Martha Stewart is a popular writer, American retail businesswoman, and television personality. Interestingly, a recent New York Post article stated that Netflix is currently getting ready to release a documentary that will showcase her life and illustrious career.
Born on August 3, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey, her parents were Edward and Martha Kostyra. Both were teachers, however, her father later became a pharmaceutical salesman. The couple had six children in total and Stewart is the second eldest child.
Martha Stewart is the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, a venture that focuses on home and hospitality. However, she rose to fame due to several other businesses including merchandising, broadcasting, e-commerce, publishing, etc. She has even authored several books and is the publisher of Martha Stewart Living magazine. In addition, she is also known for her stint in Martha Stewart Living (1993 to 2004) and The Martha Stewart Show (2005 to 2012).
Stewart faced a setback when she went to prison in 2004. According to People Magazine, she spent five months in Alderson Federal Prison Camp in West Virginia after officials found her lying about a stock sale. In prison, she picked up hobbies like ceramics, which ultimately led to the creation of her now-famous nativity scene.
In an interview with People Magazine, she stated, “Even when I went away for five months, I got through it. I learned how to crochet. I still have the gorgeous crocheted poncho [that I wore leaving prison]. It’s in the attic. And I re-upped my ceramics there.”
She further stated, “I had done a lot of ceramics as a child, and we had this fabulous ceramics studio in West Virginia, and I made an entire crèche scene. That’s my best memory.”
Martha Stewart stated that her experience in prison was horrifying
Even though Stewart has pleasant memories from her time in prison, she revealed that her overall experience was scary. In a conversation with Katie Couric, she stated, “It was horrifying and no one, no one, should have to go through that kind of indignity really except for murderers, and there are a few other categories, but no one should have to go through that. It’s a very, very awful thing.”
She added, “There are lots and lots of disturbing things that go on in an incarceration like that. In minimum security, you still couldn’t walk out the gate or cross the river. There’s still guards and it’s still nasty.”
In a different interview with Artful Living Magazine in 2020, she revealed tricks and tips to lead a good life. She said, “Look for opportunities around you and start with your own expertise, whether it’s your vocation or avocation. If you’ve always loved art, channel that passion and knowledge into being a docent for a museum. Never before have so many people had so much knowledge and so much time to use it. Stick with it. Don’t give up. Defend your ideas, but be flexible. Success seldom comes in exactly the form you imagine it will.”
Martha Stewart is currently 82 years old. She was married to Andrew Stewart from 1961 until their separation in 1987. They divorced in 1990. Together they have a daughter named Alexis, who is currently 58.
