In a recent interview with The New York Times, Meghan Markle described herself as a dolphin rather than a shark. This is quite amusing when you consider that dolphins can actually be pretty ruthless bullies in the ocean.
But back to Meghan. She's been busy with a press tour, even though nothing particularly new is launching. The Duchess seems intent on keeping her brand relevant, especially following her recent trip to Colombia. Let’s break it down:
Since Meghan and Harry moved from London to California, their lives have been anything but ordinary. They’ve debunked the myth of Windsor unity, had a second child, opened up to Oprah, participated in a documentary, and become regular tabloid fodder. Depending on your perspective, they’re either crusaders against a rigid, racist system or just self-serving grifters.
Throughout it all, Meghan’s knack for influencing merchandise sales has been notably high. Back in 2020, she started investing in a portfolio of female-run businesses. Her latest investment is in Sesta Collective, a handbag brand that specializes in handwoven baskets made by women in Rwanda and finished in Italy. Meghan discovered the brand while online shopping—something she admits she does a lot.
Meghan shared during a call from her home in Montecito, just after her Columbia trip, that she spends considerable time searching for new designers, particularly those in different regions. Her interest led her to Sesta Collective, where she offered to become their first external investor. The exact amount of her investment and her ownership percentage remain undisclosed, but it's noted to be a minority stake.
Meghan realized the impact of her wardrobe on sales back in 2017, when a Scottish brand's bag she wore sold out online within minutes. This experience shifted her perspective on fashion, making her aware of the potential to influence sales through her clothing choices. She now views her role as similar to dressing for a performance, using her fashion choices to support designers and brands that might otherwise be overlooked.
Sesta Collective’s bags, which are priced between $600 and $900, are produced in limited quantities. The brand focuses on responsible production and fair wages, which is admirable. However, there are concerns about whether the financial figures add up. The average annual salary in Rwanda is around $780, making the claimed wages for weavers seem inconsistent with this figure.
The article touches on how Sesta Collective’s efforts are improving the economic conditions for women in Rwanda, though skepticism remains about the true financial impact. The business model raises questions about profit margins and fair compensation.
While Meghan’s investments might be well-intentioned, there’s a sense that her role in these ventures is overstated. The idea that she "discovered" Sesta Collective and is a major driver behind its success seems somewhat embellished. The reality might be more about capitalizing on existing opportunities rather than creating them.
