When you hear the name Martha Stewart, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the perfectly arranged charcuterie boards, the lush gardens, or those iconic pumpkin centerpieces. But there’s so much more to Martha than her (mostly) pristine public image. She’s a master of reinvention, someone who’s turned setbacks into comebacks, and she’s lived a life full of unexpected twists.
Martha’s journey is packed with surprises. From her modeling days to her time in the stock market and even an unlikely friendship with Snoop Dogg, she’s proven time and again that she’s more than meets the eye.
So, if you think you know Martha Stewart, think again. These 14 facts reveal a whole new side to her: a mix of grit, glamour, and an uncanny ability to stay ahead of the curve.
1. Her Career Began in Modeling
Before she was a household name, Martha worked as a fashion model in the 1960s. Her striking looks and natural elegance made her a go-to choice for brands like Chanel.
This early start helped her develop the poise and confidence that would later define her brand. It also paid the bills while she attended Barnard College.
2. She Made Waves on Wall Street
Martha Stewart wasn’t always in the kitchen. After college, she worked as a stockbroker on Wall Street, a groundbreaking role for women in the 1970s.
She credits this experience with teaching her how to take calculated risks and eventually build a business empire from scratch.
3. She’s Written 100 Books
Martha isn’t just about TV and magazines, she’s a prolific author with 100 published books under her belt. Topics range from cooking and gardening to organizing and holiday decorating.
Her first book, Entertaining, released in 1982, became a bestseller and established her as a go-to authority on hosting with style.
4. She’s Besties with Snoop Dogg
If there’s one friendship that’s captured everyone’s attention, it’s Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg. Their bond began when they co-hosted Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party.
The duo’s chemistry is undeniable, with Snoop bringing the laughs while Martha keeps things (somewhat) under control.
5. She’s Been to Prison—and Thrived After
In 2004, Martha served five months in prison for charges related to insider trading. While many thought her career was over, she proved them wrong.
She came back stronger than ever, expanding her empire and showing the world how to turn adversity into opportunity.
6. Her Maine Estate Is Iconic
Martha owns a 153-acre property called Skylands in Seal Harbor, Maine. It’s a showcase of her signature style, with meticulously designed gardens and a breathtaking view.
This estate reflects her love of nature and serves as a creative retreat where she hosts friends and events.
7. She’s Used to be a Caterer
In the early days of her catering business, Martha worked for high-profile clients, including the Vice President of a publishing company that she eventually used to publish Entertaining.
Her attention to detail and creative flair quickly made her quite a successful businesswoman, especially considering she worked out of her basement and made all of the recipes from scratch.
8. She Taught Herself to Cook
Martha didn’t go to culinary school. Instead, she learned the old-fashioned way—by reading, experimenting, and taking lessons from her mother’s Polish recipes.
This hands-on approach gave her a deep understanding of food, which she shares with audiences worldwide.
9. She’s Obsessed with Organizing
Few people love organization as much as Martha Stewart. From perfectly labeled pantry jars to color-coded closets, her approach to tidiness is legendary.
She believes that a well-ordered space leads to a more productive and peaceful life.
10. She Holds Patents
Martha’s creativity goes beyond recipes and décor, she holds patents for unique kitchenware and home design items.
Her knack for blending practicality with elegance shines through in every piece she creates.
11. She’s a Cat Mom
Martha adores her cats and often shares glimpses of their lives on social media.
Her Maine Coon cats, with their regal looks and playful personalities, have become fan favorites among her followers.
12. She’s Big on Sustainability
Martha has been an advocate for sustainable living long before it became trendy. From organic gardening to reducing food waste, she consistently promotes eco-friendly habits.
Her efforts inspire others to embrace a greener lifestyle, even in small ways.
13. She’s Been in a Super Bowl Ad
In 2017, Martha starred in a T-Mobile commercial alongside Snoop Dogg during the Super Bowl.
The ad was a hit, showing off her sense of humor and proving she’s just as savvy about branding as she is about baking.
14. She’s Survived Lightning Strikes
This one’s almost hard to believe: Martha Stewart says she has been struck by lightning three times.
She’s joked about the bizarre occurrences, saying they’ve made her stronger and more resilient.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
