Martha Stewart wasn’t always a household name. Did you know she started as a stockbroker? But her endless curiosity led her to ask, “What if homemaking could be an art?” Today, she’s worth $400 million—and she’s still reinventing herself at 81!
So, how can YOU use curiosity to grow your business or passion? Let’s explore how Stewart and other female leaders turned simple questions into big wins.
Martha Stewart’s Curiosity Rules
Rule #1: “Own Your Talents”
Stewart never waited for permission. When she started her catering business, she didn’t think, “Am I good enough?” Instead, she acted.
- Example: She once catered a party with just $200 and a friend’s kitchen.
- Key Lesson: Confidence grows when you focus on doing, not doubting.
Rule #2: Learn Something New Every Day
Stewart’s daily habits:
- Take a new walking route to spot trends.
- Read for 30 minutes (cookbooks, tech blogs, or history).
- Talk to people outside her industry.
Try This: Next week, replace 15 minutes of social media scrolling with learning. Watch a TED Talk or call a mentor!
3 Women Who Turned Curiosity into Success
| Name | Curious Question | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Evelyne Nyairo | “Can science make skincare greener?” | Products in 500+ stores |
| Katrina Lake | “What if clothes shopping wasn’t stressful?” | $3 billion company (Stitch Fix) |
| Anu Duggal | “Why aren’t more women funded?” | Backed 200+ female founders |
5 Simple Ways to Grow Your Curiosity
1. Ask “What If?” Daily
- Stewart asks this about everything—recipes, partnerships, even TikTok!
- Try: Write down one “What If?” question each morning.
2. Be a Beginner Again
Melanie Perkins (Canva’s CEO) started by designing yearbooks in high school. She wasn’t a tech expert—she just kept learning.
3. Turn Fear into Fuel
Evelyne Nyairo says:
“Fear disappears when you focus on solving problems, not avoiding them.”
4. Build a “Curiosity Team”
Stewart’s secret? She works with unexpected partners like Snoop Dogg!
Your Homework: This month, chat with someone in a totally different field.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Hillary Yip started her language app at age 10. She tracked progress in a notebook—and now has 50,000 users!
What Science Says About Curiosity
- Harvard Research: Curious people spot 3x more opportunities.
- Women of Influence Study: Curiosity helps women take smart risks.
Think About It: What’s one risk you’d take if you weren’t afraid to try?
Your Curiosity Journey Starts Now
Martha Stewart’s story isn’t about perfection—it’s about never stopping. As she says:
“When you’re through changing, you’re through.”
Your Turn: Tomorrow, take a new route to work, read a magazine you’ve never opened, or ask a stranger for advice. Who knows where your curiosity will lead?
🚀 Remember: Success isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about loving the questions.
