Meghan Markle has finally launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, with an eagerly awaited newsletter to her fans.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. In her announcement, the Duchess of Sussex introduced a range of products, including raspberry jam, lemon ginger tea, and crepe mix.
While her offerings were well-received, an awkward typo caught the attention of many.
Meghan provided a link to the As Ever Instagram account, but the handle was misspelled as @aseveroffical instead of @aseverofficial.
Although the link still led to the correct page, the error did not go unnoticed by fans.
A Touch of Montecito Magic
In her announcement, Meghan described how the products aim to capture the magic of her life in Montecito.
She mentioned that the raspberry jam would be packaged in “keepsake packaging” which buyers could repurpose for storing love notes or other treasures.
She even suggested that the jar could later be used as a small vase or a pen holder.
Alongside the jam, she introduced the crepe mix, which reminded her of backpacking through France as a student, offering a nostalgic touch to her brand.
Meghan’s Attention to Detail Under Scrutiny
While Meghan has long been known for her meticulous attention to detail, this mistake stood out to fans. Many people took to social media to express their disbelief.
One fan wrote, “Her freakish attention to detail is amazing. Truly.
Astonishing,” while others pointed out the unusual capitalization choices in her communication.
It’s clear that for all the love she receives, not all fans are pleased with every aspect of her new venture.
Packaging Controversy
The launch of As Ever also faced some controversy regarding its packaging.
Meghan’s raspberry jam, for instance, comes in a large white box, almost double the size of the actual jar.
The excessive packaging left some fans scratching their heads, with one commenting, “It’s just jam! It doesn’t require an entire presentation.”
Others voiced concerns about the environmental impact, questioning how much the packaging costs compared to the actual product.
Challenges in Branding and Trademarking
Meghan has faced hurdles even before launching her products.
She had to rebrand her business after running into trademark issues with the original name, American Riviera Orchard.
Her new brand name, As Ever, is still awaiting trademark approval, and her Instagram handles were quickly claimed by others, which further complicated matters.
Celebrity Support for As Ever
Despite these challenges, Meghan’s lifestyle brand has garnered support from some well-known figures.
Her former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, celebrity hairdresser Ben Skervin, and Pilates instructor Heather Dorak have all shared posts promoting the brand.
Their endorsements helped create buzz around the release of the jam and other products, even though some fans are still confused by the overall concept.
Environmental Concerns and High-Profile Endorsements
Meghan’s brand isn’t just about food; it also includes high-end products that she personally endorses.
Her Instagram shop features items like a £1,000 sleeveless gown, £600 sandals, and £200 earrings.
These commercial tie-ups, alongside her As Ever range, suggest that Meghan is aiming to tap into the luxury market, which may be lucrative but also raises questions about the accessibility of her brand.
Ongoing Launch Hiccups and Netflix Show Delays
Meghan’s As Ever brand wasn’t her only project facing setbacks.
Her Netflix cookery show, With Love, Meghan, was delayed due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
The series, which was finally released earlier this month, has already been renewed for a second season, but delays have caused frustration for those eagerly awaiting more content from the Duchess.
Looking Forward to More As Ever Products
As the As Ever brand grows, fans are eager to see what other products Meghan will introduce.
From the limited-edition raspberry jam to upcoming spring releases like Wildflower Honey, Hibiscus Tea, and Shortbread Cookies, it seems Meghan is slowly building her empire.
Only time will tell if the attention to detail in her branding and packaging can overcome the bumps in the road and turn her lifestyle line into a long-lasting success.