Meghan Markle’s recent business endeavors have hit a rough patch, raising eyebrows and sparking controversy.
After being denied a trademark for her brand “American Riviera Orchard,” the Duchess of Sussex is now facing significant criticism for her investment in a handbag company called Sesta Collective.
Many are dubbing it “Povertycorn,” and the backlash is intensifying.
Let’s dive into the details and unpack what’s happening.
First, the trademark denial is quite a blunder.
You would think that someone with Markle’s profile would have her legal ducks in a row before making such announcements.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected her application because it deemed the term too geographically descriptive.
The name “American Riviera” references Santa Barbara, where Markle resides, and the office pointed out that the addition of the word “orchard” doesn’t change its geographical nature.
It’s baffling how this oversight occurred, especially when launching a brand that aims for a high-end image.
Markle’s team seems to be downplaying the situation, claiming that they expected some pushback.
Yet, they now face the daunting task of proving their case.
The government agency has warned that the trademark application could intersect with various categories, meaning they can’t just claim ownership over everything.
It’s not as if someone is trying to hijack her brand; rather, she’s attempting to monopolize a term that many businesses already associate with the area.
This brings us to the broader implications of her business strategy.
The idea of trademarking a well-known geographical term raises questions about fairness, especially for local businesses.
Imagine living in Santa Barbara and seeing Markle trying to lay claim to a name that resonates with your community.
It’s reminiscent of past attempts by others to trademark common terms, like the Fine Brothers wanting to own the word “react” on YouTube—a move that backfired spectacularly.
In addition to the trademark fiasco, Markle’s investment in Sesta Collective is also under fire.
The brand sells handbags made from materials sourced in Rwanda, and while the co-founders tout their commitment to fair wages, critics argue that they are exploiting the very women they claim to support.
A TikToker named Georgie has been vocal about this issue, pointing out the problematic nature of using Rwandan women as marketing props while they receive meager compensation.
Sesta Collective claims to pay its Rwandan artisans five to seven times the national average salary.
However, when you break down the numbers, it becomes clear that these women are still being underpaid.
The average monthly salary in Rwanda is around $43, and even the higher end of what Sesta pays—about $215—doesn’t seem fair when set against the retail prices of their handbags.
The disparity raises eyebrows: is this really about helping these women, or merely a clever marketing tactic?
Critics are quick to note that the imagery used in promotional materials is particularly troubling.
Photos showcasing Western women interacting with Rwandan artisans can come off as patronizing, suggesting that these women are mere accessories to enhance the brands of their wealthier counterparts.
This approach not only undermines the artisans’ contributions but also perpetuates a narrative that equates financial success with exploitation.
Markle’s brand strategy appears to lean heavily on the notion of social responsibility, yet the execution leaves much to be desired.
If the goal is to empower these women, why not involve them more directly in the business?
They should have ownership stakes or at least be compensated fairly for their roles in creating the products.
Instead, it feels like a classic case of Western capitalism, where profits are prioritized over genuine community upliftment.
The controversy surrounding Markle’s ventures serves as a reminder that good intentions are not enough.
It’s crucial to ensure that business practices align with ethical standards, particularly when dealing with marginalized communities.
As the backlash grows, Markle may need to reconsider her approach if she hopes to salvage her reputation and her brand.
As we continue to follow this unfolding story, it’s evident that starting a business isn’t as easy as one might think, especially when navigating the complexities of branding and ethics.
Markle’s experiences highlight the challenges of balancing ambition with social responsibility.
How she addresses these setbacks will be key in determining the future of her business endeavors.
With both the trademark denial and the backlash over Sesta Collective, Meghan Markle finds herself at a crossroads.
The coming months will reveal whether she can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and change.
For now, the scrutiny over her business practices remains intense, and many are eager to see how she will respond.
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