Maye Musk: Global icon and China’s darling, beyond just Elon Musk’s mother

Maye Musk, a model, author, and global ambassador, is a celebrated figure in China. With her resilience, elegance, and strong social media presence, she inspires millions beyond being Elon Musk’s mother.

Elon Musk may be the world’s richest person deeply entrenched in Trump’s 2.0 administration, but his 76-year-old mother Maye is no less a worldwide personality, especially in China.

Maye, a former model and author, is a reigning celebrity in China. She attends high-profile events and represents brands, thereby increasing her influence in the region. A former model, dietician, and survivor of domestic abuse who raised three children by herself, Maye has been embraced by China like its own.

Her recent tours of Hangzhou and Wuhan saw her attend gala events, walk red carpets, and sign copies of her book A Woman Makes a Plan, The Guardian wrote.

Not only Maye’s book but also Walter Isaacson’s biography of her son Elon Musk was one of China’s bestsellers. Maye is also brand ambassador of consumer electronics giant Oppo and mattress company AISE Baobao.

Maye is said to be fond of China. She regularly visits the country and has been described as Musk’s secret weapon in China – a well-placed figure who can bring goodwill for her son’s increasingly global business and political ambitions, the Guardian report said.

Her son’s auto company, Tesla, sells more cars in China than anywhere in the world after the United States. Tesla also plans to develop its self-driving vehicles in China.

The commercial endorsements have helped her build a sizable following on Chinese social media. In China’s Xiaohongshu, an Instagram-like platform popular among young women, she has 5,77,000 followers. About 356,000 followers on Douyin, TikTok’s sister company in China. She has 46,200 followers on Weibo, a micro-blogging site often compared to her son’s X.

Maye keeps posting good things about China. “China is so advanced in roads, tunnels, buildings, infrastructure, and ports. Always impressed when I visit,” she tweeted in October.

Maye, the Silver Influencer

Experts believe that China’s fascination with Maye Musk is part of a broader trend celebrating “silver influencers” — individuals who challenge age stereotypes and achieve success later in life. The Chinese admire her resilience and elegance. They are intrigued by Maya’s journey from being a model in South Africa to becoming a global ambassador.

Maye was born in Canada and was raised in South Africa. She balanced a thriving modeling career with raising three children, including Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca, which makes her a formidable person. Her modeling career spans over five decades. She has graced magazine covers worldwide, including Vogue and Time. At 69, she became a CoverGirl ambassador, breaking age barriers in the beauty industry.

Unlike her son Elon who has extensive business dealings in China, Maye’s influence extends beyond her familial ties. Her active presence on Chinese social media platforms, where she shares insights into her life and promotes positive aging, has garnered her a substantial following. Her message of empowerment and self-reinvention aligns with the aspirations of many in China, further amplifying her appeal.