Martha Stewart isn’t just the woman behind beautiful tablescapes and perfectly golden pies—she’s a one-woman empire who turned home life into big business. Born Martha Kostyra on August 3, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey, she didn’t start with cookbooks and craft kits. She actually began her career as a stockbroker, crunching numbers on Wall Street before following her passion for cooking, gardening, and entertaining.
What started as a small catering gig in her basement quickly grew into something huge. Her first book, Entertaining, came out in the early ’80s and pretty much launched her as the go-to voice for all things home and lifestyle. From there, it was magazines, TV shows, branded kitchenware—you name it.
In 1999, her company went public, and just like that, Martha became a self-made billionaire. Even a stint in prison in 2004 didn’t slow her down. She bounced back with more energy than ever.
And she’s still at it. In 2023, she landed a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover at 81, proving style doesn’t come with an expiration date. Martha’s the kind of woman who can host a garden party and run a board meeting—sometimes all in the same day.
As of May 2025, Martha Stewart is 83 years and 9 months old. Her estimated net worth is $400 million, and she is 5 feet 9½ inches (177 cm or 1.77 m) tall.
Bio/Wiki
Full Name
Martha Helen Stewart
Nickname
M. Diddy
Profession
American businesswoman
Career
Debut
T.V. Show
Martha Stewart Living (1973)
Best Known for
Martha Stewart is best known for building a multimedia empire around cooking, entertaining, home decor, and lifestyle through her company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, plus bestselling books, TV shows, and magazines. She became the first self-made female billionaire in the U.S. when her company went public in 1999.
Awards
Personal Profile and Background Details
Date of Birth
3 August 1941
Age
As of today, Martha is 83 years, 9 months, and 21 days old.
Zodiac sign
Leo
Signature
Nationality
American
Birth Place
Jersey City, New Jersey, United States
Residence
Westport
School / College / University
Martha Stewart’s education wasn’t exactly a straight line—it was more of a creative detour that helped shape the icon she’d become. She graduated from Nutley High School in New Jersey, already showing signs of the sharp mind and polish that would define her later.
She then headed to Barnard College at Columbia University, where her path started in chemistry (yes, really) but quickly shifted gears. Martha traded test tubes for textures, eventually graduating in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in history and architectural history. That mix of logic, structure, and aesthetics? It became the blueprint for everything she built later.
To help cover tuition, she worked as a fashion model, appearing in ads for brands like Chanel and Unilever. So yes—before she was styling tables, she was styling shoots.
Religion
Martha grew up in a devout Roman Catholic household, where faith played a big role early on. She even chose the name “Grace” during her Catholic confirmation—a fitting nod to the polished, poised woman she’d later become. While she’s since stepped away from actively practicing and once referred to herself as a “recovering Catholic,” those early lessons in discipline, tradition, and service stayed with her. You won’t find her speaking much about religion today, but its quiet influence still echoes in how she approaches life and work.
Race / Ethnicity
Martha Stewart comes from Polish roots, and she’s never been far from them. Both of her parents are proud of their full Polish heritage. Her home life was rich with Polish traditions, especially in the kitchen, where she learned old-world cooking and preserving techniques straight from her grandmother.
Food Habits
When it comes to food, Martha Stewart keeps it fresh, simple, and beautifully homemade. Mornings start with her signature green juice, a mix of garden-picked herbs and veggies she swears by for energy and glowing skin. She’s not into snacking but loves a well-made tuna salad for lunch—always with the best ingredients. Her fridge? Stocked with essentials like organic milk, fresh eggs, and good cheese. Dinner is often a thoughtful spread for friends—maybe roast chicken with black truffles, paired with whatever’s growing in her garden. And every now and then, she’ll roll up her sleeves for baking babka or pierogi, honoring the flavors of her Polish heritage. Oh—and don’t be surprised if a vodka cocktail makes an appearance at the table.
Hobbies
Martha finds joy in the dirt and the details. Gardening and farming are her daily therapy—she’s out early, checking on her greenhouses and planning every plant with purpose. She also loves cooking, crafting, and entertaining, often using fresh picks from her garden. Even in her downtime, she’s creating—preserving fruits, hosting cozy gatherings, or just finding beauty in the everyday.
Tattoo
She does not have any known tattoos herself.
Physical Attributes and Measurements
Height
- In feet: 5′ 9½”
- In Centimetres: 177 cm
- In meters: 1.77 m
Weight
- In kilograms: 60 kg
- In Pounds: 132 lbs
Body Measurements
37-27-36 Inches
Bra size
34C
Dress size
8 US
Shoe size
10 US
Eye color
Light Brown
Hair color
Blond
Family
Husband
Andrew Stewart (1961–1990)
Father
Edward Kostyra
Mother
Martha Ruszkowski Kostyra
Siblings
Frank Kostyra (brother)
Frank Kostyra, Martha Stewart’s younger brother, has always been the one to speak candidly about their tough Polish-American upbringing. He’s described their father, Edward, as strict—someone who demanded discipline and wasn’t afraid to enforce it. According to Frank, that intense household shaped all the siblings, including Martha’s fiery edge.
Though the two had a falling out—reportedly over a leaked story about their sister Laura, which Frank has always denied—he still reached out during Martha’s 2004 trial, feeling for the pain she was going through and hoping to reconnect.
Frank lives a quieter life now with his wife Anita and their two children. Along with siblings Kathryn and Eric, he offered insights into the family’s early years in the 2024 Netflix documentary Martha, helping paint a fuller picture of the woman behind the brand.
Eric Scott (brother)
Eric Scott, Martha Stewart’s eldest brother, has stayed close to her throughout the years. Unlike her rocky relationship with their brother Frank, Martha and Eric have kept a warm, steady bond. Eric has spoken openly about their childhood—growing up under their strict father, Edward Kostyra, in a home where discipline was the norm and resources were tight.
With six kids to raise, their family leaned on gardening and bartering just to get by—something that clearly left its mark on Martha’s love for growing and preserving. Eric’s reflections, shared in the 2024 Netflix documentary Martha, offer a glimpse into the roots of the woman who would later build an empire from scratch.
George Christiansen (brother)
George Christiansen was Martha Stewart’s younger brother and the kind of guy who could build a house and bake a perfect blueberry pie—sometimes on the same day. A skilled contractor and head of Pequot Remodeling Corporation in Fairfield, Connecticut, George played a key role in renovating Martha’s iconic Turkey Hill home, bringing her vision to life with his craftsmanship.
He wasn’t just handy with tools—George had a soft spot for baking, especially with berries from his own garden. One of his sweetest on-screen moments came when he joined Martha on her show to bake a blueberry pie, made with fruit he’d grown himself.
George studied at Rutgers University, graduating in 1974, and later worked as a Field Observer at Ochman Associates. He was married to Margaret “Rita” Christiansen, and together they had a daughter, Kristina.
He passed away suddenly at age 65 in March 2017, reportedly from a heart attack. Martha shared a heartfelt tribute, saying the family misses him deeply. He’s remembered not just for his craftsmanship and kindness, but for the quiet strength he brought to both family and home.
Laura Plimpton (sister)
Laura Plimpton was Martha Stewart’s youngest sister and one of her most trusted behind-the-scenes collaborators. Born in 1955, Laura spent over 25 years at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, writing, researching, and quietly shaping Martha’s digital voice with grace and heart.
She was known for her kindness, creativity, and devotion to family. A talented cook and seamstress, Laura poured love into everything—from hand-stitched clothes for her kids to unforgettable holiday feasts. She raised three children and built a warm, grounded life with her husband, Randy Plimpton.
Tragically, Laura passed away suddenly at 59 after a brain aneurysm. Even in her final act, she gave selflessly—donating her organs to save lives. Martha called her an extraordinary sister, and their bond ran deep. When Laura’s first husband died young, Martha helped her rebuild, offering both emotional and financial support. And during Martha’s legal troubles in 2004, Laura stood by her unshakably.
Kathryn Evans (sister)
Kathryn Evans is one of Martha Stewart’s younger siblings, and while she’s mostly kept out of the public eye, her quiet presence has always been one of steady support. She showed up for Martha during her 2004 trial in New York and later offered off-camera reflections in the 2024 Netflix documentary Martha, sharing memories of their early days—especially Martha’s modeling years, when even as a teen, she had a way of turning heads.
Kathryn, like her brothers Eric and Frank, spoke about their strict upbringing under their father, Edward Kostyra, who believed in discipline and hard work. She’s described him as a man who expected more than average from his kids and wasn’t afraid to enforce it.
While Kathryn has never sought the spotlight, she’s very much part of the close-knit Kostyra family, quietly backing Martha through both the wins and the rough chapters.
Children
Alexis Stewart (daughter) ( 27 September 1965)
Alexis Stewart is Martha Stewart’s only child, born in 1965 to Martha and her first husband, Andrew Stewart. She carved her own path in media, co-hosting shows like Whatever, Martha, where she playfully poked fun at her mom’s old projects. Though their relationship has had its ups and downs—marked by high expectations and some emotional distance—the two share a deep bond today. Alexis is also a proud single mom to two kids, Jude and Truman, both born via gestational surrogacy, and Martha happily embraces her role as doting grandmother.
Others
Jimmy Kimmel (cousin)
Relationship & More
Marital Status
Single
Marriage Date
1 July 1961
Affairs or dating history
Charles Simonyi (1993 – 2008)
Andrew Stewart (1961 – 1990)
Anthony Hopkins (1990 – 1991)
Carl Bernstein
Net worth 2025
$400 million
Martha Stewart didn’t just build a brand—she redefined what it means to turn lifestyle into a business. From home décor to business deals, from blueberry pies to boardrooms, she’s transformed domestic expertise into a commercial powerhouse.
As of May 2025, Martha Stewart’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million. But this wasn’t built on one big moment. It was the result of decades of smart moves across publishing, media, retail, real estate, and licensing. Here’s exactly where the money came from.
1. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) – The Foundation of Her Fortune
The biggest turning point in Stewart’s financial journey was in 1996, when she consolidated her ventures—books, magazines, TV shows, and merchandise—under one umbrella: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.
➤ IPO Windfall
In 1999, the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange. Shares tripled on the first day, and Martha instantly became a self-made billionaire—the first woman in the U.S. to do so via an IPO.
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Peak MSLO valuation: ~$1.8 billion
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Martha’s stake: Around 70%
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Her personal gain from the IPO: Estimated $1 billion on paper, though that fluctuated later.
➤ Key Revenue Streams within MSLO:
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Publishing: The Martha Stewart Living magazine once sold over 2 million copies monthly and brought in 60% of MSLO’s revenue at its height.
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Television: Her shows, including Martha Stewart Living and The Martha Stewart Show, were syndicated globally, generating millions through ad deals and licensing.
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Retail & Licensing: One of her most successful partnerships was with Kmart, which launched the Martha Stewart Everyday product line.
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At its peak: Over $1 billion in annual retail sales from Kmart alone.
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2. Product Licensing and Brand Endorsements
After the sale of MSLO (more on that shortly), Martha pivoted to what she’s arguably best at—lending her name and taste to other brands.
➤ Big Retail Collaborations:
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Macy’s: Exclusive Martha Stewart Collection in kitchenware, bedding, and décor.
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Home Depot: Launched the Martha Stewart Living paint and cabinetry lines.
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PetSmart: Carried a pet product line with her name.
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Staples: Office products and organization lines.
These collaborations earn her millions annually through licensing royalties, typically estimated at 5–10% of product sales.
💡 Estimated licensing revenue: $10–15 million/year at peak, with long-term deals across multiple retail categories.
3. Books – Bestsellers That Never Fade
Martha has published over 90 books, covering cooking, gardening, organizing, weddings, and more.
Her first book, Entertaining (1982), put her on the map—and since then, many of her titles have become New York Times bestsellers. Though exact earnings per book aren’t public, it’s fair to assume:
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Advance per title (conservative estimate): $500K–$1 million
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Cumulative earnings from books: Likely $30–50 million over her career
And because she owns much of her brand IP, a large portion of that income likely went directly to her.
4. Television & Streaming
Martha’s TV career isn’t just about viewership—it’s about brand expansion and licensing.
➤ Major Shows:
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Martha Stewart Living (1993–2004)
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The Martha Stewart Show (2005–2012)
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Martha Bakes and Martha’s Cooking School on PBS
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Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party (VH1, with Snoop Dogg)
Each show not only brought advertising and syndication revenue, but also built her public persona—which translated into product sales and business partnerships.
💡 Estimated TV income over the years: ~$50–70 million total (direct + indirect earnings)
5. CBD and Wellness Products
In 2020, Stewart entered the booming wellness industry with a line of CBD products, including gummies, oils, and skincare.
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Launched in partnership with Canopy Growth Corporation
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Marketed as “gourmet” wellness with Martha’s signature aesthetic
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Featured across online stores and major retailers
Exact sales figures are private, but the deal is seen as a savvy late-career pivot, potentially generating millions in licensing and equity stake gains.
6. Real Estate and Hospitality
Martha’s real estate portfolio is a mix of primary homes, working farms, and media backdrops. Her properties aren’t just residences—they’re functional parts of her brand.
Key Properties:
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Cantitoe Corners in Bedford, NY: A 153-acre farm and her main residence.
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Skylands Estate in Seal Harbor, Maine: A sprawling retreat featured in her content.
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Turkey Hill Farm (her former Westport home): Famous for being her first TV set.
She has also used these homes as venues for product shoots, magazines, and events, essentially monetizing her real estate through branding.
💡 Her real estate is estimated to be worth $100+ million, though much of it is not actively for sale or used as investment property.
7. Speaking Engagements, Appearances, and Cameos
Martha still does paid speaking gigs, corporate events, and media appearances.
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Commands high fees (often $100K+ per keynote)
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Occasional cameos in movies/TV, adding to her cultural relevance
She’s also starred in commercials and brand campaigns—for everything from baking products to food delivery.
8. Digital Media and E-Commerce
While her earlier fame came through print and TV, Martha has smoothly adapted to digital.
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Martha.com is a curated e-commerce platform for her product lines
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She has a strong Instagram presence, leveraging over 2.5 million followers
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Her team actively monetizes content through affiliate links, advertising, and brand deals
She may not be a Gen-Z influencer, but her digital presence is still profitable and polished.
9. The Sale of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
Finally, a major cash event came when MSLO was sold.
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2015: Sold to Sequential Brands Group for $353 million
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Martha remained as Chief Creative Officer and received $6 million in cash and ~6 million in stock
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2019: The brand was acquired by Marquee Brands for $215 million, continuing to license the Martha Stewart name
Although MSLO’s stock dropped dramatically after the IPO, these deals kept Martha heavily involved and financially rewarded through retention agreements, royalties, and equity.
Car collection
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1958 Edsel Roundup – Classic two-door station wagon, one of her favorite vintage cars.
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Aston Martin DB9 – Luxury British sports car with manual transmission.
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Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 – Modern luxury electric vehicle.
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Mercedes Maybach SUV – High-end, comfortable luxury SUV.
House
Pets
Social Media Profiles
Website
None
