Billionaire investor Ken Griffin recently made headlines by unfollowing Meghan Markle on Instagram after declining to invest in her latest venture, American Riviera Orchard.
The Duchess of Sussex’s foray into the lifestyle brand industry has been met with much buzz and excitement, but questions linger about the brand’s foundation and key players.
Despite the grand unveiling of the project through a captivating online video featuring Markle herself exuding elegance and charm, uncertainties persist regarding the brand’s backers, team members, and product manufacturing processes.
Insiders from prominent lifestyle brands in Los Angeles revealed that American Riviera Orchard has become the talk of the town among industry circles, particularly on exclusive WhatsApp groups.
However, whispers suggest that Markle has yet to assemble a team of buyers or sourcing experts for the brand.
A source familiar with the Sussexes’ endeavors noted that this venture follows a familiar pattern for Markle – heavy on style and hype, but lacking in substance.
The insider hinted at a recurring theme of premature announcements and launches by the royal couple, leaving many wondering about the ultimate goal of their projects.
While no concrete timeline for the brand’s official product launch has been disclosed, reports confirm that Markle and Prince Harry have engaged in networking activities with notable figures in the finance and beauty industries.
Despite rubbing shoulders with influential individuals like Ken Griffin, Victoria Jackson, and Bill Goovey, all of whom are close acquaintances of the Sussexes, none have committed to investing in American Riviera Orchard.
Griffin, Jackson, and Goovey even opted to distance themselves further by unfollowing Markle on social media after declining to support her brand financially.
With Markle’s Instagram following still shy of 600,000 users, speculation arises about her next move.
Could she be plotting a rebranding strategy or preparing for a fresh product launch to attract more attention?
The absence of engagement from high-profile figures like Amal Clooney, Serena Williams, and Oprah Winfrey raises eyebrows, suggesting a lukewarm reception within certain celebrity circles.
Despite some individuals like Meghan McCain admitting to following Markle out of curiosity rather than admiration, doubts persist about the brand’s appeal to the elite Flamingo Estate demographic Markle envisions as her target audience.
Critics argue that Markle’s perception of her audience as affluent and exclusive may not align with reality, branding her market positioning as more mid-tier than top-tier.
While Markle briefly tasted life at the pinnacle of society during her time as a royal, skeptics question her ability to resonate with a truly high-end clientele.
The disconnect between Markle’s aspirations and her actual market standing underscores a broader debate about her transition from royalty to entrepreneurship, with some suggesting she may struggle to find her footing outside the royal sphere.
In the competitive landscape of lifestyle brands and celebrity endorsements, Markle’s journey into entrepreneurship faces both scrutiny and skepticism from various quarters.
As she navigates the complexities of building a brand from the ground up, the success of American Riviera Orchard hinges not only on her star power but also on the substance and authenticity she brings to the table.
Whether Markle can transcend her royal past and carve a niche for herself in the cutthroat world of consumer goods remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the spotlight will continue to shine on her every move as she charts a new course beyond the palace walls.