Stewart began her own catering business from her basement after quitting her job as a stockbroker. She got into publishing when she catered a party and met Alan Mirken, the head of the Crown Publishing Group that published her first book Entertaining.
Entertaining became a New York Times Bestseller and one of the best selling cookbooks of all time in America. A couple of cookbooks later, coupled with the success of her magazine Martha Stewart Living (with 2 million print run) and television shows – Martha Stewart became a household name. The New York Magazine even called her one of the ‘the definitive women of our time’ in the May edition of 1995. And as they say the rest is history – however being convicted for insider trading in 2004 put a slight limp in her step.
Life after jail
But Stewart came out of jail with guns blazing. Her company Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. launched new publications, including one targeting young women between the ages of 25 to 39, consumers can also buy a Martha Stewart-designed homes (thanks to a partnership with KB Home), purchase Martha Stewart paint colours, buy Martha Stewart crafts and Martha Stewart home decor and furnishings at Macy’s.
And if that’s not enough you’ll soon be able to get a mouth full of Martha with special ‘Martha Stewart meals’ that you can wash down with a glass on Martha Stewart Merlot.
Yes the super homemaker entrepreneur has made a deal with E&J Gallo to release 15,000 cases of “Martha Stewart Vintage” in 2008. The wines all priced at $15 a bottle, will include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
One can only wonder what she’ll stick her brand on next…