Meghan Markle addresses multiple business setbacks during her TIME100 Summit appearance while claiming she’s “never been happier” despite ongoing brand struggles.
At a Glance
- Markle discussed launching multiple troubled businesses including her rebranded lifestyle venture “As Ever” (formerly American Riviera Orchard)
- She admitted to needing “grace to make mistakes” after facing trademark issues and other setbacks
- Despite business challenges, Markle claims she is the “happiest she’s ever been” with family life
- Her ventures include a Netflix series “With Love, Meghan” and podcast “Confessions of a Female Founder”
- Markle emphasized setting boundaries for mental health while under constant public scrutiny
Business Ventures and Public Missteps
Meghan Markle, 43, took the stage at the TIME100 Summit in New York City to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, which has been marked by several high-profile challenges. The Duchess of Sussex is currently managing multiple business ventures simultaneously, including her lifestyle brand As Ever, which was renamed from American Riviera Orchard due to trademark complications.
The rebrand represents just one of several obstacles Markle has faced in her post-royal business endeavors, as she works to establish herself as an entrepreneur separate from her royal connections.
In addition to her product line, Markle has launched a Netflix series titled “With Love, Meghan” and a podcast called “Confessions of a Female Founder.” Both debuted earlier this month alongside the first products from her lifestyle brand.
The simultaneous launch of multiple ventures demonstrates Markle’s ambitious business strategy, though critics have questioned whether the former actress has spread herself too thin across disparate business interests while lacking clear direction.
Embracing Failure While Under Scrutiny
During the summit, Markle addressed the challenges of launching businesses while under constant public scrutiny, acknowledging the many missteps she’s encountered along the way. The Duchess has faced criticism for everything from packaging design to pricing strategies, yet attempted to frame these setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures. Her approach suggests an attempt to redefine her public narrative while still navigating the significant challenges of building multiple businesses simultaneously.
“The past year-and-a-half has been incredibly busy and ambitious. You see it all come to life and try to give yourself the space and the grace to make mistakes, to know you’re not doing it right every day.”, said Meghan Markle.
Markle’s strategy of openly discussing her business challenges represents a shift in how she presents herself publicly. After leaving her royal duties behind, she has attempted to rebrand herself as a relatable entrepreneur rather than a privileged royal. However, this approach has garnered mixed reception, with some questioning whether her high-profile status creates business advantages that contradict her narrative of building businesses from scratch through hard work.
Family Life and Mental Health Priorities
Beyond her business ventures, Markle emphasized how her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, keep her grounded amid professional challenges. Her comments focused on how becoming a mother has shifted her priorities and provided perspective on what truly matters in life. This represents a consistent theme in Markle’s public statements, as she frequently references her children when discussing her professional endeavors, positioning herself as a working mother rather than simply a celebrity entrepreneur.
Markle also credited her husband Prince Harry with providing crucial support as she navigates her business ventures. The couple, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020, have consistently presented themselves as a united front despite ongoing family tensions with the British royal family. While Markle described feeling happier than she ever imagined possible with her current family life, this narrative contrasts with ongoing reports of strained relationships with her own father and with the royal family, raising questions about how these personal conflicts impact her professional aspirations.
