Since taking her company public on the NYSE in 1999 (she remains the dominant shareholder), Stewart has expanded into radio and a dotcom, as well as a non-stop stream of licensed products. What she says "To celebrate the launch of my 71st book, Martha Stewart's Encyclopaedia Of Sewing and Fabric Crafts, we decided to hold a stitch fest for just a $30 admission fee." What people say "She's the definitive American woman of our time" - Macy's CEO said that Stewart's aura was such that the "[Martha Stewart] brand will prosper in any situation". Would you believe it? Stewart served a five-month prison sentence in 2005 for obstruction of proceedings and making false statements following a 2001 insider trading case involving her broker. The year ahead As she nears 70, there must come a point when the acid test can no longer be avoided: can the Martha Stewart brand decouple from Martha the person?