Article Title: Meghan Markle can make her Martha Stewart era a success – but she shouldn’t try to be relatable, PR pros say
Published In: Business Insider
Author: Samantha Grindell
Publication Date: March 4, 2025
Meghan Markle has re-entered the lifestyle space with the launch of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan and her upcoming lifestyle brand, As Ever. The Duchess of Sussex, known for her past blog The Tig, is returning to her passion for hosting and homemaking, showcasing products ranging from spreads and teas to crepe and cookie mixes. However, in a competitive and saturated market, the challenge for Meghan will be finding a unique and compelling brand identity that resonates with consumers.
Our founder of Hollywood Branded, Stacy Jones, was featured in the article, providing key insights into Meghan’s branding potential and challenges. According to Stacy, Meghan’s previous blog lacked the sophistication she has gained since becoming a royal, opening doors to a higher-tier product class. However, to make As Ever a success, Meghan must define a strong and consistent brand identity.
Quotes from Stacy Jones:
- “She was creating some branding, but it was not as cultured. It was not as refined. Becoming part of the royal family, she opened up a whole different level of product class.”
- “She will need a strong and unique selling point to make As Ever resonate.”
- “Most celebrity lifestyle brands cater to a polished, elite, mostly white audience. If Meghan embraces this community with real action, As Ever could be powerful. If she doesn’t, it may feel like she’s lost touch with the very people who saw themselves in her story.”
The article also highlights the importance of Meghan leveraging her fairy-tale narrative rather than attempting to be overly relatable. Stacy suggests that audiences might not connect with Meghan on a personal level but will engage with the aspirational aspects of her brand. With a Netflix series acting as a built-in marketing vehicle, Meghan has a unique opportunity to craft an engaging story around her products.
Hollywood Branded’s Expertise: Hollywood Branded has a proven track record of helping brands position themselves successfully within pop culture. From celebrity partnerships to branded content strategies, the agency understands how to craft compelling narratives that drive consumer engagement.
To succeed in the lifestyle market, Meghan Markle must establish a clear and authentic brand identity, tap into her strengths as a cultural icon, and leverage storytelling to make As Ever stand out. With a strategic approach, she could create a powerful and lasting brand that capitalizes on her global recognition.
For more insights on celebrity brand strategy, visit Hollywood Branded’s insight page
