Last weekend I found myself entranced by the Martha Stewart documentary. I am, you see, a female entrepreneur, well on the other side of what my mother once called the “F*ck You Forties,” and in possession of exceptionally high standards which seem to me to be obvious and, really, table stakes at the barest minimum. So, I have always felt a bit of a kindred spirit with Martha, albeit I have precious little skills in the way of decorating or baking. Still, I have always felt that Martha has gotten a bit of a bad rap for being super demanding.
So, when I saw a thread that read, “Watching the Martha Stewart documentary has made me realize I could stand to be a little more savage,” I knew I had to watch. Here’s what I took away from it (in addition, obviously, to being a little more savage.)
1. Resilience Is a Muscle You Build, Not a Trait You Inherit
Martha’s story is the ultimate comeback tale. From her prison sentence to reclaiming her empire, she didn’t waste time wallowing in self-pity. Instead, she pivoted and rebuilt. The lesson? Setbacks aren’t the end; they’re an opportunity to reframe and rise. Don’t let one bad chapter define your entire book.
2. Reinvention Is a Superpower
Martha is the queen of reinvention, proving you don’t have to stick to one identity. Model, stockbroker, homemaker, mogul—she lived multiple lives, all with the same fierce commitment to success. Reinvention isn’t about abandoning who you are; it’s about embracing who you can be. Don’t cling to an outdated version of yourself because it feels safer. Growth requires risk.
3. Unapologetic Confidence Is Key
Martha has zero impostor syndrome. None. She walks into every room as if she belongs there—because she believes she does. She never diluted her ambition, nor apologized for her high standards. The lesson? Stop waiting for someone to validate your worth. Own your space, your talents, and your aspirations. Don’t downplay your accomplishments to make others comfortable.
4. Mastery Is Non-Negotiable
Martha’s success didn’t happen by accident. She pursued excellence with single-minded focus, whether she was perfecting the ideal roast chicken or building a billion-dollar brand. She held everyone around her to the same exacting standards—no shortcuts, no excuses. This is a wake-up call: Don’t settle for “good enough” if greatness is possible. Mastery makes you indispensable.
5. Define Success on Your Own Terms
Martha refused to let others define what she could or should do. She didn’t ask for permission to transform her passions into an empire. Instead, she built a world where her vision was the blueprint for success. The takeaway? If your idea of success doesn’t fit society’s norms, don’t shrink to fit their expectations—build your own mold.
6. Authenticity Is Your Best Asset
Martha leaned fully into who she was: precise, meticulous, and occasionally intimidating. She didn’t soften her edges to win people over. Instead, she built a brand that reflected her authentic self. People responded because it was real. The lesson? Don’t try to be all things to all people. Be unapologetically you—and let the right audience find you.
7. Age Is Irrelevant
Martha’s partnership with Snoop Dogg, her Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover at 81, and her ever-expanding empire prove that reinvention knows no age limit. Life is long, and the opportunity to pivot or pursue something new is always there. Don’t let society’s timeline dictate when you’re “done.”
The Cautionary “Don’ts”:
- Don’t Burn Bridges: Martha’s high standards made her legendary, but they also alienated some collaborators. Pursue excellence, but don’t forget empathy along the way.
- Don’t Be Afraid of the Fallout: Martha’s unapologetic approach to her life and business led her to unprecedented heights—but it also attracted criticism. The lesson? Own your choices, but be ready to weather the storm if things go sideways.
- Don’t Ignore the Power of Perception: While Martha embraced perfectionism, her public image occasionally came across as unrelatable. Be mindful of how authenticity translates to your audience.
Final Lesson:
Martha Stewart is a living testament to ambition without apology, standards without compromise, and reinvention without fear. Her story reminds us that the road to success isn’t paved with permission—it’s carved by courage.
