Meghan Markle Faces Backlash for Appropriating Small Business Name in New Lifestyle Brand

Recently, Meghan Markle announced a name change for her lifestyle brand, moving from American Riviera Orchard to As Ever. This decision sparked controversy as there is already a small, established clothing brand in New York City with the same name.

Mark Kolski, the founder of As Ever NYC, quickly addressed the situation on social media. He reassured his followers that his brand has no connection to Markle’s. In his post, he expressed gratitude to long-time supporters and clarified that they were aware of the confusion surrounding the name.

Kolski shared the origins of his brand, which began in 2015 as a side project. Initially, he reworked vintage military styles for his wife. Over time, his designs gained popularity, and by 2017, As Ever became an official business. He emphasized the importance of his team and their family-run factory in New York and New Jersey, thanking all who contributed to its success.

Despite the backlash, social media users weighed in with strong reactions. Some accused Markle of trying to “snatch” a brand name that was already trademarked. Others speculated about the involvement of Netflix, hinting at a significant power disparity between Kolski’s small business and Markle’s new venture.

Kolski stated that he is exploring all options but is determined to keep his brand’s name. He highlighted the challenges facing small businesses when competing against larger entities with substantial resources and legal teams.

It’s worth noting that Markle’s As Ever brand will focus on lifestyle products, not clothing. She announced the name change in a video to her Instagram followers, expressing excitement about her upcoming show and the evolution of her brand.

Markle explained the reasoning behind her rebranding choice. She wanted to move beyond the limitations of her previous name, feeling it confined her to specific products linked to her location. With Netflix as a partner in her business, she felt it was time to refresh her brand identity.

In her announcement, Markle mentioned her plans to include a variety of products, notably fruit preserves, reflecting her personal interests in cooking and crafting. She shared her enthusiasm for unveiling new offerings soon, inviting her audience to join her on this journey.

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