Meghan Markle Aims to Compete with America’s Lifestyle Icons

In a bold move, Meghan Markle is gearing up to carve out her niche in the lifestyle industry as she approaches the final year of her Netflix contract.

Sources close to the Duchess of Sussex reveal that she plans to challenge some of America's most beloved lifestyle figures, including Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, and Joanna Gaines.

As speculation rises that her Netflix deal will not be renewed when it expires next year, Markle is reportedly positioning herself to become a lifestyle entrepreneur akin to Gwyneth Paltrow.

Markle's spokesperson has hinted that her upcoming Netflix project will resonate with the essence of her former lifestyle blog, The Tig.

An insider disclosed that Meghan intends to play the game of lifestyle branding against established names like Martha Stewart and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The strategy seems clear: leverage her celebrity status to create a compelling lifestyle brand.

To bolster her ambitions, Markle is seeking guidance from influential friends in the fashion and lifestyle sectors.

Notably, she recently lunched with Claire Wade Keller, the designer behind her iconic wedding dress, at the trendy Beverly Hills eatery Kachoni.

Keller has just inked a significant deal with Uniqlo, which could provide valuable insights for Markle's venture.

Additionally, Victoria Jackson, a well-known QVC star and makeup entrepreneur, is also in her corner, offering advice on how to navigate this competitive landscape.

This month, Markle was spotted engaging in cooking activities at the Southern California Welcome Project, where she prepared traditional Afghan dishes.

This hands-on experience may serve as a stepping stone for her lifestyle aspirations.

A source from Hollywood commented that it wouldn't be surprising if Markle aimed to establish her own lifestyle empire.

However, they cautioned that authenticity is key.

To truly resonate with audiences, Markle would need to come across as relatable and genuine, much like Drew Barrymore.

Experts suggest that while Markle dreams of becoming a lifestyle guru similar to Stewart or Gaines, achieving success in this arena requires a level of openness about her personal life.

Rachel Richardson, a former Snapchat executive, emphasized that the triumphs of figures like Martha Stewart stem from their willingness to share intimate aspects of their lives.

Although Markle has allowed glimpses into her world through various media appearances, a successful lifestyle show would necessitate a more profound level of transparency.

Richardson also raised concerns about Markle's branding strategy, particularly regarding the use of royal symbols like the coat of arms featured on the new Sussex.com website.

Exploiting such royal connections for commercial purposes could potentially create tensions with the palace, as it's generally frowned upon.

The prospect of Duchess of Sussex-branded products, from cookware to yoga mats, might generate interest, but the reality is less clear-cut.

The notion of Markle pivoting to lifestyle branding seems to contrast sharply with her earlier ambitions.

Just a few years ago, she envisioned herself as an A-list actress collaborating with top-tier talent in blockbuster films.

Now, however, her aspirations appear to have shifted significantly, leading her to consider ventures she once deemed beneath her.

Critics are skeptical about Markle's potential success in this new domain.

Some argue that her lack of culinary skills and questionable fashion sense could hinder her efforts.

The lifestyle market is saturated with established personalities who possess both talent and charisma, making it a challenging environment for newcomers like Markle.

Moreover, the comparison to Martha Stewart raises eyebrows.

Stewart famously rose from her past challenges with resilience, while Markle's journey seems fraught with uncertainty.

Observers wonder whether Markle can capture the same level of public admiration and trust that has propelled Stewart and others to success.

Despite the hurdles, Markle's determination to enter the lifestyle space is undeniable.

Whether she can successfully navigate the complexities of this industry remains to be seen.

With the clock ticking on her Netflix contract, all eyes will be on her next moves as she attempts to redefine her brand and carve out a space among America's lifestyle elite.