Where Did Martha Stewart Work Before She Became An Entrepreneur?

February 21, 2018

Martha Stewart, beginnings of Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart is a well-known cooking and lifestyle television show host as well as author. As an entrepreneur, she has built a world recognized brand and media empire. Martha, like every other successful entrepreneur, had to start somewhere. Let’s take a look at what jobs Martha Stewart had before she became the success she is today.

Babysitter

At age 10, Stewart did what most kids do, and babysat. She occasionally watched the children of famed New York Yankee baseball players Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Gil McGougald. There was some hint of her life to come as she not only watched the children but organized birthday parties for them.

Model

At the age of 15, Martha Stewart began modeling. She was featured in a television commercial for Unilever Soap, as well as Tareyton cigarettes. She continued modeling in college for clients such as Chanel. Her common rate during college was $50 per hour which was a very good rate for modeling at the time.

Stock Broker

In 1967 Martha Stewart followed in the steps of her father-in-law by becoming a stockbroker for the firm of Monness, Williams, and Sidel. She worked as a stockbroker until 1972 when she and her husband moved to Westport, Connecticut.

Gourmet Cooking Store Manager

Martha Stewart trained herself in gourmet cooking by reading Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. This undoubtedly helped her get a job as a gourmet cooking store manager.

Entrepreneur Beginnings

Stewart and her husband purchased a farmhouse, the renovation of which she took on as a project. During this project her skills and interests for decorating shone. In 1976, Stewart started a catering business with a friend she knew from her modeling days. She quickly earned a reputation with her menus and presentation. Within a decade, her catering service had grown into a $1 million per year business.

From there, Martha Stewart’s success grew exponentially into the multi-faceted entrepreneur we know today.