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, renowned for founding Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. She built a successful brand focusing on home and hospitality through publishing, broadcasting, merchandising, and e-commerce. Stewart has authored bestselling books, published Martha Stewart Living magazine, and hosted syndicated television programs like 'Martha Stewart Living' and 'The Martha Stewart Show,' solidifying her influence on lifestyle and home decor.

Sections (5)

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

1967: Second Career as a Stockbroker

In 1967, Martha Stewart started her second career as a stockbroker, following her father-in-law's profession.

1976: Start of Catering Business

In 1976, Martha Stewart initiated a catering business from her basement with Norma Collier, which quickly became successful.

1977: English Release of 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" series, which became a bestseller. Martha Stewart's company catered the release party, leading to her introduction to Alan Mirken.

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 released.

Entertaining

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1983: Publication of Martha Stewart's Quick Cook

In 1983, Martha Stewart released the book "Martha Stewart's Quick Cook" under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.

Martha Stewart's Quick Cook Menus

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

In 1984, Martha Stewart released the book "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 the book "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 the book "Weddings", ghostwritten by Elizabeth Hawes, under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.

Weddings By Martha Stewart

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1988: Publications of The Wedding Planner, Secrets for Entertaining, and Quick Cook Menus

In 1988, Martha Stewart released "The Wedding Planner", "Martha Stewart's Secrets for Entertaining", and "Martha Stewart's Quick Cook Menus" under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.

Martha Stewart Weddings: Ideas and Inspiration

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1989: Publication of Martha Stewart's Christmas

In 1989, Martha Stewart released the book "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, "Martha Stewart Living", for which she served as editor-in-chief; the first issue was released in late 1990.

1993: Martha Stewart Living Television Program Launch

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

1993: Premiere of Martha Stewart Living TV Program

In 1993, Martha Stewart's half-hour television program, "Martha Stewart Living", premiered, based on her magazine.

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September 1997: Formation of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

In September 1997, Martha Stewart, with Sharon Patrick's assistance, secured funding to consolidate her television, print, and merchandising ventures into Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO).

1997: Expansion of Martha Stewart Living Show

In 1997, the "Martha Stewart Living" show expanded to weekdays.

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October 19, 1999: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia IPO

On October 19, 1999, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia went public on the New York Stock Exchange with an initial public offering price of US$18 per share, which rallied to US$38 by the end of trading.

1999: Expansion to Full Hour and Weekend Episodes

In 1999, "Martha Stewart Living" expanded to a full hour show with half-hour episodes on weekends.

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February 2002: Stock Price Decrease

By February 2002, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia's stock price decreased to $16 per share after the initial public offering.

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.

2004: End of Martha Stewart Living Show

In 2004, "Martha Stewart Living" ended after running since 1993.

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2005: The Martha Stewart Show Premiere

In 2005, Martha Stewart began hosting "The Martha Stewart Show".

2006: Return to Profitability

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

2011: Rejoining MSLO Board of Directors

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

2012: The Martha Stewart Show Finale

In 2012, "The Martha Stewart Show" concluded its run.

2012: Return as Chairwoman

In 2012, Martha Stewart became chairwoman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia again.

2015: Acquisition by Sequential Brands

In 2015, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia was acquired by Sequential Brands.

April 2019: Sale 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.