Emphasizing "the power of a single idea," Stewart explained how one idea she had about chickens spawned a whole line of new merchandise.

Stewart got a few chickens, which were promptly photographed and had their images sold in an art show. Then she decided to make the most of their colorful eggs.

"One bowl of eggs inspired a huge line of paint" of 256 colors, Stewart said. These colors, mostly pastels, are an icon commonly associated with the brand name Martha Stewart. (And 400 more colors in the series are in the works.)

The chicken idea was then turned into glass bathroom accessories and egg-shaped soaps, illustrating, she said, the art of "taking one thing, no matter how silly, and making is a small part of a business."

Stewart's business ventures have proved eminently successful, but she contended that she still keeps her priorities.

"We don't take ourselves too seriously," she said. "An important part of business is to make fun of yourself because if you don't, someone else will."

After the floor was opened up to questions, one person asked Stewart for her opinion about comedy spoofs poking fun at her image. Of particular interest to the audience was the topic of a recent "Saturday Night Live" skit in which a Martha Stewart character appeared topless.