A timeline of Martha Stewart's career, from growing a media empire and serving prison time to becoming a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model

Erin McDowellMay 17, 2023, 23:54 IST

Martha Stewart in 2018.Rich Fury/Getty Images

Martha Stewart began her career as a model and later became a stockbroker on Wall Street.
The first issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine was published in 1990.

From building a media empire to going to prison and learning what a "thirst trap" is, Martha Stewart has had quite the career journey.

Stewart began her career as a model and later became a stockbroker on Wall Street.

She went on to become one of the most famous celebrity chefs in the business, with thriving home-decor and furniture lines, cookbooks, and a media empire with shows like "Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party."

Most recently, the 81-year-old returned to her modeling roots as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover star — the oldest in the magazine's history.

Here's a complete timeline of Martha Stewart's expansive career.

Martha Stewart started working as a model while a teenager.

Martha Stewart modeling in the '60s.Courtesy Martha Stewart

Before she started a media empire, Stewart worked as a stockbroker in New York City in the 1970s.

Martha Stewart on a New York City subway train in the '70s.Courtesy Martha Stewart

In 1973, Stewart left her career as a stockbroker to start her own catering company from her kitchen.

Martha Stewart stands in a kitchen in August 1976.Susan Wood/Getty Images

Stewart published her first book, "Entertaining," in 1982. It quickly became a smashing success.

Martha Stewart in 1980.Photo by Arthur Schatz/Getty Images

The first issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine was published in 1990.

A stack of Martha Stewart Living Magazines from 2003.Mario Tama/Getty Images

In 1996, Stewart founded the media conglomerate Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and the following year, she reportedly borrowed $85 million to finance the acquisition of her magazine.

Martha Stewart meets with her magazine staff as she arrives on her first day back to work at Martha Stewart Living Offices in March 2005.TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images

In 1996, Stewart founded the media conglomerate Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and the following year, she reportedly borrowed $85 million to finance the acquisition of her magazine.

When Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia went public in 1999, she became the first self-made female billionaire in the United States.

Martha Stewart and William Johnston at the New York Stock Exchange in 1999.James Leynse/Corbis/Getty Images

In 2004, Stewart's reputation suffered a hit when she was convicted on multiple felony charges. She spent five months in a minimum-security prison, followed by five months of home confinement.

Martha Stewart leaves federal court in Manhattan on July 16, 2004, after being sentenced.DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images

In 2004, Stewart's reputation suffered a hit when she was convicted on multiple felony charges. She spent five months in a minimum-security prison, followed by five months of home confinement.

In 2015, Stewart sold Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, which includes her branded products and magazine, to Sequential Brands Group for $353 million.

Martha Stewart.Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

In 2021, Stewart's brands were pulling in roughly $900 million in combined annual retail sales.

Martha Stewart displays her Sears merchandise in 2003.Don MacKinnon/Getty Images

In 2016, the first season of "Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party" aired. It was a major success for the media empress, who was now recognized by a whole new generation.

Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg appear on "Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party."VH1/ Brandon Williams

In 2016, the first season of "Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party" aired. It was a major success for the media empress, who was now recognized by a whole new generation.

In 2022, Stewart opened her own restaurant, The Bedford, at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Martha Stewart and The Bedford team members celebrate the grand opening of The Bedford by Martha Stewart at the Paris Las Vegas on August 12, 2022.Denise Truscello/Getty Images

In 2020, Stewart caused an online frenzy when she posted a poolside "thirst trap" on Instagram.

Martha Stewart in 2018.Rich Fury/Getty Images

Stewart is now a millennial darling, winning over younger fans than her brands previously attracted.

Kris Jenner, Khloé Kardashian, and Martha Stewart take a selfie in "The Kardashians."Hulu

Most recently, Martha Stewart graced the cover of the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Stewart's cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue hits newsstands on May 18.Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

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A timeline of Martha Stewart's career, from growing a media empire and serving prison time to becoming a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model

Martha Stewart started working as a model while a teenager.

Before she started a media empire, Stewart worked as a stockbroker in New York City in the 1970s.

In 1973, Stewart left her career as a stockbroker to start her own catering company from her kitchen.

Stewart published her first book, "Entertaining," in 1982. It quickly became a smashing success.

The first issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine was published in 1990.

In 1996, Stewart founded the media conglomerate Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and the following year, she reportedly borrowed $85 million to finance the acquisition of her magazine.

When Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia went public in 1999, she became the first self-made female billionaire in the United States.

In 2004, Stewart's reputation suffered a hit when she was convicted on multiple felony charges. She spent five months in a minimum-security prison, followed by five months of home confinement.

In 2015, Stewart sold Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, which includes her branded products and magazine, to Sequential Brands Group for $353 million.

In 2021, Stewart's brands were pulling in roughly $900 million in combined annual retail sales.

In 2016, the first season of "Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party" aired. It was a major success for the media empress, who was now recognized by a whole new generation.

In 2022, Stewart opened her own restaurant, The Bedford, at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

In 2020, Stewart caused an online frenzy when she posted a poolside "thirst trap" on Instagram.

Stewart is now a millennial darling, winning over younger fans than her brands previously attracted.

Most recently, Martha Stewart graced the cover of the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.