Our last stop on the tour was for a formal presentation about Martha's business, as well as a Q&A with Martha and her team. This was held in one of the buildings near the stables. There were comfortable seats set out for us all and we gathered around to listen to the presentation, which focused on several aspects of Martha's company, led by various members of her team.
Martha began the seminar by speaking about her farm and how her homes have always influenced her business model. She thanked us all for coming and told us that it was great to meet her core audience, up close and personal.
Kevin Sharkey spoke next. He is the Executive Vice President of Martha's company and is in charge of much of the merchandising ventures. He spoke about the company's core values, how the company connects with the consumer, what the company aspires to and how they continue to reach new audiences around the world through social media and diverse partnerships. He also spoke about the new Martha Stewart store in Dubai and how it all came about, with plans to open even more stores! It was a great presentation!
The company's core merchandising values: Superior Function and Innovation; Quality at a Value; Beautiful Design that Elevates the Home.
Lisa Wagner was next to speak. She has been working with Martha since the mid-1990s when she began as a stylist and producer on her television show and as a contributor to the magazine. Lisa continues to work as a stylist on many of Martha's publishing projects. She spoke about the art of making something look beautiful, using photos she took herself at her own home. It was a lovely presentation about finding beauty in the everyday and capturing it with an eye for detail, which is very much a part of the Martha Stewart ethos.
Lisa was followed by Allyn Magrino, the sister of Susan Magrino who runs Martha's public relations. Allyn explained how Martha was their first and longest-standing client and how she has been so inspired by Martha over the years, sharing personal anecdotes about some of their adventures together in business.
Martha's three 'collecting gurus' spoke last. From left to right: Frank Kaminski, Vincent Manzo and Jim Klinko. Frank runs an auction service; Vincent is an antiques dealer and appraiser, and Jim has a store in Westport, Connecticut, called Furniture on Consignment, which Martha has been frequenting since the late-1980s. These three were responsible for organizing
Martha's Great American Tag Sale. They shared their tips on how to build a good collection and how Martha has deeply influenced the collecting market with her excellent taste.
Here are some upcoming Martha projects that were revealed in the seminar:
- Martha's next book will be a baking book, very similar in style to Martha: The Cookbook with stories and archival photos woven into the narrative.
- Martha's autobiography is still in the works - don't worry!
- Martha's first book from 1982, Entertaining, will be reprinted this fall in its exact original format.
- There are three more special issues of the magazine coming our way this year: a reprint of the last Halloween issue with a different cover, one called Fall Recipes and a new Holiday issue.
- There is a new line of Martha Stewart cookware, bedding and bath coming out soon using the 'good, better, best' model that Kevin Sharkey says we should all be very excited about!
- A new location of The Bedford, Martha's restaurant, will be opening this fall in Connecticut.
After the seminar, everyone gathered for a group photo outside of the main entrance to the stables. It was the perfect send-off!
I said a quick goodbye to Martha and thanked her for everything. We all had such a wonderful day together! It was a truly special event for all of us.
Before we left the farm, there was one more surprise for the group: the table where we had had lunch was laden with big stacks of Martha's books! Martha told us we could each take five or six books with us before we left! What a treat!
Our adventure wasn't over yet! In the next blog I'll share photos from a road trip some of us took the following day to some of Martha's favourite vendors.
(Photos by Jordan Munn, Jocelyn Santos, Ryan Mesina, Steven Bednasz, and Bernie Wong)
1 comment:
This was my favorite part of the day. Ironically not in the gsrden but hearing the passion each of these individuals have for not only for Martha but their chosen fields was inspiring. Added bonus the intimate setting that made the group experience even more memorable.
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