Early Life and Education of Martha Stewart: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Martha Stewart. A timeline of key moments.

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

1912: Birth of Edward Kostyra

In 1912, Edward Kostyra, Martha Stewart's father, was born.

1914: Birth of Martha Stewart's Mother

In 1914, Martha (née Ruszkowski), Martha Stewart's mother, was born.

August 3, 1941: Martha Stewart's Birth

On August 3, 1941, Martha Helen Stewart (née Kostyra) was born in New Jersey. She later became a prominent retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality.

July 1961: Marriage to Andrew Stewart

In July 1961, Martha Stewart married Andrew Stewart, who had completed his law degree at Yale Law School.

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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1979: Death of Edward Kostyra

In 1979, Edward Kostyra, Martha Stewart's father, passed away.

1987: Separation from Andrew Stewart

In 1987, Martha Stewart and Andrew Stewart separated, marking a significant change in their personal relationship.

1990: Divorce from Andrew Stewart

In 1990, Martha Stewart and Andrew Stewart divorced, finalizing the end of their marriage.

May 1995: New York Magazine Cover

In May 1995, New York Magazine declared Martha Stewart "the definitive American woman of our time" on their cover, acknowledging her influence and impact.

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.

December 27, 2001: ImClone Stock Sale

On December 27, 2001, Martha Stewart sold all 3,928 shares of her ImClone Systems stock after receiving nonpublic information from her broker, Peter Bacanovic, avoiding a loss of $45,673.

June 25, 2002: Grilled on The Early Show about ImClone

On June 25, 2002, Martha Stewart was questioned on air by CBS anchor Jane Clayson about the ImClone stock trading case during her regular segment on 'The Early Show'.

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.

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, related to the ImClone stock trading case.

2003: Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart

In 2003, a television film titled "Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart" was released, portraying Martha Stewart's life story. Cybill Shepherd played Martha Stewart in the film.

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January 2004: Trial Begins

In January 2004, Martha Stewart's trial began, focusing on charges related to the ImClone stock trading case, with prosecutors presenting evidence against her.

March 2004: Guilty Verdict

In March 2004, after a six-week jury trial, Martha Stewart was found guilty of felony charges, including conspiracy to obstruct, obstruction of an agency proceeding, and making false statements to federal investigators.

July 2004: Sentencing

In July 2004, Martha Stewart was sentenced to a five-month term in a federal correctional facility and a two-year period of supervised release, including five months of electronic monitoring, following her conviction on felony charges.

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.

2004: Derivative Suit Dismissed

In 2004, a derivative suit brought by Monica Beam, a shareholder of MSLO, against Martha Stewart and other company directors and officers was ultimately dismissed by the Supreme Court of Delaware.

2004: Incarceration at Alderson Federal Prison Camp

In 2004, despite Martha Stewart's preference to be incarcerated in Connecticut or Florida, she was confined in the Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia, due to concerns about media access and complications from Hurricane Ivan affecting other facilities.

March 2005: Release from Federal Prison

In March 2005, Martha Stewart was released from federal prison after serving five months for felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case.

2005: Martha: Behind Bars

In 2005, another television film, "Martha: Behind Bars," was made about Martha Stewart's life. Cybill Shepherd again portrayed Martha Stewart.

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August 2006: Settlement with SEC

In August 2006, the SEC announced a settlement in the civil case against Martha Stewart. Stewart agreed to disgorge $58,062 and pay a civil penalty of $137,019. She was also banned for five years from serving as a director or officer of any public company.

2007: Death of Martha Stewart's Mother

In 2007, Martha Stewart's mother, Martha (née Ruszkowski), passed away.

June 2008: UK Visa Refusal

In June 2008, the UK Border Agency refused to grant Martha Stewart a visa to enter the United Kingdom due to her criminal conviction for obstructing justice. This prevented her from speaking at the Royal Academy.

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.

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.

2019: Entering the Cannabis Industry

In 2019, it was reported that Martha Stewart was entering the cannabis industry with her own brand, expanding her business ventures.

2023: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 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, marking a significant achievement.