Martha Stewart's Empire Was Actually Her Third Career: How Curiosity and Optimism Have Helped Her Evolve

She didn't write her first book until her 40s.

learn more about Linda Lacina

By Linda Lacina

Noam Galai | Getty Images

How Success Happens is a podcast featuring polar explorers, authors, ultra marathoners, artists and more to better understand what connects dreaming and doing. Linda Lacina, Entrepreneur.com's managing editor, guides these chats so anyone can understand the traits that underpin achievement and what fuels the decisions to push us forward. Listen below or click here to read more shownotes.

Today, we know Martha Stewart as an entrepreneur, an expert and a bestselling author who has defined what it means to forge a lifestyle brand.

But forging a super successful lifestyle brand is actually a third career for Stewart, who had already worked as a stockbroker and professional model.

In the decades since the launch, her brand has expanded from books (she didn't write her first one until she was already in her 40s) and magazines to a range of collaborations, including a cooking show with rapper Snoop Dogg.

Related: Podcast: Why This Leadership Expert and Former Aviator Says 'Courage is Just Fear That Held On One Minute Longer'

Her name has helped sell everything from notebooks at Staples to snow blowers through the QVC.

"Her expertise has earned a level of trust with consumers that transcends category," says Doug Howe, chief merchandising officer for QVC Group. "This credibility continues to resonate across generations of consumers."

Related: Podcast: When PowerPoints Weren't Working, This Powerful Exec Passed Out Comic Books Instead

In 2018, she'll publish her 90th book and her magazine Martha Stewart Living will see its 27th year.

In this week's podcast, Stewart talks about the year ahead and how she gets things done, including why she still checks all her own email.

She'll also share how being an optimist has helped her change with the times to not just seek opportunity but to build a brand that evolves and lasts.

To subscribe to this podcast, find us on the following platforms: SoundCloud, Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play.

Related: 4 Secrets for Lifelong Success From Martha Stewart

Linda Lacina

Entrepreneur Staff

Linda Lacina is the former managing editor at Entrepreneur.com. Her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Smart Money, Dow Jones MarketWatch and Family Circle. Email her at llacina@entrepreneur.com. Follow her at @lindalacina on Twitter. 

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