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 success stems from ventures in publishing, broadcasting, merchandising, and e-commerce, all centered on home and hospitality. She authored bestselling books, published Martha Stewart Living magazine, and hosted syndicated television programs like 'Martha Stewart Living' and 'The Martha Stewart Show,' solidifying her brand and influence in lifestyle media.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1967: Second Career as a Stockbroker

In 1967, Martha Stewart began a second career as a stockbroker, following 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 business became successful, but eventually Stewart bought out Collier's portion after disagreements.

1977: Andrew Releases 'The Secret Book of Gnomes'

In 1977, Andrew Stewart, as president of Harry N. Abrams, Inc., released the English-language edition of 'The Secret Book of Gnomes', which became a bestseller. Martha Stewart's company catered the release party.

Gnomes

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December 13, 1982: Publication of 'Entertaining'

On December 13, 1982, Martha Stewart's first book, 'Entertaining', ghostwritten by Elizabeth Hawes, was published. This marked the beginning of her career as a cookbook author and media personality.

Martha's Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations

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1983: Publication of 'Martha Stewart's Quick Cook'

In 1983, Martha Stewart released 'Martha Stewart's Quick Cook' under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint, expanding her presence in the culinary world.

Martha Stewart's Quick Cook Menus

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1984: Publication of 'Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres'

In 1984, Martha Stewart released 'Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres' under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.

Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook

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1985: Publication of 'Martha Stewart's Pies & Tarts'

In 1985, Martha Stewart released 'Martha Stewart's Pies & Tarts' under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.

Martha Stewart's New Pies and Tarts: 150 Recipes for Old-Fashioned and Modern Favorites: A Baking Book

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1987: Publication of 'Weddings'

In 1987, Martha Stewart released 'Weddings', which was also ghostwritten by Elizabeth Hawes, under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.

Weddings

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1988: Publication of Multiple Books

In 1988, Martha Stewart released 'The Wedding Planner', 'Martha Stewart's Secrets for Entertaining', and 'Martha Stewart's Quick Cook Menus'.

Martha Stewart Weddings: Ideas and Inspiration

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1989: Publication of 'Martha Stewart's Christmas'

In 1989, Martha Stewart released 'Martha Stewart's Christmas' under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.

Martha Stewart's Christmas

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1990: Development of Martha Stewart Living Magazine

In 1990, Martha Stewart signed with Time Publishing Ventures to develop a new magazine called 'Martha Stewart Living', for which she served as editor-in-chief.

1993: Martha Stewart Living TV program Started

In 1993, Martha Stewart began hosting a weekly half-hour television program called 'Martha Stewart Living', which was based on her magazine.

1993: Debut of Martha Stewart Living TV Program

In 1993, Martha Stewart started her weekly half-hour television program, 'Martha Stewart Living', which was based on her magazine. The television program significantly contributed to her brand's popularity and accessibility.

September 1997: Formation of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO)

In September 1997, Martha Stewart, with the assistance of Sharon Patrick, secured funding to purchase and consolidate various television, print, and merchandising ventures into a new company named Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO).

1997: Martha Stewart Living expanded to weekdays

In 1997, Martha Stewart Living, the television program, expanded from weekly to weekdays.

October 19, 1999: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Goes Public

On October 19, 1999, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) went public on the New York Stock Exchange with an initial public offering of US$18 per share, which rallied to US$38 by the end of trading. This made Martha Stewart a billionaire on paper.

1999: Martha Stewart Living expanded to one-hour show

In 1999, Martha Stewart Living expanded to a full hour show during the week, while half-hour episodes aired on weekends.

February 2002: MSLO Stock Price Decline

By February 2002, the stock price of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia had declined to $16 per share from its initial high after going public in 1999.

October 3, 2002: Resignation from NYSE Board of Directors

On October 3, 2002, Martha Stewart resigned from her position on the board of directors of the New York Stock Exchange following a deal between prosecutors and Douglas Faneuil, an assistant to Bacanovic.

2002: Peak Circulation of Martha Stewart Living Magazine

In 2002, 'Martha Stewart Living' magazine reached its peak circulation of more than 2 million copies per issue, solidifying its influence in the lifestyle publishing industry.

2004: Martha Stewart Living TV program Ended

In 2004, Martha Stewart Living television program ended.

2004: End of Martha Stewart Living TV Program

In 2004, Martha Stewart's television program 'Martha Stewart Living', which started in 1993, concluded its run.

2005: Debut of The Martha Stewart Show

In 2005, Martha Stewart began hosting a new syndicated television program called 'The Martha Stewart Show'.

2006: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Returns to Profitability

In 2006, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia returned to profitability following Stewart's comeback campaign after her prison term.

2011: Stewart Rejoined MSLO Board of Directors

In 2011, Martha Stewart rejoined the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

2012: Stewart Becomes Chairwoman Again

In 2012, Martha Stewart became chairwoman of her namesake company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, once again.

2012: End of The Martha Stewart Show

In 2012, Martha Stewart's syndicated television program 'The Martha Stewart Show' concluded its run.

2015: MSLO Acquired 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".

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April 2019: Sequential Brands Agrees to Sell MSLO 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 additional benchmarked payments.