At 81, Martha Stewart is more active than ever. As she prepares to launch her 100e book, featuring her 100 favorite recipes, she recently spoke about her new association with the site Etsy to about fifteen journalists from North America and Europe, including The Press. Report of the virtual meeting with the queen of the art of living.
Far from resting on her laurels, Martha Stewart multiplies the projects. After having launched in February her virtual store The World of Martha, on Amazon, where are offered her collections of products for the home and the items she could no longer do without, here she is launching today on March 28 her association with the Etsy site, which showcases the creations of thousands of artisans from around the world. As Etsy’s official ‘curator’ for 2023, she bestowed her ‘Good Things’ seal of approval on over 100 products that caught her eye. Others will follow over the seasons.
“I’ve focused on home products that are beautiful and practical,” she explained, comfortably seated in her spacious kitchen, which doubles as her lab. Maybe over time I will explore more on the fashion and jewelry side. Having also developed an expertise in the wedding field for more than 35 years, we are very good at selecting things that go wonderfully in wedding lists. »
Local small businesses promoted by Etsy should be supported, she said. “They represent the future. They are made up of entrepreneurs who have an idea and go into business. I started a small business and look what happened! »
She considers herself more than qualified for the role of “curator”, which consists of recommending products in exchange for compensation, a practice increasingly widespread on the web called in English “curating”, a term derived from the universe of the arts.
“I think at this point I’ve become an expert,” she said with a smirk. Nobody can dispute it. I’ve done thousands of TV shows and magazines, I’ve worked all my life focusing on the art of living and entertaining, decorating, cooking, gardening, weddings, how to raise children, in short, all sorts of things. »
The role of “curator” is a logical continuation of everything she has accomplished during her career. “I’m good at this job,” she said. I distinguish the good from the bad. I recognize what is done well or badly. If it’s done wrong, I know it’s going to break. By looking at something, I know if it will be beautiful in someone. But I am not limited to this role. I am also a good inventor and I constantly continue to create. »
She is also unable to resist a kitchen tool she has never seen. “I’m going to buy it and I’m going to try it,” she revealed. If it’s good, maybe I’ll reinvent it. I constantly seek to reconfigure and adapt products for modern use. I do and repair everything myself. I never stop. Sunday night, I went to Home Depot. I’ve walked each of the aisles up and down to see what’s there and what’s new. I made some great finds. Instead of going to the movies, in the evening, I go to hardware stores. It’s so much fun! »
Insatiable curiosity
The same curiosity drives her when she goes abroad. “I travel a lot and like to go places I’ve never been. I come from Al-‘Ula, a magnificent archaeological site in Saudi Arabia. I had no idea it existed. I had a lot of ideas while I was there. I went to Antarctica, to see a very, very cold climate. And I went to discover the World Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway, to understand how seeds from all countries are preserved. They are all fascinating places. »
These trips provide him with the opportunity to broaden his horizons. They also allow her to put into practice the motto which, she reveals, is the most important to her: learn something new every day.
Three tips from Martha Stewart
- Be open-minded. It’s fun to mix furniture from older eras with contemporary elements.
- Do not buy poor quality furniture, which will fall apart. Better to go to auctions or garage sales. Otherwise, wait if you can.
- Do the dishes before you go to bed. Don’t leave a pile of dirty dishes in the sink and put everything away. It will be much more pleasant to drink your coffee the next morning.