5 Things You Didn't Know About Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart, 2010 Tribeca Film Festival. Photo courtesy of David Shankbone under CC BY 2.0.

Martha Stewart: lifestyle queen, culinary guru, and — surprise — full of secrets. A new Netflix^® documentary, "Martha," pulls back the curtain on her life, revealing shocking and juicy details that even her biggest fans don't know. From Wall Street beginnings to unlikely friendships, here's what makes Martha more fascinating than ever.

1. She was a stockbroker before becoming a lifestyle icon.

Before building her lifestyle empire, Martha Stewart started her career on Wall Street as a stockbroker in the 1960s. As one of the few women in a male-dominated field, she learned crucial business skills and gained confidence in high-stakes environments. Stewart has said that her experience on Wall Street taught her resilience and helped shape her approach to business — a foundation that would later support her rise as a successful entrepreneur.

2. Her first big break came from catering her husband's book party.

Stewart's first step toward becoming a lifestyle icon happened by chance. While catering a book party for her then-husband, a publishing executive, she impressed guests so much that one suggested she write her own book on entertaining. This led to her debut book, "Entertaining," which was a massive success and set her on the path to fame.

3. She was placed in solitary confinement in prison — for a compliment.

During her infamous prison sentence for insider trading, Stewart was placed in solitary confinement for a day after she "touched" an officer while complimenting them on their chain. The incident led to her isolation without food or water, shattering the public myth that her time at Alderson Federal Prison Camp was easy. Her resilience in handling this ordeal only strengthened her unbreakable public image.

4. Her friendship with Snoop Dogg began after a comedy roast.

After her prison sentence, Stewart made an unexpected public appearance roasting Justin Bieber at Comedy Central's celebrity roast. She surprised the audience with her sharp humor, making it clear she was in on the joke. That night, she also met Snoop Dogg, sparking a friendship that has since become iconic and shown her ability to embrace different cultures and humor with style.

5. She was the first self-made female billionaire.

Many know about Stewart's impressive career, but few realize the full extent of her financial achievements. At the height of her company's success, Stewart's stock holdings made her the first self-made female billionaire in American history. Her remarkable financial milestone cemented her status as not only a cultural icon but also a trailblazer in the business world.

Martha Stewart's life is full of surprising layers, revealing a woman who defied expectations at every turn. From bold business moves to unexpected friendships, she's shaped her empire — and pop culture — through sheer will and vision. Love her or hate her, Stewart's influence is undeniable.

References: The 9 Most Interesting Things We Learned About Martha Stewart in the New Netflix Documentary, 'Martha' | The Internet Can't Get Enough Of The New Martha Stewart Documentary; These Are The 20 Most Mind-Boggling Things I Learned After Watching It Myself