Model Diaries with Maye Musk

Photographed by SARAH KRICK

You truly are living your best life at the moment, having graced the most coveted Cover spot of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition, our Modeliste Cover and so many other exciting endeavors. Tell us about this. Does life really get better with age?
It really does feel like life gets better with age. You learn to avoid negative situations that you cannot change, and you also take time for yourself, your family and your dog.

What tips would you give for aging gracefully?
Do not smoke. Eat well. Be polite, considerate, interesting, positive and do things you enjoy. Stay stylish. Cut your hair. Don’t complain.

3 Beauty products you can’t live without.
As I am a Dior Beauty ambassador, I only use their products and love them. They moisturize my face and make me feel beautiful every morning.
1. Dior Prestige eye cream
2. Dior Prestige advanced serum
3. Dior Capture Totale cell energy, super potent serum

Where are you from and how has it influenced who you are today?
I was born in Canada, grew up in South Africa, moved back to Canada, and now live in the United States. I had very adventurous parents, who “lived dangerously, carefully.” This made me brave enough to start my careers as a single mother in nine cities and three countries.

If you could give your 20 year self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Get out of bad situations quickly, in personal and business situations. I thought I could change people who are evil, but I couldn’t.

Tell us about your role as mother to 3 children and how it has evolved for you from when they were young to where they are at today?
I had three children in three years and three weeks. Like all mothers, this is exhausting. Fortunately, they were really lovely children and were considerate and helpful when I was working from home. They would sit in the front row, doing their homework, when I was modeling in fashion shows. They saw me helping people become healthy and happy, and have chosen to help people too.

Do you think you will ever go to Space?
If all my children and grandchildren go to space, I guess I will go too.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Kind. Energetic. Curious.

As you have shared your many successes as an author, model, and nutritionist on your social media platforms, how do you hope to influence people through your platform today?
I continue to give talks worldwide as my book is published in 100 countries and 30 languages. The feedback I get is that my talks are inspiring. We need more inspiration.

What’s a typical day-to-day routine for you?
I don’t have a typical day, as so many exciting things come up. When home, my dog wakes me up for a walk. I have a cup of coffee and give him treats. Then I have breakfast and check emails, Twitter and Instagram.

How did you begin your career as a dietitian?
As I mentioned in my book, I wanted to study sciences like microbiology and biochemistry. My father said I should have an occupation at the end of my studies, so I chose dietetics. The best decision ever!

What’s a fun fact people would be surprised to know about you?
I don’t know if it’s fun, but I am not naturally lean. I plan my meals and snacks every day to maintain a healthy weight. I have been obese twice in my life, developing a high cholesterol, and pain in my back and knees. It is worth it to eat carefully.

A highlight in your modeling career?
Every day I think I have a highlight in my modeling career, then a new project comes along. Stay tuned…

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I watch French, German or Dutch movies to keep my languages going.

What’s one health fact everyone should know?
Plan your meals and snacks.
Read my book so that you aren’t fooled by fad diets.
Eat food you enjoy.

Tell us about your latest book. Why is writing so important to you?
I didn’t know writing was important to me, or that I had a story of interest. I just dictated my life’s struggles, and how I survived. Many women, and men, relate to my experiences.

Do you have a favorite book from your collection as an author?
My favorite book is The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson, about gene editing. As I have two Master of Science degrees, I just love stories about research work, especially by a woman.

Can you tell our readers about Oleada? Where do you gain inspiration for your designs?
I did a bag campaign for Oleada last year. They were so professional and delightful, and I just loved their bags. They then asked me to design my own bags. I worked with the founder of Oleada, Tiffany Zhou, to produce three bags that I needed in my closet. A tote bag, a work bag and an evening bag. I wanted the bags to be practical yet beautiful. If you look at them carefully, you will see many different sections, and zips in the right places. So excited the bags are selling out and they are making more.

Any upcoming projects you can share with our Modeliste Readers?
There are many exciting projects coming up, including my Italian book launch in Milan in January. Most projects I cannot mention until the job is done. With social media, you don’t want to share the secrets until ready.

What’re you looking forward to most this holiday? Any holiday recipes you can share?
I always look forward to seeing my children and grandchildren. As you will read in my book, I’m not a great cook. Fortunately Kimbal and Tosca love preparing holiday meals and Elon and I love to eat their dishes.

If you could “tweet” anything to your fans right now, what would it be?
Well, I will certainly tweet this photoshoot as I’m sure it’s fabulous. Also models around the world will know there is no age limit to our profession.