Martha Stewart Struggles For Self-Control

Martha Stewart is making progress in her quest to gain control of, well, Martha Stewart.

The queen of 1990s family life, who has turned her tips on gardening, entertaining and decoration into a cottage industry, is closing in on a deal to buy a majority stake in Martha Stewart Living Enterprises.

Progress in the negotiations, confirmed Monday by a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, moves Stewart closer to winning autonomy from Time Inc., which launched her company’s centerpiece Martha Stewart Living magazine in 1991.

Apparently unhappy with her take from the Martha Stewart empire, Stewart wants more control of the TV shows, magazine and books she brings to million of Americans. Buying the company is one sure way to get it.

“There’s no comment while we’re in discussions,” said Susan Magrino, a spokeswoman for Stewart. Time Inc. declined to comment beyond saying talks are ongoing.

Stewart’s empire generates about $200 million a year in revenue, with Martha Stewart Living magazine accounting for about one-quarter of that amount.