Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has hinted at a pause for her new lifestyle brand, "As ever." On her podcast, she shared her desire to wait until products are fully stocked before making further announcements. This comes after her launch in March, which saw all items sell out in just 45 minutes.
However, moments later, she posted on Instagram to share that popular products would return this month, including some exciting new items.
Meghan’s brand offers jams, edible flower sprinkles, teas, and dried biscuit mixes, created alongside her Netflix cooking series, With Love, Meghan. The overwhelming initial demand raised eyebrows; some speculated it might have been a marketing tactic. In her podcast episode with Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother, Meghan discussed how they hadn’t fully planned for such success and how they’re focusing on a long-term strategy.
She expressed concern that the rush to sell out might frustrate customers. "I don’t want you to eat that jam once every six months. I want that to be on your shelf all the time," she said. Balancing excitement and availability is essential for her brand’s future.
Despite these challenges, Meghan revealed she’s faced numerous obstacles in building "As ever." Originally named American Riviera Orchard, she had to change the title due to trademark issues. Now, she is exploring the hospitality sector and hinted at a future clothing line.
Interestingly, as of recent reports, 89% of small business owners struggle with product availability, highlighting a common challenge for new brands. Understanding customer demands can help guide future offerings, reflecting broader trends in the market.
The Duchess aims to transition from food items to hospitality, emphasizing the importance of listening to customer needs. "I think the hospitality angle is really exciting for me," she added.
Her journey is not only about products but also about creating a brand that resonates with her audience. As she prepares for the next phase, focusing on stability and clear strategy will be vital.
For more insights on entrepreneurship and lifestyle branding, check out resources from Harvard Business Review.