Martha Stewart Net Worth: Writer, Businesswoman, Career, Television Personality, Former Model, Stockbroker, Age, Husband, Biography

When it comes to building a brand from scratch and redefining the American dream, Martha Stewart stands in a league of her own. From baking perfect pies to building a media empire, Stewart has proven that a passion for homemaking can turn into a billion-dollar business. But how much is she actually worth today?

With a career spanning over five decades marked by best-selling books, TV shows, magazine empires, and even a stint in federal prison Martha Stewart’s financial journey is as fascinating as her legacy. Whether you admire her for her entrepreneurial grit or her impeccable aesthetic, there’s no denying the massive impact (and wealth) she has accumulated over the years.

In this deep dive, we’ll discuss Martha Stewart’s net worth in 2025 and also how she built her empire, the many setbacks and comebacks she had throughout the years, and the luxurious life she lives today.

What Is Martha Stewart’s Net Worth?

As of 2020, Martha Stewart’s net worth is estimated to be roughly $400 million. From cookbook queen to media mogul and business powerhouse, her rise from a modest New Jersey upbringing to America’s first self-made female billionaire is an epic one.

Early Life

Martha Helen Kostyra was born on August 3, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Raised in a Polish-American household, she was the oldest daughter of six children and gained her appreciation of cuisine, gardening, and entertaining from her parents.

Martha graduated from Barnard College, where she intended to study chemistry but ultimately majored in history and architectural history. She also served as a model while at college, featuring in TV and press ads.

Career

In the 1960s, Martha had a brief gig working as a stockbroker before deciding to open a catering business a move that would end up changing her life.

Key Career Milestones:

• In 1976, she established a catering company in her basement that quickly gained popularity among the upper class of NYC.
• 1982: Martha published her first book, Entertaining. It was a best-seller.
• 1990s: Launched Martha Stewart Living magazine and TV show.
• 1997: Founded Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO), consolidating her media empire into one publicly traded company.

Career earnings

• Martha Stewart’s net worth is derived from a number of different sources.
• Book sales (over 90 million books sold worldwide) Licensing and brand partnerships
• Publishing of magazine and television deals
• MSLO common stock and Other Business Interests

At her peak, her company was worth more than $1 billion, and a stake that Alizadeh once held made her a billionaire (temporarily).

Becoming a Billionaire

In 1999, MSLO went public, and Martha’s net worth shot above the billion-dollar mark, making her the first self-made female billionaire in the U.S. At 70% ownership of her own company, she was exorbitantly wealthy stock prices skyrocketed to $38 a share.

Stock Trading Case and Imprisonment

In 2001, Stewart was investigated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for selling all her shares in the biotech company ImClone Systems after receiving information that its new drug application would be denied by the U.S. Food …

• 2004: Convicted on charges of obstruction of justice and lying to investigators.
• 5 months in federal prison, then house arrest.

The scandal damaged her public image and put a huge dent in her wealth, but Martha orchestrated one of the most amazing comebacks in business history.

Personal Life

Martha married Andrew Stewart in 1961 and had one daughter, Alexis Stewart. The couple divorced in 1990.

She’s fiercely independent, has an attention to detail and commitment to excellence that’s unparalleled, and is so private about her romantic life that most of what we know or believe are rumors (or flirty comments) likely started after her divorce, but especially post-prison.

Fun Fact: She’s also a bit of an Instagram icon, with her famous poolside selfie in 2020 going viral.

Awards & Recognition

Martha Stewart has received several awards and honors, including 

• An Emmy Award for her television program.
• Named in Time’s 100 most influential people
• Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame

She’s cooked with Snoop Dogg and won an Emmy, all before hitting puberty.

Real Estate Holdings

• Martha Stewart has an eye for real estate, and she owns no less than five properties.
• Bedford, New York: Her iconic 153-acre estate, “Cantitoe Corners.”
• East Hampton: A charming cottage near the beach.
• Maine: Skylands, a 1920s summer home once owned by the Ford family.
• Connecticut: A former turkey farm she transformed into a dream retreat.

Business Comeback & Modern Empire

• She sold MSLO to Sequential Brands in 2015 for $353 million.
• Launched new ventures in CBD products, wine, and pet care.
• Signed major brand partners including Home Depot, Macy’s, and QVC.
• Became a cultural icon all over again thanks to her unlikely friendship with Snoop Dogg. 

Frequently Asked Questions