The Martha Stewart Netflix Special: Lessons from the Original Influencer
Martha Stewart’s new Netflix release dives into her remarkable life and career, spotlighting her transformation from a catering business owner to a lifestyle powerhouse. Martha pioneered the role of the influencer long before social media made it a career, showing the world how homemaking could be chic, desirable, and artistic. There's still no other brand that brings that same aspirational flair to creating a beautiful, purposeful home life.
While Martha and I may have different tastes in some areas (I actually love aprons & sun dresses) her commitment to perfection with purpose, not unattainable standards, resonates deeply. She was criticized for setting "unrealistic" expectations, but to her, it was always about giving life more meaning and quality.
Why We Relate to Martha: Ambition, Perfectionism, and Resilience
Her ambition is inspiring to anyone with a fire in their soul for bigger things. She didn't build an empire by sticking to a niche; instead, she fearlessly expanded into every category, a move that experts today would caution against. She showed that you can build a lifestyle brand that spans an entire “solar system” of businesses if you do it with purpose.
Martha’s story is layered with personal challenges that every woman can relate to. She faced a painful divorce from a toxic relationship, one that stripped her of dignity but drove her to build herself back up with iron resilience. Instead of letting herself become a “has been” housewife, she threw herself into her work, leading to her own IPO—a true "I will never go hungry again" story. Martha’s strength resonates in every woman who’s felt the sting of being underestimated but rose above it.
Martha’s Sharp Wit, Drive, and Authenticity
And her personal life? It’s full of refreshing surprises. Martha had a brief “P.S. I Love You” moment with an Irish man, and she has always been drawn to the company of genuinely intelligent men—a smart twist, not just status-driven. Her insistence on authenticity and intelligence is a part of her brand that I love.
Her refusal to play the victim role, even when the world turned against her during her legal battles, speaks to her incredible strength. She couldn’t cry or show emotion—many women can relate to the need to keep emotions under wraps in tough times. And Martha’s humor? Spot on! Her jokes about prosecutors being thrown in a blender, and the jabs at Justin Bieber during his roast are absolutely iconic.
Martha’s story is one of an average women overcoming societal restrictions—an unspoken reminder that it wasn’t so long ago women needed a male co-signer to even get a credit card. She reminds us that you can in fact turn your passions into a career, and maybe even a global sensation that brings you to billionaire status. This is her story, yes, but it’s also a testament to every woman who has defied limitations to pursue her dreams.
Helluva legacy for the OG Influencer. I'm grateful to have grown up in the era of Martha Stewart's growth and rise to fame. Queeeeen, Martha.