f you were to have told me I would be working in Martha Stewart’s Omnimedia empire I would have stared at you waiting for the punch line.   But here I am scurrying down 42^nd street to begin my day in the publishing world for Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, Everyday Food and their newest publication Blueprint.

During my final semester at Saint Rose, I was working at Fox News in Albany, a position that extended my internship into a real job as Assignment Desk Editor. I wanted television production experience, but still didn’t know what I really wanted to do for a career. Who really knows what they want at 21, or 31 or 41 for that matter. 

Before I left for the city, I established a contact at NBC and got an interview to become a Page for the network.  I had two interviews, and unfortunately for me and 998 other applicants, only two were hired that season.  I was down and out but then saw it as an opportunity to try something completely new.  I was working just to pay the bills but felt I still wanted on-stage experience, so I found the perfect venue: Caroline’s Comedy Club on Broadway, where I made my debut as a stand up comic. I ran the circuit for about 8 months, but needed a more stable income.  I then found work as a Marketing Coordinator for the New York State Society of Certified Public Accounting. But the nine to five routine was simply not me. 

Eventually, I made a connection with a group of women who were working at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and after a time the Executive Assistant to the Publisher asked if I’d be interested in an opportunity there.  Before we exchanged business cards she asked, “Are you organized?” and “Can you handle serious heat from your boss?” The first question was standard, but when she asked the second one, she stared into my eyes to see if I had it in me.  I said with confidence I was up to it, and from there got my first interview with the Publisher of Martha Stewart Living.

I’ve moved from being an Executive Sales Assistant to a Marketing Coordinator, managing fulfillment of all the merchandising programs used as marketing incentives for potential and existing advertisers, including in-book exposure, on-line exposure, sweepstakes billboard exposure, gift bag sampling at the MARTHA show, direct mail marketing, leads generated from business reply cards in the magazines, and developing branded premium items.  My job allows me to meet with vendors who will produce items that best reflect each title.  Copy writing is another element of my job that I enjoy. I’ve had the opportunity to write copy for various trade press publications and other sales collateral to keep the momentum rolling between issue publications.

So, what’s it like to work for a business savvy celebrity? Busy.  This is a unique company where everyone becomes “experts” in the Martha Factory; from recipe development in our test kitchens, to craft projects that bring to life one-of-a-kind products, the creativity and flow of ideas are vital.

Whether it’s in publishing or broadcasting, or merchandising and internet, Martha Stewart has tapped into all media and continues to astound me with her drive for success and desire to introduce consumers to a finer quality of life.  And starting the company at age fifty will always be a motivator for me.

Now the question that always follows after telling people where I work is “So, do you see her? Have you met her? What’s she like?”

I’ve had three up close and personal encounters with Martha: The most recent was at a three-day National Sales Meeting. We kicked off the meeting at her Lily Pond estate, where Martha herself served the Advertising Sales staff cherry mojitos and whiskey sours from her July issue. She took us on a tour of her extensive garden and property, pointing out her diverse flower breeds and kitchen utensils. She made sure we were aware of the future decorating plan she had for the foyer to be lined with shelving units that she made from drift wood, perhaps to be a story for the December issue titled “Decorating with Driftwood.”

For me, finding a job is not just about who you know, but the impact you leave on each person.  My bit of advice to those embarking on their final semester of college is to keep your goals in the forefront of your mind and your life will go where you want it to go. No one else knows what you want better than yourself.  Trust your decisions and continue to talk about your goals. Someone will listen! I’ll let you borrow my megaphone, if you need an extended reach.

If you’re visiting New York City, I’d be happy to hear from you. Drop me an email.  We Rose Buds have to stick together, it’s what keeps our garden growing. The Big Apple needs more of a botanical influence!