Martha Stewart Criticizes Meghan Markle's Lifestyle Brand and Questions Her Authenticity

Martha Stewart’s Take on Meghan Markle’s Lifestyle Ventures

Martha Stewart, a name synonymous with lifestyle and business success, has recently shared her thoughts on Meghan Markle's foray into the lifestyle sphere. The 83-year-old entrepreneur, known for her extensive influence in the world of home and food, was asked about the Duchess of Sussex's new ventures, including her As Ever brand and Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan.

In an interview, Stewart expressed her views on the importance of authenticity in the lifestyle industry. "Authenticity, to me, is everything, and to be authentic and knowledgeable about your subject matter is extremely important," she said. While she admitted she doesn’t know Meghan very well, she hoped the duchess knew what she was talking about.

A Contrast in Success

Stewart’s comments were not entirely negative, but they did highlight a contrast between her own career and that of Meghan. She praised Gwyneth Paltrow, founder of Goop and an Oscar-winning actress, calling her "very successful" and noting that she had built "an interesting body of businesses." Stewart also emphasized Paltrow's achievements, stating, "She won an Oscar, for heaven’s sake! She’s pretty powerful."

When asked about celebrities trying to follow in her footsteps, Stewart responded with a simple, "I don't mind. Good luck." However, her perspective on Meghan Markle seems more complex.

The Criticism Surrounding Meghan Markle

This isn't the first time Stewart has been questioned about Meghan Markle. An insider previously claimed that Stewart avoids discussing the former Suits actress, citing irritation at being compared to someone she sees as a "rookie." According to the source, Stewart has seen many similar figures come and go, all with "self-inflated hype" that eventually fades when reality sets in.

The insider added that Stewart spent decades building her brand and believes Meghan's path is different. "If Meghan thinks she can come along and replicate that with barely any experience simply because she’s married to a prince, she better think again," the source said. While Stewart may not believe in Meghan’s chances of success, she wouldn’t hesitate to challenge her if she proves to be a real competitor.

Avoiding the Topic

Earlier this year, during a live conversation with Benjamin Law, Stewart refused to answer a question about Meghan’s brand. When a journalist brought up the topic, she simply replied, "No, I'm not going there," and moved on to the next question. This response suggests that Stewart is not eager to engage with the discussion, especially given the public scrutiny surrounding Meghan’s ventures.

Challenges Faced by As Ever

Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand has faced its share of challenges since its launch. Customers have reported issues with refunds due to items being sold out, and the brand initially had to change its name from American Riviera Orchard due to trademark concerns. These obstacles have led to mixed reviews, raising questions about the sustainability of the brand.

Despite these hurdles, Meghan continues to push forward, leveraging her platform and royal connections to build her presence in the lifestyle industry. Whether or not she will achieve the same level of success as Martha Stewart remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the journey will be anything but easy.