Martha Stewart

# Martha Stewart

---

Who / What

Martha Helen Stewart is an American businesswoman, writer, television personality, and convicted felon. Known for her expertise in home decor, hospitality, and lifestyle, she became a household name through her media empire, publishing ventures, and influential TV shows.

---

Background & History

Born on **August 3, 1941**, Martha Helen Kostyra (later adopting the surname Stewart) was raised in New York City. She married businessman Sheldon Stewart in 1962, taking his last name professionally. Her career began with publishing bestselling books on home decor and lifestyle topics. In **1982**, she founded **Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia**, a multimedia empire encompassing magazines, television shows, merchandise, and e-commerce.

---

Why Notable

Stewart’s influence spans multiple industries, making her one of America’s most recognizable figures in media and business. Her syndicated TV programs (*Martha Stewart Living*, *The Martha Stewart Show*) and bestselling books (e.g., *How to Cook Like a Pro*) cemented her reputation as an authority on home and lifestyle trends. Despite controversies, including a **2004 felony conviction** for insider trading, she remains a cultural icon.

---

In the News

While her legal troubles have faded from mainstream headlines, Stewart’s legacy persists in pop culture references and nostalgic media nostalgia. Her 2019 memoir (*The Martha Stewart Story*) and occasional public appearances keep her name relevant to younger generations rediscovering her influence on home decor and lifestyle trends.

---

Key Facts

**Type:** Person (businesswoman, writer, TV personality)

**Also known as:** Martha Helen Stewart, Mrs. Sheldon Stewart

**Born:** August 3, 1941 (New York City, USA)

**Key dates:**

1962: Married Sheldon Stewart; adopted surname.

1982: Founded *Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia*.

1993–2004: Hosted *Martha Stewart Living* TV show.

2005–2012: Hosted *The Martha Stewart Show*.

2004: Convicted felon for insider trading (served prison time).

**Geography:** Primarily associated with the USA; influential in global home and lifestyle markets.

**Affiliation:**

Founder of *Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia* (publishing, broadcasting, merchandising).

Former publisher of *Martha Stewart Living Magazine*.

---

Links

[Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_Stewart)

Sources

• 🔗 Wikipedia

Martha Helen Stewart (née Kostyra, Polish: [kɔˈstɨra]; born August 3, 1941) is an American retail business woman, convicted felon, writer, and television personality. As the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, focusing on home and hospitality, she gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, merchandising and e-commerce. She has written numerous bestselling books, was the publisher of Martha Stewart Living magazine and hosted two syndicated television programs: Martha Stewart Living, which ran from 1993 to 2004, and The Martha Stewart Show, which ran from 2005 to 2012.