Meghan Markle has been making waves in the lifestyle industry since she launched her brand and Netflix show in early 2025. Her series, “With Love, Meghan,” offers a glimpse into her life, showcasing her kitchen, garden, and home, alongside celebrity friends like Mindy Kaling and Abigail Spencer. The show features a mix of tea parties, sleepovers, cooking, and crafting, capturing the essence of Markle’s personal and professional journey.
In conjunction with the show’s debut in March 2025, Markle rebranded her food line, originally known as American Riviera Orchard, to “As Ever.” The limited collection, which includes jams, honey, and tea, sold out almost immediately, though it received mixed reviews from celebrities and critics alike. Notably, lifestyle icons such as Martha Stewart and Gwyneth Paltrow have expressed their opinions on Markle’s new ventures.
Craig Conover, star of “Southern Charm,” recently weighed in on Markle’s foray into the lifestyle space. During a June 2025 episode of “The Toast” podcast, he was asked if he felt Meghan was in competition with him and his brand, Sewing Down South. Conover dismissed the idea, stating, “No, no, no! I truly believe that the more collaborative you are, the higher you will go.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relationships, saying, “Burning bridges with people is not the way to the top.”
Conover humorously noted that both he and Markle share a passion for beekeeping and honey harvesting, joking that they might be “racing to be the next Martha Stewart.” However, he also mentioned that Markle’s past acting role on “Suits” occasionally bothers him, saying, “Sometimes you’re not that far away from Rachel, Meghan,” referring to her character on the show.
Martha Stewart, the undisputed queen of the lifestyle market, has also commented on Markle’s new series. When asked about it in April 2025, Stewart quipped, “Has it started?” Although she admitted to being late to the party, she expressed curiosity and a willingness to watch an episode to see how Markle performs.
Sandra Lee, a Food Network star, praised Markle’s “With Love, Meghan,” describing it as “beautifully filmed.” She expressed surprise at the backlash the show received, stating, “It didn’t seem fair.” Lee noted that all lifestyle shows blend relatable and aspirational elements, and she appreciated the serene content Markle provided.
Gwyneth Paltrow, founder of the lifestyle brand Goop, shared her thoughts in a March 2025 interview with Vanity Fair. While she had not seen the trailer for Markle’s show, she expressed support for women in the industry, saying, “I think there’s always more than enough to go around. Everybody deserves an attempt at everything that they want to try.”
Despite the positive feedback from some, Markle’s rebranding efforts have faced criticism. Bethenny Frankel, a former “Real Housewives of New York” star and successful businesswoman, took to TikTok to address what she perceived as an “identity issue” with Markle’s brand. Frankel suggested that Markle’s shift in branding was an attempt to present a more relatable image after being criticized for her previous polished presentation. She argued, “It’s hard for people to be authentic when they’re not really sure on their own who they are or what it is.”
The dynamic between Markle and her celebrity peers is complex. While some have expressed support, others have raised eyebrows at her transition from royal to lifestyle guru. The question of authenticity looms large, especially given Markle’s high-profile past as an actress and member of the British royal family.
As the lifestyle industry continues to evolve, Markle’s journey offers a fascinating case study of how celebrities navigate personal branding, public perception, and the challenges of entering a competitive market. With Conover, Stewart, Paltrow, and Frankel weighing in, it’s clear that Markle’s endeavors will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.
In the world of celebrity lifestyle brands, collaboration and competition often go hand in hand. As Markle, Conover, and others strive to carve out their niches, the landscape will undoubtedly shift, raising the stakes for all involved. Whether they succeed or falter, one thing is certain: the race to become the next Martha Stewart is on, and the spotlight is shining bright on Meghan Markle and her peers.
