Maye Musk, the mother of billionaire Elon Musk, is more than just a supermodel and a nutritionist—she’s a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in her children’s potential. In her memoir, A Woman Makes a Plan, Maye reflects on her extraordinary journey, from enduring hardships to witnessing her son transform into one of the most influential figures in the world.
From an early age, Maye knew Elon was different. At just three years old, she noticed his remarkable intelligence and problem-solving abilities. During an interview with CBS This Morning, she shared how she tried to enroll him in nursery school early, only to face skepticism from staff who “rolled their eyes” at her suggestion. Elon’s genius became more apparent as he grew older. At the age of 12, he taught himself computer programming and created a video game called Blastar, which he sold to a magazine for $500—a significant accomplishment for a young boy.
Maye recalls her nickname for Elon as “Genius Boy” because of his exceptional memory and ability to retain vast amounts of information. Even as a child, Elon had an insatiable curiosity about the world, spending countless hours reading science fiction books and teaching himself advanced concepts in technology and engineering.
Maye’s journey as a mother was not without significant challenges. After divorcing her husband, Errol Musk, she moved with her three children—Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca—from South Africa to Canada. This decision was driven by her determination to provide better opportunities for her children, particularly Elon, who wanted to study business and physics. The relocation was financially and emotionally taxing, but Maye was willing to do whatever it took to support her children’s dreams.
She worked multiple jobs simultaneously, including modeling and teaching, to make ends meet. She even took a position at the University of Toronto, where her children could access free tuition. Maye often recounts how her first paycheck went toward purchasing a carpet for their unfurnished apartment, followed by a computer for Elon to explore his growing interest in technology.
Maye Musk’s parenting philosophy was grounded in teaching her children independence, kindness, and resilience. She never pressured them to excel academically but instead encouraged them to pursue their passions. Elon, for example, only focused on subjects that intrigued him, such as physics and programming. This freedom allowed him to channel his energy into creative and entrepreneurial pursuits, laying the foundation for ventures like Zip2, PayPal, Tesla, and SpaceX.
Maye also believed in fostering a sense of responsibility. She ensured her children understood the value of hard work and resourcefulness, which became integral to Elon’s journey. Despite their financial struggles, Elon and his siblings found ways to express their love and gratitude. On one occasion, they gave Maye a toy house and a small car model for her birthday, promising to buy her the real versions in the future—a promise Elon later fulfilled.
While Maye celebrates Elon’s achievements, she is candid about the challenges of being the mother of a global icon. In a BBC documentary, she acknowledged that Elon’s success has made him a target of criticism and controversy. In 2022, she defended him on X (formerly Twitter) against negative comments, suggesting that much of the criticism was generated by bots and fake accounts. This defense came during a period when Elon publicly shifted his political alignment, a decision that drew widespread attention.
Maye has also been vocal about her son’s immense workload and the pressure he faces as a visionary. She once advised him to focus on just one project, but Elon’s ambitious nature drove him to tackle multiple industries simultaneously, from electric vehicles to space exploration and renewable energy.
Maye’s life story is not just about her role as a mother; it’s a narrative of personal reinvention. As a single mother in a foreign country, she rebuilt her life from scratch, balancing her career as a dietitian and model while raising three children. Her memoir offers insights into how she overcame adversity, from enduring an abusive marriage to navigating financial struggles.
Even in her later years, Maye continues to break barriers. At the age of 76, she graced the cover of Sports Illustrated as a swimsuit model, proving that age is no limit to success. Her philosophy of staying active and pursuing passions is deeply influenced by her own mother, who embraced learning new skills well into her 90s. “The word ‘retirement’ is not in my vocabulary,” Maye once said, exemplifying her drive and determination.
Maye Musk’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unconditional love. Her belief in Elon’s potential and her sacrifices to support his dreams have left an indelible mark on his journey to becoming one of the most innovative minds of our time. Through her memoir and public appearances, Maye continues to inspire millions, showing that with courage and perseverance, it’s possible to rise above adversity and create a life of meaning and impact.