At 81, Martha Stewart is more active than ever. As she prepares to launch her 100th book of her 100 Favorite Recipes, she recently spoke to about 15 journalists from North America and Europe, including La Press, about her new collaboration with Etsy. Report from the virtual meeting with the queen of the art of living.
Posted yesterday at 10am
Far from resting on her laurels, Martha Stewart is multiplying projects. After launching her virtual store, The World of Martha, on Amazon in February, showcasing her collections of home products and items she can’t live without, today, March 28, she launches her collaboration with Etsy website that showcases the creations of thousands of artisans from around the world. As Etsy’s Official “Curator” for 2023, she gave her Good Things Seal of Approval to over 100 products that caught her eye. More will follow as the season progresses.
“I focused on beautiful and practical household products,” she explained while comfortably seated in her spacious kitchen, which doubles as her laboratory. Maybe over time I’ll get more into fashion and jewelry. Also, having acquired an expertise in the wedding field for more than 35 years, we are very good at selecting things that fit beautifully 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 in recommending products in return for payment, a practice that is becoming increasingly common on the Internet and is called “curating” in English, a term that comes from the universe of arts originates.
“I think I’ve become an expert at this point,” she said with a grin. Nobody can dispute it. I’ve done thousands of TV shows and magazines, I’ve worked my whole life, focusing on the art of living and entertaining, decorating, cooking, gardening, weddings, raising children, in short, all sorts of things. »
The role of “curator” is a logical continuation of what she has achieved in 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 done wrong, I know it will break. By looking at something, I know if it will be beautiful on someone. But I’m not limited to this role. I’m also a good inventor and keep creating. »
She can’t resist a kitchen tool she’s never seen before. “I’m going to buy it and I’m going to try,” she revealed. If it’s good, maybe I’ll reinvent it. I constantly strive to reconfigure and adapt products for modern use. I make and fix everything myself. I never stop. Sunday night I went to Home Depot. I’ve been walking up and down each of the aisles to see what’s there and what’s new. I’ve made great finds. Instead of going to the cinema, I go to hardware stores in the evenings. It is so much fun! »
Insatiable curiosity
The same curiosity drives her when she goes abroad. “I travel a lot and like to go to places I’ve never been. I’m from Al-‘Ula, a great archaeological site in Saudi Arabia. I had no idea it existed. I had many ideas while I was there. I went to Antarctica to see a very, very cold climate. And I discovered the World Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway to understand how seeds from all countries are preserved. They are all fascinating places. »
These trips offer him the opportunity to broaden his horizons. They also allow her to live the motto she reveals is most important to her: learn something new every day.