Maye Musk's Net Worth Explained: Modeling, Nutrition, And That Covergirl Deal

So, you’ve heard of Elon Musk, right? The rocket-launching, tunnel-digging, electric-car visionary? Well, have you met the woman who made him—and then decided to be just as fascinating in her own right? That’s Maye Musk, a 75-year-old supermodel, registered dietitian, and now a global brand powerhouse. And yes, her net worth is a juicy topic—but the real story is how she built it with zero drama and a whole lot of spunk.

Breaking Down the Maye Musk Net Worth

Let’s get the numbers out of the way first. Estimates place Maye Musk’s net worth somewhere between $15 million and $20 million. Not “buy a small island” money, but more than enough to keep a McMansion stocked with avocados and good lighting. And here’s the kicker: she didn’t inherit a penny. She built it from scratch, starting at age 15 in modeling, and then she kept going through divorces and moves across three countries.

The secret? She’s never relied on one thing. Her wealth comes from three distinct pillars: modeling, nutrition, and that iconic CoverGirl deal. Let’s unpack each one, shall we?

1. Modeling: The Glamorous Grandmother Act

You’ve seen her face. Silver hair, confident smirk, and a presence that says, “I’ve been doing this since bell-bottoms were cool.” Maye started modeling at 15 in South Africa, and she’s been walking runways and posing for catalogs for six straight decades. That’s right—she never retired. In her sixties, she landed Time magazine covers and a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue spread.

And here’s the funny part: she didn’t model to get rich. She modeled to pay the rent while raising three kids as a single mother. It wasn’t glamorous—she often slept on a mattress on the floor. But by sticking with it, she turned a side hustle into a multimillion-dollar career that now includes contracts with brands like Clinique and Rolex.

Maye Musk Net Worth - Kahawatungu

(Quick aside: If you think you’re too old to start something new, remember Maye was booking her biggest modeling jobs in her late 60s. Talk about a late-bloom life hack!)

2. Nutrition: The Secret Sauce of Silver Smarts

Now, here’s where Maye’s story gets extra spicy. While modeling, she also earned two master’s degrees in dietetics and became a registered nutritionist. She didn’t just look good—she studied how to fuel the body. This dual path gave her an edge: she could lecture on “healthy aging” while looking like a poster child for it.

How Maye Musk Used Instagram to Get a CoverGirl Contract at 69 | SELF

Her nutrition practice has been a steady income stream for decades. She’s given talks, written books like A Woman Makes a Plan, and counseled clients on how to eat for energy and longevity. And let’s be real—when you recommend a kale smoothie while wearing a $2,000 leather jacket, people listen. This isn’t just a job; it’s a brand synergy that makes her net worth feel both earned and inevitable.

3. That CoverGirl Deal: The Cherry on Top

In 2017, at age 69, Maye signed as a CoverGirl ambassador. This was a cultural moment. CoverGirl is known for fresh-faced teens, but they bet that a grandmother with silver hair could sell mascara better than a 20-year-old. And they were right. The campaign, called “Beautiful Every Age,” made Maye a household name beyond the tech world.

Maye Musk's Net Worth - How Rich is Elon Musk's Mother? - World-Wire

Financially, this deal was a game-changer. Brand ambassadorship with a giant like CoverGirl likely brought her a seven-figure payday, plus ongoing royalties and exposure. More importantly, it opened doors to high-end fashion campaigns that pay top dollar. A 70-year-old model? In 2017, that was revolutionary. Today, it’s just Maye being Maye.

Why This Makes Life More Fun

Here’s the real gift of Maye Musk’s net worth story: it proves you don’t have to peak in your twenties. You can reinvent yourself at 30, 50, or 70. She used modeling as a platform, not a prison. She used nutrition as wisdom, not a chore. And she used that CoverGirl deal as a declaration that aging is permission to become bolder, not invisible.

Maye Musk’s Net Worth: Elon’s Mom Is Wealthy on Her Own

So what can you learn from her? Maybe it’s that your side hustle today (whether it’s knitting, baking, or consulting) could become your main act tomorrow. Or that skills compound—modeling gave her poise, nutrition gave her credibility, and together they created a magnetic brand no single career could have.

The Uplifting Final Note

As you scroll through your phone, probably in your PJs (no judgment), remember this: Maye Musk didn’t become a millionaire by playing small. She did it by showing up, consistently, with a mix of smarts and sass. Her net worth isn’t just a number—it’s a testament to resilience, to forward momentum, and to the idea that you can be hot, smart, and rich at any age.

So go ahead—read her memoir, watch an interview, or just look at her Instagram where she’s rocking a silver bob and a sequin dress. Let her story be your nudge to bet on yourself, even if your plan seems crazy. Because if a teenage model from South Africa can become a 70-something CoverGirl with a million-dollar net worth, then honestly? The rest of us have no excuses—only possibilities. Now get out there and make your own fun.