Dr. Maye Musk: A Life of Integrity, Passion + Fashion
Maye is an iconic supermodel, a proud grandmother, a Doctor of Dietetics, and a successful entrepreneur. Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, she began her modeling career at the tender age of 15 in South Africa and has since worked with esteemed brands, publications, and media outlets across the globe for over six decades.
Among her impressive accolades, Maye has graced the covers of prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, InStyle, Sports Illustrated, WWD, Harper's Bazaar, and now BELLA. She has also been featured in high-profile campaigns for brands like Clinique, Revlon, Swarovski, Moncler, Tommy Hilfiger, Target, Ferragamo, Moschino, and Tiffany & Co., besides being a brand ambassador for Dior Beauty and the face of CoverGirl.
On the runways, she has dazzled audiences at international Fashion Weeks, showcasing designs from Philipp Plein, Marc Cain, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Peter Dundas, as well as numerous Korean and Chinese brands. Maye's silver-haired beauty has also made a memorable appearance in Beyoncé's "Haunted" music video and proudly adorned four billboards in Times Square.
Alex Teih Haute Couture Gown + Gloves | Shoes: Charles David
In addition to her illustrious modeling career, Maye Musk is a celebrated author. Her book, "A Woman Makes a Plan," is an international bestseller, published in over 100 countries and translated into more than 32 languages, with more on the way.
With over 45 years of experience, Maye has successfully run her own nutrition business across eight cities and three countries. She has excelled in her field in three countries, serving as the first Representative of the Consulting Dietitians of Southern Africa, President of the Consulting Dietitians of Canada, and Chair of the Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition in the USA, where she also received the Outstanding Nutrition Entrepreneur Award.
In this very special Fashion issue of Bella Magazine, I had the privilege of sitting down with the extraordinary Maye Musk. Join us in celebrating her incredible journey in this exclusive cover story.
Career Evolution.
Dr. Maye Musk, you’ve had an incredible career spanning over five decades. Can you take us through your journey in the modeling industry and how it has evolved over the years?
I have written a lot about my modeling career in my book, “A Woman Makes a Plan” (Penguin Random House). Many models relate as they have been through the same experiences.
In the '60s, as a teen model in Pretoria, South Africa, modeling was very part-time, as I was focused on my school and university. Also, schools and universities were very strict. You couldn’t take off classes to do a modeling job, and it wasn’t expected of me either. I would model on weekends, evenings, and holidays. I never tried to push my modeling career as I knew it would be over by 18. I was surprised to know I lasted until I graduated at 21. I then pursued my career as a dietitian for about eight months before getting married and having three children in three years.
At the age of 28, I was again asked to model because they needed a mother-of-the-bride in their shows. They also needed an older model for many jobs. This was unexpected.
In the '60s and '70s, I did my own hair and makeup for most jobs.
Safiyaa Gown | Alexis Bittar Bracelet | M.Gemi Shoes
When I ran away with my three kids to a smaller town and got divorced, my ex-husband stole all my savings. I was financially desperate. I approached the top model agency, and they took me on right away. That was a huge surprise as I was 31 years old. The modeling income helped a lot, as my dietetics practice took a while before doctors sent me their patients.
At 41, I moved to Toronto and signed with an agency. I was completely surprised about the popularity of an older woman. There was no competition because I was the only model who could do runway for all the big bridal shows. I was also doing a lot of print work and television commercials. I didn’t let it interfere with my dietetics practice, which was my stable income. I wouldn’t do more than four days per month and needed three weeks notice, as I didn’t want to move my patients' appointments.
At 47, I moved to San Francisco and did the Saturday morning Nordstrom shows in different cities, print work, and a fabulous modeling job in the South China Seas on a cruise ship. I was also a fit and showroom model, and hand and foot model. Whatever worked.
When I moved to New York at 50, for the first time I had competition. There were other women my age. Also, all jobs were very well paid, and they did my hair and makeup. I continued to work whenever they needed me while working hard on my private practice.
At 63, I moved to Los Angeles to help my daughter with her two babies and stayed for eight years. I did model quite a lot, and my dietetics practice did well in the beginning. Then surprisingly, I was doing a lot of editorials. So patients would bring in magazines for me to sign and be quite aggressive about it when I would say this is not what they booked an appointment for. So, I closed my practice and taught public health at a private school. However, modeling was increasing, including a four-year contract for CoverGirl. This interfered with my teaching, so I had to resign.
At 70, a literary agent convinced me to write a book about my life. I didn’t think I had a story to tell, and I didn’t really want to share my life. My children said it’s a good idea and I should write about my struggles. That was hard. However, my book is now in 32 languages and 100 countries and doing very well, so it was a good idea.
At 71, I moved back to New York and am busier than ever. That’s why my hashtag is #ItsGreatToBe76.
Thank you for asking me to be on the cover of BELLA magazine.
Dress: Randi Rahm | Earrings: Donna Moda, Westwood, NJ | Necklace: Neiman Marcus, Paramus, NJ
Breaking Age Barriers.
You’ve shattered many age-related stereotypes in the fashion industry. How do you view the current representation of older models, and what more can be done to embrace diversity in this context?
I am absolutely loving the embracement of older models. There are quite a few. I always tell all models to spend a lot of time on social media as that is where we get our work.
I’ve had a lot of model agents who have been dreadful, incompetent, and lazy, so I no longer sign exclusively to any agency. If an agency books me, that’s fine. Otherwise, my manager, Anna Sherman, handles my bookings more efficiently.
Alexander McQueen Suit | Tank: Alice + Olivia | M.Gemi Shoes | Earrings + Ring: Neiman Marcus, Paramus, NJ
Fashion Icon.
You’ve become a fashion icon and inspiration to many. How do you define your personal style, and what influences your fashion choices?
As you have read, I’m a scientist with two Master of Science degrees and a PhD. I think I’m okay with my personal style, but I’m reminded many times that I’m not. I can’t be good at everything, so I depend on stylists. They make me look cool and trendy.
Advice for Aspiring Models.
What advice would you give to young aspiring models who look up to you and want to enter the fashion industry?
If you want to be a model, get onto social media and let people know how special you are, how relevant you are, and definitely worth a booking. You can still start with agents because that gives you more credibility, and they have better jobs.
Mrs Momma Bear Workwear Suit | moon d’elle Shoes | Vintage Top Hat | Earrings: Donna Moda, Westwood, NJ | Bracelet: Neiman Marcus, Paramus, NJ
Role of Wellness and Health.
Your background as a dietitian and nutritionist suggests you value health and wellness. How do you maintain your health and beauty regimen, and how has it impacted your career?
As I’ve said in my book, I’m not a naturally lean person. I have to eat carefully to maintain my weight and be a size 4. I was a size 6 or 8 for most of my life and then, for about six years, a size 12.
This was when I was the first plus-size model in South Africa and was very popular. However, being overweight led to a sore back, sore knees, and high cholesterol. I could either go on medication and painkillers, with side effects, or get my diet under control. I now follow a flexitarian diet, enjoy my food, and stay a steady size 4.
Life Lessons.
What are some of the most important life lessons you’ve learned throughout your career, and how have they shaped you into the person you are today?
What I have found throughout my modeling career is that the industry can knock your confidence out of you. Sometimes, you get bad agents and nobody wants to book you. Move on quicker than I did. You can get out of a contract, although they try to tie you down so they can send your clients to other models. When I share this story, many models relate. There are some good modeling agents too, so don’t be too concerned about my negative experiences. Don’t be afraid; you can find a good team who will believe in you and will find you great jobs!
Future Goals.
With so many achievements under your belt, what’s next for you personally and professionally?
Well, with my book doing so well, I’m getting many more speaking engagements as well as modeling jobs around the world. It is quite fabulous. I will continue to work on social media for at least four hours per day, interacting with other models and designers to stay relevant and give women of all ages hope. My mom stopped working at 96; I hope to go longer than that.
Beyond her professional achievements, Maye remains fervently dedicated to philanthropic pursuits, devoting significant time and energy to the non-profit organization BigGreen.org. Truly encapsulating the notion that age is just a number, Maye's hashtag, #ItsGreatToBe76, speaks volumes of her vibrant and inspiring spirit.
To learn more and follow along, visit MayeMusk.com!
Alice + Olivia Trench Coat | moon d’elle Shoes | Earrings: Neiman Marcus, Paramus, NJ
Interview and Creative Direction by Vanessa Coppes
Assistance to the EIC Jennifer MacLellan + Jonathan Calixto
Photography By Nigel Barker
Photography Assistance by Toby Sprague + Austin Daniells
Makeup by Chris Lanston
Hair by Katie Rote
Stylists Mindy Shapiro + Paula Orlan
Styling Assistance by Daniela Uribe, Martha Luna, Ceylone Grooms + Milan Grooms
Behind the Scenes Photography and Videography by Michelle Behre + Miguel Pichardo
Shoot Assistance by Meghan Connolly + Darcie Virtue
Location, Virgin Hotels NYC