Truth behind Meghan Markle's quest to be next Chip and Joanna Gaines as she soft-launches lifestyle brand

LONDON, ENGLAND: After years of speculation, Meghan Markle soft-launched her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard in March 2024. "By Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. Established 2024," the brand's official Instagram bio states, accompanied by nine photos that combine to form the brand's gold script emblem in its entirety.

However, some people think that Meghan's new business is a direct result of her dubious past and is just a jab at the Magnolia brand owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines, per Nicki Swift.

Meghan Markle's American Riviera Orchard reportedly copied Chip and Joanna Gaines' Magnolia

Back in February, sources revealed to Page Six that Meghan intended to become a huge star in the lifestyle sector. "From what I understand, I think Meghan will take on Martha Stewart, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Ina Garten and play them at their own game," said the insider.

Business adviser Rachel Richardson noted that Meghan would have to pay a high price in terms of privacy if she wanted to achieve the same level of success as Chip and Joanna Gaines. She said, "Authenticity is key in the lifestyle arena and those that succeed tend to be willing to share their whole lives."

Richardson added, "In 'Harry and Meghan' [Netflix documentary] and the Oprah interview, Megan let cameras capture some aspects of her private life. But to pull off a successful lifestyle show she'll have to be prepared to swing the door all the way open."

According to Daily Mail, Meghan's possible move was somewhat similar to what Joanna Gaines did with her company Magnolia, which is revealed in great detail in the trademark filings for American Riviera Orchard.

The Duchess is allegedly aiming for a lifestyle throne, and a cursory glance at the US Patent and Trademark Office website confirmed that she intends to market a wide range of products and services. Meghan included a list of products in the applications, including stationery, food, drinks, kitchen equipment, home goods and bath accessories. This is quite similar to Gaines' Magnolia brand.

There might be competition in the works because a glance at Gaines' Magnolia business reveals several other products that resemble the ones Meghan is reported to have applied for, per SHE Media.

Meghan Markle reportedly wanted to compete with Joanna Gaines on Netflix

Netflix and Meghan have been working together since 2020, producing intriguing docuseries like 'Harry & Meghan and Live to Lead.' In 2025, her time as a streamer will come to an end.

Recent allegations have surfaced that Meghan wanted to follow in the footsteps of Joanna Gaines, but only on the streaming service. However, becoming a lifestyle guru is a lofty aim with many obstacles to overcome.

Interior designer Joanna Gaines achieved great success following her HGTV debut. The Magnolia Network, which focuses on programming related to home repair and food, was founded by Joanna and her spouse, Chip. Joanna hosts her own cooking show on the network called 'Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines.' She is merely one individual who has succeeded as a lifestyle expert.

Meghan appeared to be interested in creating a Netflix project that is akin to her previous lifestyle blog, 'The Tig.'

However, according to Richardson, if the royal wants to launch that business and follow in the footsteps of celebrities like Martha Stewart and others, she needs to take care of a very essential task first.

She told Page Six, "The reason Martha, Joanna and Gwyneth have crushed it is because they’ve let viewers into their most private spaces and shared their biggest secrets." While it might seem unlikely that Meghan would become Netflix's Joanna Gaines, she still possesses the skills necessary to be successful.

It also appeared that the Duchess had been consulting with Claire Waight Keller—her wedding dress designer—who inked a major contract with Victoria Jackson of QVC and Uniqlo, per CinemaBlend.