Martha Stewart: Lifestyle Guru and Founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
Martha Stewart is an iconic figure in the world of lifestyle and business. She is an American media mogul, writer, an entrepreneur, and many more who have earned her the title of “Lifestyle Guru”. She is the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., a diversified media holding company. Her success in the world of business, lifestyle, and media have earned her a place in the hearts of many.
Early Life and Career
Martha Stewart was born on August 3, 1941 in Nutley, New Jersey. She was raised in Nutley and attended Nutley High School. Following high school, Stewart attended Barnard College graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts in Editorial and History.
After college, Stewart began working as a model and worked in a variety of jobs, including stockbroker and party-caterer. Later on, she created a catering business with the help of her first husband, Andrew Stewart and eventually ventured out in other business endeavors, what would become the start of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.
The Start of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
In 1982, Martha Stewart Inc. was founded and became the start of her media empire. The company initially began as a catering business, which later expanded to include mail-order, publishing, a radio show, lectures, and television appearances.
In 1995, the company was officially renamed to Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and went public on the New York Stock Exchange. Additionally, in 1997 the company created the Martha Stewart Collection in collaboration with K-Mart to offer affordable home products. This would later include a collaboration with Macy’s in 2004.
Martha Stewart as an Icon
Throughout her career, Stewart’s success has been celebrated and recognized in various ways. Stewart has been featured on the cover of numerous magazines, including Time Magazine and Forbes Magazine, and has written numerous books on lifestyle topics such as cooking, gardening and decorating. Additionally, she has won a number of awards, including the Forbes’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
In 2001, Stewart was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame and was selected by Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication as the 2011 Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award Winner in recognition of her life’s work in promoting the First Amendment and defending the freedom of speech.
Fashion and Lifestyle Brand
In addition to her business ventures, Stewart also launched a clothing and home furnishings line in conjunction with Macy’s in 2013. The line is called The Martha Stewart Collection and features a variety of items for the home and style. There is a focus of classic styling, timeless designs and top-notch quality. The line regularly introduces something new to satisfy customers’ needs and preferences.
Television Career
Stewart has also become an iconic face of American television. She began her career in hosting in 1993 with The Martha Stewart Show, where she taught audience on topics such as baking, gardening and decorating. The show gained immediate success, winning multiple awards and earning critical acclaim. She has also hosted a number of cooking and lifestyle shows on the Food Network and Hallmark Channel.
In addition, Stewart has appeared as a judge on several of America’s famous cooking shows, such as Masterchef, Chopped and The Apprentice. Furthermore, she has made a variety of cameos in popular shows including Law and Order: SVU, Bones, and How I Met Your Mother.
Philanthropy Work
Martha Stewart is also known for her philanthropic work. She established the Stewart Cousins Fund, a charity that donates over $1 Million annually to various causes, including the conservation of rare animals and the arts. The Fund also hosts a biannual cooking competition, dubbed the “Stewart Cup.” The competition has raised over $500,000 for charities in the past few years.
Furthermore, Stewart also works with various organizations and charities, such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Channel Four’s “Chefs vs Cancer” program. She regularly contributes her resources to these organizations and has made a public statement about continuing to work with them to make a change.
Martha Stewart has established herself as an iconic leader in the world of lifestyle, business, and media. Her rise to success is inspiring, and her philanthropic work is admirable. She has created a legacy that will last, and her imprint on the world is undeniable. From fashion, to cooking, to decorating, Martha Stewart has influenced people around the world and continues to inspire us with her work.
