In a turn of events more suited for Hollywood drama, Meghan Markle’s recent business endeavors seem to have stumbled in the shallow waters of entrepreneurship. It all started with the exciting news that Jamie Kern Lima, Markle's self-made billionaire friend, would be appearing as a guest shark on the 16th season of *Shark Tank*. However, it appears Meghan's aspirations of joining the "Sharky" venture have fizzled out faster than a beached dolphin.
Rumors suggest that Markle had been eager to ride on the coattails of Lima's success, allegedly asking her to take her along for the *Shark Tank* experience. But the invitation never came. Instead, Meghan was left watching from the sidelines, trying to convince the public that her own business ventures are just as exciting—hence the comparison to a "dolphin tank."
In a social media post, Lima announced, "I’m so excited to be a guest shark on #SharkTank Season 16," leaving Markle out of the entrepreneurial limelight. Meanwhile, Meghan was busy with her latest investment in Cesta Collective, a company known for its ethically made, handwoven bags. After reportedly discovering the brand online, Markle invested in the company, gushing about how the bags are made by women in Rwanda and finished in Italy—an attempt to present herself as a serious entrepreneur.
The media frenzy around Markle’s investment in Cesta Collective conveniently lined up with a photo opportunity where she was spotted wearing one of the brand’s bags. However, her investment portfolio—packed with female-run companies—has led critics to label her as a "wannabe influencer," trying to hitch herself to the success of others. What’s even more ironic is how Meghan framed her business style as a “dolphin tank,” promoting a more supportive environment compared to *Shark Tank’s* cutthroat atmosphere. Yet, this attempt to portray warmth feels more like a desperate gimmick than a genuine mission.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Markle endeavor without its share of drama. Reports suggest that one of her recent projects, launched with great fanfare, quickly spiraled into chaos. Investors began pulling out, leaving Meghan stunned. The venture, once hailed as groundbreaking, crumbled amid whispers that exaggerated claims about the brand's worth had caught up with her. After all, it’s hard to convince investors that your idea is worth millions when it's barely worth the paper it’s printed on.
This debacle sent shockwaves through the business community, raising doubts about Meghan’s abilities as a serious entrepreneur. Critics were quick to point out her missteps, as they often do when she tries to seize the spotlight. In a moment of what witnesses described as "explosive frustration," Meghan reportedly unleashed her anger as her entrepreneurial dreams came crashing down. It seems that even a former royal isn't immune to the harsh realities of the business world.
Her other ill-fated venture, the American Riviera Orchard, also failed to generate much excitement. After sending jars of overpriced jam to celebrity friends, Markle found herself on the receiving end of criticism instead of admiration. “Meghan was in tears when the brand launched,” claimed royal expert Tom Quinn. It seems that when the world doesn’t fawn over every little thing she does, things can get tough.
In an attempt to salvage her floundering image, Markle is reportedly planning a PR blitz. Expect to see her making appearances on talk shows and podcasts, trying to drum up interest and sympathy. But after this series of business blunders, the question remains: Can anyone still take Meghan Markle seriously as an entrepreneur?
