History of Martha Stewart in Timeline
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.
August 3, 1941: Martha Stewart's Birth
Martha Stewart was born on August 3, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to parents Martha and Edward Kostyra.
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 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.
December 13, 1982: Publication of Entertaining
On December 13, 1982, Martha Stewart's first book, "Entertaining", ghostwritten by Elizabeth Hawes, was released.
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.
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.
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.
1987: Separation from Andrew Stewart
In 1987, Martha Stewart and Andrew Stewart separated.
1987: Publication of Weddings
In 1987, Martha Stewart released the book "Weddings", ghostwritten by Elizabeth Hawes, under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
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.
1989: Publication of Martha Stewart's Christmas
In 1989, Martha Stewart released the book "Martha Stewart's Christmas" under the Clarkson Potter publishing imprint.
1990: Divorce from Andrew Stewart
In 1990, Martha Stewart and Andrew Stewart divorced.
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.
May 1995: New York Magazine Cover
In May 1995, New York Magazine declared Martha Stewart "the definitive American woman of our time" on its cover.
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.
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.
December 27, 2001: Sale of ImClone Systems Stock
On December 27, 2001, Martha Stewart sold all 3,928 shares of her ImClone Systems stock, avoiding a loss of $45,673, after receiving nonpublic information.
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.
June 25, 2002: Grilled on CBS's The Early Show
On June 25, 2002, CBS anchor Jane Clayson grilled Martha Stewart on the air about ImClone during her regular segment on "The Early Show", to which Stewart responded by continuing to chop cabbage and focusing on her salad.
October 3, 2002: Resignation from NYSE Board
On October 3, 2002, Martha Stewart resigned from the board of directors of the New York Stock Exchange following a deal prosecutors 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, leading her to step down as CEO and Chairwoman of MSLO.
January 2004: Start of Trial
In January 2004, Martha Stewart's trial began. Prosecutors showed that Peter Bacanovic had ordered his assistant to tell Stewart that the CEO of ImClone, Samuel D. Waksal, was selling all his shares in advance of an adverse Food and Drug Administration ruling.
March 2004: Conviction on Felony Charges
In March 2004, Martha Stewart was found guilty of felony charges of conspiracy to obstruct, of obstruction of an agency proceeding, and of making false statements to federal investigators after a six-week jury trial.
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).
2004: Incarceration in Alderson
Despite Martha Stewart's preference, in 2004 she was confined in Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia due to concerns about media access and complications from Hurricane Ivan at other facilities.
2004: End of Martha Stewart Living Show
In 2004, "Martha Stewart Living" ended after running since 1993.
2004: Conviction in ImClone Case
In 2004, Martha Stewart was convicted of felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case.
2004: Derivative Suit Dismissal
In 2004, a derivative suit brought by Monica Beam, a shareholder of MSLO, against Martha Stewart and other directors and officers of the company, was ultimately dismissed by the Supreme Court of Delaware.
March 2005: Release from Federal Prison
In March 2005, Martha Stewart was released from federal prison after serving five months for fraud related to the ImClone case.
2005: The Martha Stewart Show Premiere
In 2005, Martha Stewart began hosting "The Martha Stewart Show".
August 2006: Settlement with SEC
In August 2006, the SEC announced it had agreed to settle the civil case against Martha Stewart. Stewart agreed to disgorge $58,062 and pay a civil penalty of $137,019 and was banned for five years from serving as a director or officer responsible for financial results of any public company.
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.
June 2008: Visa Refusal by UK Border Agency
In June 2008, the UK Border Agency refused to grant Martha Stewart a visa to enter the United Kingdom because of her criminal conviction for obstructing justice.
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.
2019: Entry into Cannabis Industry
In 2019, Martha Stewart entered the cannabis industry with her own brand.
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.
2024: Netflix Documentary Release
In 2024, Martha Stewart was the subject of a Netflix documentary titled "Martha" directed by R.J. Cutler.
2024: Equivalent stock prices in 2024
In 2024, the IPO price of US$18 per share was equivalent to $34, and the rallied price of US$38 was equivalent to $72.
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