Martha Stewart Reveals the Pep Talk She Gave Herself Before Posing for the Cover of the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue

The 81-year-old entrepreneur returns to her modeling roots with the magazine.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic.Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Martha Stewart is anything but predictable and in the best way possible. The Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia founder landed on the cover of SI Swimsuit’s 2023 issue and, at 81 years old, is the oldest person to do so.

She opened up to the New York Times about how she prepared both mentally and physically for her photo shoot in the Dominican Republic with photographer Ruven Afanador.

“Actually, this was a rather large challenge. I had to make sure I was ready to pose in a bathing suit,” she admitted. “It took a bit of vanity but also a bit of confidence. I thought, ‘If I’m feeling good enough physically and mentally to do such a thing, I’m up for it.’”

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic.

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

View Martha Stewart’s full 2023 SI Swimsuit gallery here.

She explained that with the help of monthly facials for the past 40 years, a clean diet and Pilates three times a week leading up to the photo shoot, Stewart looked and felt her best. The best-selling author said confidence was instilled in her from a young age, which is part of the reason why she is so successful today.

“It doesn’t have as much to do with blatant sex as with a self-assurance that started when I was a child,” the Martha Stewart Podcast host added of participating in the feature. “So, when the offer came, I thought, ‘I can do this. I don’t have to give in to convention.’ How else would I, as an 81-year-old, have talked myself into feeling good about getting into a bathing suit?”

Stewart also cheekily revealed that “of course” she loves to flirt—and she has a soft spot for younger men.

“I’m not shy. I find certain men very attractive,” the New Jersey native explained. “If I am at a social event, I will make sure that I talk to those very attractive men.”

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic.

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Read cover model Martha Stewart’s profile here.

Get ready for the hottest event of the year! The 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue is out now, and you won’t want to miss the Swimsuit Issue Launch Party. Secure your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable weekend of glamour, beauty and fun.

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