Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is facing fresh criticism after abruptly stepping back from her lifestyle brand As Ever, despite a sellout launch that stunned the market.
Her food line — which included raspberry preserves, teas, and dried flower sprinkles — sold out within 45 minutes when it debuted earlier this spring. Yet, nearly two months later, none of the items have been restocked. A source told Star Magazine a restock is coming soon, but others close to the Duchess say her decision-making is causing confusion behind the scenes.
Instead of riding the momentum, Meghan revealed to Fast Company that she plans to pause and reflect, gathering data and figuring out “what As Ever could be.” That wait may last until early 2026.
Entrepreneurial setbacks spark concerns
The Duchess admitted to self-doubt on the finale of her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, saying she questioned whether her efforts would succeed. A source said Meghan struggles with snap decisions and prefers to mull things over, which has left advisors frustrated.
This isn’t the first time Meghan has faced turbulence in her business ventures. In 2024, she had to scrap the name American Riviera Orchard before launch due to trademark issues. She later rebranded as As Ever, thanking supporters for giving her grace as she navigated the process.
Though many admire her ambition, some insiders believe her ideas often clash with business realities. The source added that while she welcomes feedback, she doesn’t always follow through — a pattern that leaves collaborators in limbo.
Shifting focus and fashion plans
Despite the brand pause, Meghan hasn’t lost momentum entirely. She recently hinted at entering the fashion industry, calling it an “interesting space” she plans to explore later. She’s already taken steps with a curated affiliate page through ShopMy, where followers can buy her favorite designer pieces. These moves signal a pivot toward personal branding — but also raise questions about focus.
Critics argue the Duchess is juggling too much while still recovering from the fallout of earlier projects, like the abrupt end to her Spotify podcast deal in 2023. While Netflix reportedly renewed its deal with the Sussexes, the next season of With Love, Meghan is expected to yield a smaller paycheck.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry continues to work with Travalyst and deliver paid speeches, but a source confirmed that the couple still needs to generate significant income to sustain their $14.65 million Montecito lifestyle.
Balancing motherhood and public image
Meghan has emphasized that she wants her children to see her as a working mom. On her podcast, she shared a touching story about skipping business meetings after her son Archie woke her at 2 a.m. to celebrate losing his first tooth. She called it a choice that energizes her to be a better leader.
Still, not everyone is convinced. One royal insider claimed that the royal family sees Meghan’s ventures as a joke — reducing her from a figure of female empowerment to what they dismissively call “a cooking show host.”
Yet for Meghan, the journey appears far from over. She’s forging ahead in a world of fame, financial pressure, and constant public judgment — all while trying to define exactly who she is.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.