In the past fifty years, Maye has started her nutrition business in eight cities and three countries. Her business included speaking engagements, consulting, counseling, writing and media work. It was never easy to start over, but each move was worth the effort, resulting in her honorary doctorate.

Maye also has a second career. She has been modeling since the age of 15, and this continued unexpectedly and consistently. Then, in her 60s, she had four billboards in Times Square and appeared on magazine covers such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, Sports Illustrated and Harpers Bazaar. In her 70s, she was a Covergirl for four years and then a Dior Beauty Ambassador, giving her the title of “Supermodel.” 

Her book, A Woman Makes a Plan, is a bestseller and translated into thirty-six languages.

Her new book, TIMELESS, The Art of Reinvention and Resilience at Any Age, will be released in September 2026.

She continues to give presentations on entrepreneurship, aging, female empowerment, single parenting, overcoming challenges, confidence and health at conferences, events and universities, inspiring audiences worldwide. 

Her work takes her to many cities where she learns about different cultures and shares her experiences. She speaks Afrikaans fluently, and functional Dutch, French and German, often doing interviews in these languages.

That’s why her motto is #ItsGreatToBe78