In a twist of fate, Meghan Markle’s latest entrepreneurial endeavor, the American Riviera Orchard brand, appears to be unraveling before it even had a chance to flourish.
The brand’s launch back in March left many scratching their heads, as vague social media posts and peculiar videos featuring Meghan in extravagant attire failed to generate excitement.
Instead of a triumphant unveiling, it felt more like a poorly edited movie trailer that left viewers bewildered and disappointed.
With no tangible products available for purchase, it was hard to see how this venture would gain traction.
You might think that when introducing a new lifestyle brand, showcasing actual merchandise would be a given.
However, Meghan seemed to believe her celebrity status alone would suffice.
Unfortunately, the public response skewed towards ridicule rather than admiration, raising eyebrows about the effectiveness of her approach.
It seems she was convinced that any publicity, even negative, could work in her favor, but the reality painted a different picture.
Then came the infamous jam fiasco.
Reports surfaced that Meghan had sent out 50 jars of her homemade jam to a select group of celebrities, yet there’s been no proof that anyone actually received these jars.
Did she whip up this batch herself, or were they simply repackaged store-bought jams?
The ambiguity only added to the growing list of missteps, further tarnishing her image as an entrepreneur.
In a bid to salvage her reputation, Meghan pivoted back to dog biscuits and attempted another round of jam-making.
This relentless push to recover her brand’s standing raises questions about the effectiveness of her strategies.
Perhaps doubling down on past failures isn’t the best route to redemption, especially when the initial launch was met with such skepticism.
Speculation about a potential cooking show featuring Meghan floated around, but, true to form, that project never materialized.
Instead, she found herself exploring farmers’ markets and attending summits in the Hamptons, seemingly in search of investors to breathe life into her struggling brand.
However, convincing anyone to back a venture that appears to be on its last legs seems like a tall order.
Adding to her woes, Meghan’s attempt to trademark American Riviera Orchard has hit a major roadblock.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected her application, citing that the term “Orchard” did not add any distinctiveness to the already recognized nickname for Santa Barbara, where she resides.
With a three-month window to amend her submission and a hefty $700 fee looming, the stakes are high.
If she fails to rectify the situation, her brand may face legal obscurity.
It’s worth noting that Meghan’s history with trademark applications hasn’t been stellar.
Her previous attempt to trademark the word “archetypes” for a podcast also fell flat, suggesting a lack of experience in navigating the complexities of brand development.
On the other side of the entrepreneurial spectrum, King Charles has been making waves in the sustainable fashion industry.
He recently launched a line of exclusive silk scarves in collaboration with eco-conscious designers VIN and OMI, paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s fondness for vibrant colors.
Priced at £85 each, these scarves are not just stylish; they incorporate innovative sustainability practices, utilizing materials sourced from milk cartons and invasive plants.
While King Charles successfully sells out his collection amidst managing royal responsibilities and personal health challenges, Meghan struggles to even get her products off the ground.
Her frustration is palpable as she grapples with securing a trademark for a brand she introduced six months ago.
At the heart of Meghan’s challenges lies an impatience for immediate success.
She seems eager to build an empire overnight, overlooking the dedication and time typically required for sustainable success.