Meghan Markle’s venture into the business world with her new brand, American Riviera Orchard, has hit a roadblock as PR experts criticize the launch for its outdated mistakes and alleged plagiarism.
The Duchess of Sussex introduced American Riviera Orchard last month through a website and Instagram account, but has since remained inactive on the platform, drawing scrutiny for lack of content since the brand’s debut on March 14th.
American Riviera Orchard is envisioned as a lifestyle brand offering a range of products from home decor to pet accessories.
However, concerns have been raised over the striking resemblance of the brand name to existing entities like American Riviera Bank, based in Santa Barbara with a branch in Montecito.
This similarity has fueled speculations about the originality of Meghan’s latest endeavor.
The controversy deepens with accusations that Meghan’s choice of “Orchard” was borrowed from Highgrove Orchard, a charitable brand endorsed by royalty.
Critics question the authenticity of Meghan’s business pursuits, hinting at a lack of innovation and reliance on replicated concepts.
Despite the potential financial backing from Harry’s family inheritance, investors remain skeptical of the venture’s credibility.
As doubts loom over the sustainability of Markle’s business, industry insiders reveal insights into her strained relationships within high-profile circles.
Victoria Jackson, a successful entrepreneur, and her husband Bill Guthie, prominent in direct marketing, have reportedly distanced themselves from supporting Meghan’s brand.
Victoria’s reluctance to endorse the venture underscores underlying tensions and a shift in their once amicable association.
Notably, Emma Lloyd, founder of Big Little LDN, sheds light on critical flaws in Meghan’s Instagram strategy for American Riviera Orchard.
Lloyd highlights the mishap of allowing open tagging on the account, leading to spam and irrelevant posts flooding the platform.
Moreover, the unconventional presentation of teaser content in a disjointed format fails to engage audiences effectively, drawing criticism for its outdated approach.
Furthermore, critics emphasize the need for Meghan to revamp her business model by showcasing standout products on her website to captivate consumer interest.
Suggestions to incorporate innovative marketing tactics, such as Prince Harry’s candid anecdotes, aim to inject fresh appeal into the brand’s image.
Amidst mounting scrutiny, Meghan’s return to social media before the Queen’s demise raises questions about the brand’s direction and viability in the competitive market landscape.
In retrospect, Meghan Markle’s foray into entrepreneurship faces challenges of credibility and originality, as stakeholders question the longevity of American Riviera Orchard in an oversaturated market.
The unfolding saga of friendship dynamics and professional critiques adds layers of complexity to Meghan’s entrepreneurial journey, prompting reflections on authenticity and strategic reinvention in the face of adversity.