Meghan Markle Says She's in a 'Chapter' of 'Investing in Myself' in New Interview

Mar. 15, 2025

Meghan Markle in Cali, Colombia on Aug. 18, 2024.Photo:RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty

RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty

Meghan Markleis in an era of investment, both in others and in herself.

In a new interview withThe New York Timespublished on Aug. 28, the Duchess of Sussex, 43, revealed that she invested in the female-founded, sustainably sourced handbag brandCesta Collective— and spoke about how she is investing in herself, as well.

Meghan referenced how the global interest in her style following her engagement toPrince Harryin 2017 “changed everything” about her approach to fashion and later led her to invest in brands she believes in.

“Investing in them has helped me line up for this chapter where I’m investing in myself,” the Duchess of Sussex said.

According to the outlet, Meghan views her investment initiatives as a “dolphin tank,” not a “Shark Tank,” seemingly referring to the hit business pitch show on ABC.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Cali, Colombia on Aug. 18, 2024.Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

As opposed to the typical cutthroat nature of business, when it comes to Meghan’s investments, “These are friendly waters,” she toldThe New York Times.

Meghan mentioned that there are between five and 10 brands currently in her portfolio, and said she sees them as complementary to her forthcoming lifestyle brandAmerican Riviera Orchard. The Duchess of Sussex unveiled a web presence for the venture in March and has filed paperwork topursue trademarksfor exclusive rights to sell tableware, home décor, cosmetics, cookbooks, jarred food products, yoga gear, pet accessories and much more. Friends including Nacho Figueras and Tracy Robbins have since posted photos of what appears to be American Riviera Orchard’s first product:jam.

A source previously told PEOPLE that Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard “will reflect everythingthat she loves — family, cooking, entertaining and home décor” and was “something she’s been wanting to do for a while.”

And Meghan is no stranger to the lifestyle space — before she began dating and later married Prince Harry, Meghan highlighted similar content on herlifestyle blogThe Tig, which she affectionately referred to as her “passion project.”

Meghan Markle in Cartagena, Colombia on Aug. 17, 2024.Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

The Duchess of Sussex said this “changed everything in terms of how I then looked at putting an outfit together” and inspired her to use fashion as a force for good.

“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,” Meghan said. “That’s one of the most powerful things that I’m able to do, and that’s simply wearing, like, an earring.”

After Meghan carried a Cesta bag to a dinner with Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz and their husbands in 2023, Ryder said the brand had “more sales in one day than we’ve ever had.”

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“I spend a lot of time just Googling, looking for brands,” Meghan said. “When people are online looking for things or reading things, I’m trying to find great new designers, especially in different territories.”

Putting her words into action, she recently highlighted several Colombian designers during hertrip to the countrywith Prince Harry from Aug. 15 to Aug. 18.

source: people.com