Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Martha Stewart
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Martha Stewart made an impact.
Martha Stewart is an American businesswoman, writer, and television personality known for founding Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Her company focused on home and hospitality and achieved success through publishing, broadcasting, merchandising, and e-commerce. She authored bestselling books, published Martha Stewart Living magazine, and hosted syndicated television programs like Martha Stewart Living and The Martha Stewart Show, building a significant brand around her lifestyle expertise.
1967: Beginning Career as a Stockbroker
In 1967, Martha Stewart began a second career as a stockbroker, following in her father-in-law's profession.
1976: Start of Catering Business
In 1976, Martha Stewart started a catering business in her basement with Norma Collier. The venture became successful but disagreements led to Stewart buying out Collier's share.
1977: Catering The Secret Book of Gnomes Release Party
In 1977, Andrew Stewart released the English-language edition of 'The Secret Book of Gnomes' series. Martha Stewart's company catered the book release party, where she was introduced to Alan Mirken, head of Crown Publishing Group.
December 13, 1982: Publication of 'Entertaining'
On December 13, 1982, Martha Stewart's first book, Entertaining, ghostwritten by Elizabeth Hawes, was published.
1983: Release of 'Martha Stewart's Quick Cook'
In 1983, Martha Stewart released 'Martha Stewart's Quick Cook' under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
1984: Release of 'Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres'
In 1984, Martha Stewart released 'Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres' under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
1985: Release of 'Martha Stewart's Pies & Tarts'
In 1985, Martha Stewart released 'Martha Stewart's Pies & Tarts' under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
1987: Release of 'Weddings'
In 1987, Martha Stewart released 'Weddings' (ghostwritten by Elizabeth Hawes) under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
1988: Releases of Various Books
In 1988, Martha Stewart released 'The Wedding Planner', 'Martha Stewart's Secrets for Entertaining', and 'Martha Stewart's Quick Cook Menus'.
1989: Release of 'Martha Stewart's Christmas'
In 1989, Martha Stewart released 'Martha Stewart's Christmas' under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
1990: Development of Martha Stewart Living Magazine
In 1990, Martha Stewart signed with Time Publishing Ventures to develop a new magazine, Martha Stewart Living, for which she would serve as editor-in-chief. The first issue was released in late 1990.
1993: Start of Martha Stewart Living Television Program
In 1993, Martha Stewart began a weekly half-hour television program, also called Martha Stewart Living, based on her magazine.
September 1997: Formation of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
In September 1997, Martha Stewart, with Sharon Patrick's assistance, secured funding to purchase and consolidate television, print, and merchandising ventures into a new company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO). That same month, Stewart announced the launch of a companion website and a catalogue business, called Martha by Mail, as well as a direct-to-consumer floral business.
1997: Honored with Edison Achievement Award
In 1997, Martha Stewart was honored with an Edison Achievement Award for her commitment to innovation throughout her career.
1997: Expansion of Martha Stewart Living Television Program
In 1997, the Martha Stewart Living television program expanded to weekdays.
October 19, 1999: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Goes Public
On October 19, 1999, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia went public on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MSO at US$18 per share, rallying to US$38 by the end of trading, making Stewart a billionaire on paper.
1999: Expansion to Full Hour Show
In 1999, Martha Stewart Living expanded to a full hour show with half-hour episodes on weekends.
February 2002: Stock Price Decline of MSLO
By February 2002, the stock price of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia had slowly declined to $16 per share.
October 3, 2002: Resignation from the New York Stock Exchange Board
On October 3, 2002, Martha Stewart resigned from her position on the board of directors of the New York Stock Exchange, following a deal prosecutors had made with Douglas Faneuil.
2002: Peak Circulation of Martha Stewart Living Magazine
In 2002, Martha Stewart Living magazine reached its peak circulation at more than 2 million copies per issue.
June 4, 2003: Indictment by Grand Jury
On June 4, 2003, Martha Stewart was indicted by a grand jury on nine counts, including charges of obstruction of justice. Following this, she stepped down as CEO and Chairwoman of MSLO.
2003: Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart
In 2003, a television film titled "Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart" was released, portraying Stewart's life story. Cybill Shepherd played Martha Stewart in the film.
January 2004: Trial Begins
In January 2004, Martha Stewart's trial began. Prosecutors presented evidence that Peter Bacanovic had ordered his assistant to inform Stewart that the CEO of ImClone, Samuel D. Waksal, was selling his shares in advance of an FDA ruling.
2004: End of Martha Stewart Living Television Program
In 2004, the Martha Stewart Living television program ended its run.
March 2005: Comeback After Prison
In March 2005, following her release from prison, Martha Stewart launched a highly publicized comeback and became involved once again in Martha Stewart Living.
September 2005: Returns to Television
In September 2005, Martha Stewart returned to daytime television with "The Martha Stewart Show" and appeared in "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart", both produced by Mark Burnett.
October 2005: Publishes New Business Book
In October 2005, Martha Stewart released her new book, "The Martha Rules", about starting and managing a new business.
November 2005: Launches Sirius Radio Channel
In November 2005, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) launched a 24-hour satellite radio channel with Sirius, where Stewart hosts a weekly call-in show.
2005: Martha: Behind Bars
In 2005, another television film, "Martha: Behind Bars," was released, focusing on a specific period in Stewart's life. Cybill Shepherd reprised her role as Martha Stewart.
July 2006: Partnership with FLOR, Inc.
In July 2006, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia announced a multi-year agreement with FLOR, Inc. to manufacture and market a new line of Martha Stewart-branded carpet tiles.
October 2006: Publishes Homekeeping Handbook
In October 2006, Martha Stewart's "Homekeeping Handbook", a reference book about looking after a house, was published by Clarkson Potter.
2006: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Returns to Profitability
In 2006, Martha Stewart's company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, returned to profitability after her comeback campaign.
2006: KB Home houses launched
In early 2006, MSLO launched a line of houses with KB Home inspired by Stewart's homes in New York and Mount Desert Island in Maine, with the first homes completed in Cary, North Carolina.
September 14, 2007: Partnership with E & J Gallo Winery
On September 14, 2007, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia announced a partnership with E & J Gallo Winery to produce a wine brand with the label Martha Stewart Vintage.
September 2007: Launches Housewares Line for Macy's
In September 2007, Martha Stewart launched an upscale line of housewares for Macy's, featuring over 2,000 items designed exclusively for the store, including bedding, bath, cookware, and dinnerware.
2007: Floor Designs by FLOR Debut
In 2007, the Martha Stewart Floor Designs by FLOR line debuted, featuring designs and a color palette associated with the Martha Stewart brand.
January 2008: Martha Stewart Vintage wine for sale
In January 2008, Martha Stewart Vintage wine went on sale in six cities, priced at $15 per bottle.
July 2008: Craft Items Premiered in Walmart
In July 2008, craft items under the names "Martha Stewart Celebrate" and "Martha Stewart Create", two divisions of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, premiered in Walmart stores.
January 26, 2010: Partnership with Hallmark Channel Announced
On January 26, 2010, the Hallmark Channel and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia announced a multi-year strategic partnership.
September 13, 2010: Martha Stewart Show Moves to Hallmark
On September 13, 2010, Martha Stewart's hour-long daytime television series Martha, formerly The Martha Stewart Show, moved to the Hallmark Channel.
2011: Debuts Martha Bakes
In 2011, Martha Stewart debuted a new 30-minute show, Martha Bakes, on the Hallmark Channel.
2011: Rejoining the Board of Directors of MSLO
In 2011, Martha Stewart rejoined the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.
May 11, 2012: Final Episode on Hallmark Channel
On May 11, 2012, the final episode of the Martha Stewart Show aired on the Hallmark Channel, concluding its two-season run.
October 2012: Martha Stewart's Cooking School Debuts
In October 2012, Martha Stewart's Cooking School, a new television series based on her eponymous book, debuted on PBS, covering cooking techniques and basics in each 30-minute episode.
2012: Becoming Chairwoman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Again
In 2012, Martha Stewart became chairwoman of her namesake company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, again.
2014: Partners with eBay to Create Online Store
In 2014, Martha Stewart reportedly partnered with eBay to create the American Made Martha Stewart online store, providing a platform for American vendors to grow their brand.
2015: Acquisition of MSLO by Sequential Brands
In 2015, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia was acquired by Sequential Brands.
2016: Cameo in Bad Moms
In 2016, Martha Stewart made a cameo appearance in the comedy film "Bad Moms".
2016: Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party Premieres
In the fall of 2016, VH1 premiered a new show featuring Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg called Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party, featuring games, recipes, and musical guests.
June 2018: Becomes Recurring Judge on Chopped
In June 2018, Martha Stewart began appearing as a recurring judge on Chopped, a cooking competition on the Food Network.
February 2019: Joins Canopy Growth as Adviser
In February 2019, Canopy Growth (CGC), a Canadian marijuana company, announced that Martha Stewart would join their company as an adviser.
April 2019: Sale of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia to Marquee Brands
In April 2019, Sequential Brands Group agreed to sell Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, including the Emeril brand, to Marquee Brands for $175 million with benchmarked additional payments.
2019: Entering the Cannabis Industry
In 2019, it was reported that Martha Stewart was entering the cannabis industry with her own brand.
July 31, 2020: Martha Knows Best Premieres on HGTV
On July 31, 2020, Martha Knows Best, a gardening show, premiered on HGTV, featuring Stewart providing gardening help to callers and celebrity friends.
September 2020: Launches CBD Gummy Supplements
In September 2020, Martha Stewart launched a line of CBD gummy supplements in association with Canopy Growth.
December 4, 2020: Airs Second Season of Martha Knows Best
The second season of the TV show Martha Knows Best aired from October 28 to December 4, 2020.
July 1, 2021: Martha Gets Down and Dirty Premieres
On July 1, 2021, Martha Gets Down and Dirty, a continuation of Martha Knows Best, premiered on Discovery+.
June 15, 2022: Snoop Dogg to Appear on Podcast
On June 15, 2022, Martha Stewart shared that Snoop Dogg would be the guest on the first episode of her podcast.
June 2022: Announces Original Podcast
In June 2022, Martha Stewart announced that she would be launching her first original podcast, entitled The Martha Stewart Podcast, in partnership with iHeart Radio.
June 22, 2022: Podcast Debut
On June 22, 2022, The Martha Stewart Podcast debuted, with Snoop Dogg as the first guest.
May 2023: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Model
In May 2023, Martha Stewart appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as the cover model; at 81 years old, she is the oldest model to be featured on the cover.
2023: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover
In 2023, at the age of 81, Martha Stewart became the oldest woman to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue magazine.
2024: Release of Netflix Documentary 'Martha'
In 2024, Martha Stewart was the subject of a Netflix documentary titled Martha directed by R. J. Cutler.
2024: Release of Martha Documentary
In 2024, the documentary film "Martha", directed by R. J. Cutler, was released, focusing on Martha Stewart.
2024: Equivalence of MSLO IPO Share Price in 2024
In 2024, the initial public offering of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, which was set at US$18 per share in 1999, is equivalent to $34 and the stock rallied to equivalent of US$72.
2025: Co-hosts Yes, Chef!
In 2025, Martha Stewart co-hosted the reality cooking competition Yes, Chef! on NBC with José Andrés.
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