Martha Stewart Shares Candid Thoughts on Meghan Markle’s As Ever Brand

Martha Stewart, the undisputed queen of lifestyle branding, recently offered her perspective on celebrities entering her domain, with particularly measured comments about Meghan Markle’s venture into the world of home and hospitality.

In a revealing interview with Yahoo Lifestyle Australia, the 83-year-old business mogul shared her thoughts on the growing trend of public figures launching lifestyle brands and the importance of authenticity and expertise in the competitive marketplace.

Stewart Says Authenticity Is Key

When discussing Markle’s transition from royal life to lifestyle entrepreneur, Stewart chose her words carefully. “Meghan, I don’t really know very well, and I hope she knows what she’s talking about,” Stewart said.

The “Martha Stewart Living” founder emphasized the critical elements needed for success in the lifestyle space. “Authenticity, to me, is everything, and to be authentic and knowledgeable about your subject matter is extremely important,” she explained, setting clear expectations for newcomers to the industry she helped establish decades ago.

Stewart’s comments come as Markle continues building her As Ever brand, which launched earlier this year alongside her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan.” The Duchess of Sussex has expanded her product line to include rosé wine, artisanal honey, specialty teas, and various spreads, with each release generating significant consumer interest and quick sellouts.

Interestingly, Markle previously expressed gratitude for comparisons to established lifestyle gurus. “Those are incredibly successful business women, so I don’t take that lightly. That means a lot if there’s any comparison made in that regard,” she said last month on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast.

Paltrow Gets Praise for Her Success

Stewart’s assessment of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop empire revealed a notably warmer tone. “Gwyneth has been very successful; she created quite an interesting body of businesses,” Stewart praised, according to Page Six. “She’s admired. She won an Oscar for heaven’s sake as an actress! She’s pretty powerful.”

The contrast in Stewart’s responses highlights the different trajectories these celebrities have taken in building their brands. Paltrow launched Goop in 2008 and has spent over a decade establishing credibility in the wellness and lifestyle space, while Markle’s brand represents a more recent entry into the market.

Despite her measured assessment, Stewart maintained a supportive stance toward newcomers in the lifestyle industry. When asked about potential successors, she offered encouragement with characteristic directness. “I don’t mind. Good luck!” she concluded, according to Parade.

Stewart also revealed she hasn’t yet watched Markle’s Netflix series, telling Access Hollywood in April, “I haven’t seen it yet, but I’ll watch an episode and see how she does. I’m curious,” demonstrating her interest in observing how the former actress approaches lifestyle content creation.