Meghan Markle channels 'power' of brand promotion from royal days as she unveils new business venture
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Meghan Markle is stepping back into the spotlight with a sizzling new business venture that draws heavily from her royal past.
The Duchess of Sussex has just unveiled her latest investment in Cesta Collective, a female-led handbag company known for its hand-woven creations.
Meghan Markle discusses her brand-building power as she invests in Cesta Collective
In a rare and revealing interview, Meghan Markle admitted that her discovery of Cesta Collective was serendipitous, stemming from her habit of Googling "just looking for brands" during online shopping sessions, per Mirror.
The company celebrated for its exquisite, high-end bags handwoven by women in Rwanda before being finalized in Italy, caught Meghan's eye when she sported one of their bags last May. The sight of her and Prince Harry heading to dinner with Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow ignited a flurry of interest.
The brand's founders, delighted by Meghan's endorsement, promptly sent her a thank-you note, which led to her investment offer. Though Meghan chose not to disclose the amount, the company confirmed it was a minority stake.
Speaking to The New York Times after returning from the quasi-royal Colombia tour, Meghan reflected on her "power" in brand promotion.
She recalled her breakthrough moment in 2017, when her choice of a Strathberry bag in a royal engagement caused an instant sell-out, showcasing her ability to elevate brands.
The Duchess said, "Times where I know there is a global spotlight, and attention will be given to each detail of what I may or may not be wearing, then I support designers that I have really great friendships with, and smaller, up-and-coming brands that haven't gotten the attention that they should be getting."
She stressed, "That's one of the most powerful things that I’m able to do, and that’s simply wearing, like, an earring."
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's impact partnership and new ventures
This investment is just one of several ventures Meghan Markle has undertaken since stepping away from the royal family in January 2020 to pursue "financial independence."
Her first public investment post-royalty was in December 2020 with Clevr Blends, an ethical wellness brand known for its latte powders. Meghan's support helped the brand gain traction, including a boost from her friend Oprah Winfrey, who shared the product on social media.
In addition to her Clevr Blends investment, Meghan and Harry became "impact partners" with Ethic in 2021, a sustainable investment firm managing $1.3 billion. Their stake and compensation details remain undisclosed, but their commitment to socially responsible investments is clear.
Adding to her entrepreneurial repertoire, she recently launched American Riviera Orchard, a lifestyle brand with a tantalizing Instagram teaser showcasing her cooking and arranging white hydrangeas and roses. Despite some delays, the brand's trademark application hints at future offerings like recipe books, tableware, and preserves.
