I Took Martha Stewart’s MasterClass to Fulfill My Dream of Being Like Her

When asked to identify my role models, Martha Stewart is, perhaps, unexpectedly, at the top of my list—and not just because she’s aging like a fine wine. Did you see her Sports Illustrated cover last year? At 82-years-old, Stewart managed to turn heads with her swimsuit spread. The domestic innovator, media mogul, TV personality, author, best friend of Snoop Dogg, and self-professed O.G. influencer launched the Martha Stewart empire in the early 1980s as a newly divorced 50-year-old. Despite being the household name in homes, kitchens, and gardens for over three decades, Stewart’s 80th decade is shaping up to be her best yet.

The multi-hyphenate, who recently spent her 83rd birthday at the Paris Olympics with frequent collaborator and bestie Snoop, has also recently added MasterClass instructor to her resume. MasterClass, an online education subscription platform, offers virtual courses led by some of the world’s leading industry professionals in various fields, from sports to cooking, photography, personal brand development, and more. MasterClass’ expansive portfolio of talent includes David Lynch, Hilary Rodham Clinton, Dr. Jane Goodall, George W. Bush, Ringo Starr, and even Kris Jenner.

Stewart may have built her empire with successful cookbooks and domestic-centered TV series, but her MasterClass, appropriately titled “Think Like a Boss, Live Like a Legend,” is a far cry from an instructional cooking class with hosting and organizational tips. In fact, the course consists of two videos under one hour long, showcasing what Martha has demonstrated her entire career: how to live well regardless of your age, background, or stage in life. In the first segment, we spend a day with Stewart as she details her typical activities at home and the office, offering helpful tips for entrepreneurs such as leveraging TikTok for business as a means of communication in an internet-dominated landscape.

Of course, it’s not all business—we also get to accompany Martha and her employees as they try a chocolate cake and THC gummies (which she declined due to an event that evening). At the end of the first video, Martha shares her experience shooting the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition cover, revealing all the preparation that went into it. “I worked out at Pilates, I worked out at the gym, I drank nothing but water, and I ate very, very well,” she says. And despite the spray-tanning and full-body waxing required for the photoshoot, Stewart says it was all worth it, as it made other women feel good about themselves; that, if Martha could do it, they could do it too.

In the second course, Martha addresses her reputation as “a tough boss” and explains her approach to working with her employees both in the NYC office and at home on her farm. She believes in constructive criticism, prefers curious employees, and offers her opinion on harnessing AI for her digital media business. Throughout both segments, Stewart’s ability to innovate, adapt, and embrace change (including technology and social media) is underscored, cementing her enduring and increasingly alluring personal brand and business empire.

While Stewart’s MasterClass might be more of an aspirational video than a traditional course, her approach to business and life is genuinely inspiring. She provides concrete tips for business practices applicable to any field, and the biggest takeaway is that age is irrelevant in the pursuit of living well. This is particularly resonant in a society that often prioritizes youth over longevity. Her course might be shorter than others on the platform, but for about $10 a month, you gain access to over 200 other expert-led courses, making it a worthwhile investment and an excellent last-minute gift.

Source: The Daily Beast