Collar with zipper, Autumnlin. Jewelry, Lagos Jewelry.
Dr. Maye Musk shares an inspiring conversation about her journey, navigating the realms of fashion, nutrition, and motherhood. The world-renowned icon reflects on the key moments and values that have driven her success from starting her career out of necessity to becoming a global icon.
Harper’s Bazaar (HBZVN): Dr Maye Musk, you’ve had a successful career as a model and dietitian. What do you think has been the key to your success in such diverse fields?
MAYE MUSK: I had to be successful as a dietitian; otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to feed my kids or keep a roof over our heads. As a model, I never expected my career to continue, let alone be most successful after the age of 70. As I got older, there was a need for models for mother-of-the-bride runway shows and grandmother ads, so my part-time career continued.
HBZVN: You started working at a very young age. How did these early work experiences contribute to your success as an adult?
MAYE MUSK: I always saw my parents working long hours. When I was eight years old, they asked me to assist with office work, and of course, I was happy to help them. They taught me to be responsible and efficient. This definitely helped with my business when I started my dietetics practice.
Suit, O’Livis Couture.
HBZVN: How would you describe your relationship with your son, Elon Musk?
MAYE MUSK: Elon is my genius child. As a boy, he could hear, read, and remember everything. He read two sets of encyclopedias, so he could answer any question I had about anything and any country. He was shy, so no one else realized how brilliant he was – but now they do. He takes on the biggest challenges in the world to make this planet, and soon Mars, better places.
Dress, Tuyet Le.
My other two children are also doing very well. Kimbal has farm-to-table restaurants and a non-profit, Big Green, which teaches children to grow vegetables and fruits in schools.
Tosca is a movie producer and director, and the founder of Passionflix, a streaming movie platform. She studied film and then went into the movie industry, in which she found that all the films were about a woman who is always a victim. Tosca wanted to make happier movies, so she makes romance movies from novels with happy endings.
Dress, O’Livis Couture. Ring, Lagos Jewelry. Earrings, Himawari.
HBZVN: What values and principles did you instill in Elon that you believe contributed to his success and innovative mindset?
MAYE MUSK: All three of my children are kind, honest, hard-working, and doing good for this world. They saw me working long hours to help people to eat well, and be happier. What motivated Elon to take on such huge tasks is mind blowing. We are proud of him.
Dress, O’Livis Couture. Ring, Lagos Jewelry. Earrings, Himawari.
HBZVN: As a busy professional and mother, what does your daily routine look like?
MAYE MUSK: My daily routine differs every day. I love to spend time with my children and grandchildren, even though we are all very busy. I do light exercise, such as walking and stretching. I use a good moisturizer on my face, do not go in the sun or else wear a hat, long sleeves and sunscreen, and mix with happy people.
Dress, Kristina K. Necklace, Crisathena.
HBZVN: You’ve been an advocate for beauty at any age and have spoken about the importance of confidence. Could you share your philosophy on beauty and how it has evolved over the years?
MAYE MUSK: To me, I find beauty in people who are interesting, polite, considerate, kind, enthusiastic, and confident. When it comes to being older, I don’t see why anything should change. My life has actually improved. I don’t have to work so hard at promoting my business, I can just put it on X and Instagram. I spend at least four hours every day on social media.
Dress, Kristina K. Necklace, Crisathena.
HBZVN: How would you describe your fashion sense, and what inspires your wardrobe choices?
MAYE MUSK: When fashion changes, we have to change with the fashion. As a scientist, I thought I dressed well, until I met stylists. They are really good at what they do, and keep me fashionable. If you aren’t good at something, ask someone who is to help you.
HBZ: What advice would you give to women striving to achieve their goals while managing personal responsibilities?
MAYE MUSK: Many women are struggling with balancing career and family, because they think they have to be perfect at both. You go through different stages in your life. When your babies are small, you dedicate yourself to them. Slowly they start going to school and freeing up your time, then you can think more about your career. After they leave home, you will only have to care about yourself and your business.
Dress, Kristina K. Necklace, Crisathena.
HBZVN: What has been your biggest challenge in your life, and how did you overcome it?
MAYE MUSK: Every move was a challenge, many things go wrong. You have to understand this, and to change your plans continuously because nothing is what you expected. You will make many mistakes, and just have to handle them as best you can.
Shirt, Hugo Boss. Dress, Kristina K. Shoes, Ruthie Davis. Gloves, Maison PFW
HBZVN: What does women empowerment mean to you, and how do you believe women can support each other in achieving their goals?
MAYE MUSK: When I had my private practice, my female patients would come to me for healthy eating, but had many problems. I would give them my advice. They said I was less expensive than their psychologists! Women need to help women, and men need to help women. Don’t mix with people who pull you down.
HBZVN: How do you see yourself continuing to make an impact in the years to come?
MAYE MUSK: I am having so much fun with my current projects. My book is a bestseller and is available in 32 languages and 100 countries. It’s doing very well in Vietnam, thank you. I no longer have a private practice, as I am booked for many talks around the world.
Regarding modeling, I’m doing front covers, major campaigns, runway shows, and traveling the world. I couldn’t have dreamt of this kind of life.
We should all find a profession or work that we enjoy, that will keep our brain working, and our enthusiasm up, no matter the age. My mother died at 98, she stopped working at 96. She set a good example for me, my siblings, and our children.
We should all find a profession or work that we enjoy, that will keep our brain working, and our enthusiasm up, no matter the age.
HBZVN: Thank you very much for your insights and advices.
Talent: Maye Musk @mayemusk.
Photographer: Fadil Berisha @fadilberishaphotography.
Makeup: Vincent Tran @vincenttranartistry.
Hair: Zahir Ziani .
Stylists: Kevin Parker @kevinlparker & Kerry Scott.
Art Director: Julie Nguyen.
Producer: Valentina Gurova @valentinagurova.
Executive Producer: Cory Couture Productions @corycoutureproductions.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
