Was born in August 3, 1941, New Jersey, NYHer parents were Martha and Edward KostyraMoved to Nutley, NJ when she was threeHer father Edward taught her how to garden, her mother how to cook, however, she learned most about most about cooking from her neighbors next door, who were retired bakersIn her sophomore year of college she married Andrew StewartShe had a successful modeling career. She quit modeling after her daughter was born.Her second career was as a stockbrokerWhen recession hit in 1973 Martha quit brokerage. And she and her husband moved to Westport, ConnecticutThere Martha began her own catering businessIn 1982 Martha Stewart published the first of many lavishly illustrated books. Entertaining, co-written with Elizabeth Hawes, was an instantaneous success, and made Martha Stewart into a one-woman industry.

She signed an advertising and consulting contract with Kmart for a reported $5 million.

She broke away from a magazine company of whom which she was the editor, and started Martha Stewart Living, which attained a circulation of 1.3 million.

Martha Stewarts enterprise is focused on influencing the way Americans eat, entertain, and decorate their homes and gardens. She has the most influence in this area than any one person in our history.

Entertaining

She sells plates and silver ware that look formal to entertain guests.

Plus kitchen accessories

Cooking

She sells cook books of her recipes and also kitchen items to cook

Weddings

She sells gifts and decorations for weddings

Gardening

She sells tools, books, pots

She sells outdoor furniture

Home Decorating

Bedroom Decorations

Bathroom Decorations

Paint

In July of 2002 Martha Stewart was accused of insider trading in the stock market. This accusation has caused a drastic change in they way Martha’s customers view her and has affected her corporation. Her stock which used to be steady at $30 per share is now trading at $7 per share.

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"I have set a standard, and I'm going to stick to the standard. I may have been able to grow faster and maybe my business could have been bigger, but because I really feel very serious about my subject, I really want to be hands-on."

- Martha Stewart