In a surprising twist, Meghan Markle’s latest entrepreneurial endeavor, American Riviera Orchard, appears to have hit a snag.
Launched in March with much excitement, the lifestyle brand has left many scratching their heads rather than marveling at its brilliance.
Instead of a dazzling debut, the rollout was characterized by vague social media posts, peculiar videos featuring Meghan in a ball gown while cooking, and, most glaringly, a complete absence of actual products.
It felt less like a brand launch and more like a scene from a gothic horror film.
Typically, when a lifestyle brand makes its entrance, there’s an array of tangible products to showcase.
However, Meghan’s unveiling lacked any merchandise or even a shopping option, leaving fans puzzled.
It seems her celebrity status alone couldn’t compensate for the missing components that usually define a successful brand launch.
The result?
More ridicule than applause.
Yet, one might wonder if Meghan relished the attention, believing that any publicity, even negative, could work in her favor.
Adding to the missteps was what some are calling the “jam scam.” Reports surfaced that Meghan had sent out 50 jars of homemade jam to a select group of celebrities, but none have surfaced publicly.
Was she truly whipping them up in her kitchen, or merely slapping a homemade label on store-bought goods?
The ambiguity surrounding this venture only fueled further mockery.
Following this, she introduced dog biscuits and, oddly enough, even more jam, as if doubling down on a failing strategy would somehow turn things around.
Rumors of a potential cookery show floated around, but, as is often the case with Meghan’s projects, it never materialized.
Instead, she has been seen frequenting farmers’ markets and attending various summits in the Hamptons, seemingly on the hunt for investors willing to back her struggling brand.
One can’t help but question why anyone would consider investing in a venture that seems to be spiraling downward.
To compound her troubles, Meghan’s attempt to trademark the name American Riviera Orchard was rejected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The reasoning?
The term “American Riviera” is a widely recognized nickname for Santa Barbara.
Simply appending “Orchard” didn’t cut it in terms of uniqueness.
Now, Meghan faces a three-month deadline to amend her application, or risk having it dismissed altogether.
To add insult to injury, she’ll need to shell out an additional $700 to keep her floundering brand afloat.
This isn’t the first time Meghan has stumbled in the trademark arena.
Her previous attempt to secure the name “Archetypes” for her podcast also met with rejection.
One has to wonder if she might take a hint; perhaps building a brand isn’t her forte after all.
Meanwhile, King Charles is showing her how it’s done, having recently launched a line of limited edition scarves in partnership with eco-conscious designers Finn and Omi.
Inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s fondness for vibrant colors, these scarves are flying off the shelves at Sandringham, priced at £85 each.
Not only is Charles enjoying robust sales, but he is also incorporating sustainability into his project, utilizing materials ranging from milk cartons to invasive weeds.
It’s a stark contrast to Meghan’s struggles, and one can only imagine her frustration as she watches him effortlessly succeed.