maye has shared her personal struggles with weight management, openly discussing how she lost about 50 pounds by focusing on healthier food choices. Her story resonates with many, showcasing her dedication to a healthy lifestyle while still indulging in treats like chocolate and sticky toffee pudding!

Social Media Maven

Maye has broken the stereotype that older individuals don't understand social media. Her savvy use of platforms like Instagram and Facebook helped her land modeling contracts and grow her dietitian career. She even documented her runway experiences on Instagram during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the struggling fashion industry.

Resilience and Personal Challenges

Maye's life has not been without its challenges. She endured domestic abuse during her marriage to Errol Musk, a situation that was both physically and mentally taxing. After the divorce laws changed in South Africa, she finally found the strength to leave her abusive relationship. Through her book, A Woman Makes a Plan, she encourages other women in similar situations to take the leap to change their lives.

Life as a Single Mother

After her divorce, Maye faced the daunting challenge of raising three children alone. She has recounted the struggles of making ends meet and how she relied on her resourcefulness to provide for her family. Buying secondhand clothes and preparing nutritious meals were part of her survival strategy.

Despite her difficulties, Maye never felt guilty about working full-time, as her children were her top priority. She managed to juggle modeling gigs while raising her kids, often bringing them along to shows and involving them in her dietitian practice.

Adventurous Spirit and New Beginnings

Maye's adventurous upbringing also shaped her character. Her family moved from Canada to South Africa when she was just three years old, and they often explored the Kalahari Desert, searching for the fabled Lost City. These experiences instilled a sense of adventure and exploration in her life.

In her 40s, Maye took a bold step by relocating to Canada with her children, allowing them to obtain Canadian passports and pursue new opportunities. She sold her possessions in South Africa and embraced this significant life change, demonstrating her fearless approach to life.

Staying Active and Future Plans

Maye has no intentions of slowing down! She has declared, "I will never retire. My mom never retired." Her passion for modeling and dietetics remains strong, and she plans to continue working in these fields as long as she can.

Maye Musk's life is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of hard work. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that age is just a number and that it's never too late to pursue one's passions and dreams!