With Love, Meghan: Why Her Brand Pivot Actually Worked

With Love, Meghan: Why Her Brand Pivot Actually Worked

If you’ve spent any time on the internet over the last year, you’ve probably seen the headlines. You know the ones—the ones that predicted total disaster for Meghan Markle’s foray into the lifestyle world. First, it was the "American Riviera Orchard" logo that appeared out of nowhere. Then, the cryptic jars of strawberry jam sent to fifty lucky friends. Then, silence.

People were ready to call it a flop.

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But then March 2025 happened. The Duchess didn't just launch a brand; she basically flipped the script on how we view celebrity "influencing" by leaning into a title that felt way more personal: With Love, Meghan.

Honestly, the pivot from the wordy "American Riviera Orchard" to the streamlined As Ever brand and the accompanying Netflix series With Love, Meghan was the move nobody saw coming. It wasn't just a rebrand. It was a tactical retreat that turned into a massive commercial victory. As of early 2026, the numbers are starting to leak, and they are kind of staggering.

The Rebrand That Saved the Orchard

Let's be real: "American Riviera Orchard" was a mouthful. It sounded like a high-end retirement community in Santa Barbara. Meghan eventually admitted as much during a podcast appearance, calling the original name a "word salad."

There was also the messy reality of trademark law. You can't really own the name of a geographic region, and the US Patent and Trademark Office wasn't exactly handing over the keys to the "American Riviera" without a fight.

So, she went back to basics.

As Ever became the umbrella for the products—the jams, the now-famous black leather bookmarks, and that rosé that sold out faster than concert tickets. But the heart of the project, the thing that actually connects the Duchess to her audience, is the Netflix series With Love, Meghan.

Why the Show "With Love, Meghan" is Different

Most lifestyle shows feel like a lecture. They’re clinical. They’re perfect. With Love, Meghan feels like a high-budget hang.

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The first season, which dropped in March 2025, ditched the stiff royal protocol for something much more L.A. You’ve got Meghan in her garden, hair up, literally rolling up her sleeves with people like Roy Choi and Mindy Kaling. It’s not just about the recipe; it’s about the "intentionality" (a word she uses a lot, by the way).

One of the standout moments involved her and chef Samin Nosrat making apple butter. They weren't just cooking; they were talking about the roast chicken dinner that led to her proposal. It’s that mix of "how-to" and "I'm-telling-you-a-secret" that makes the show work for Google Discover. It’s clicky, but it actually has substance.

What Most People Get Wrong About the Business

There’s this persistent myth that the brand is just a "vanity project."

The January 2026 website glitch proved otherwise. Internal data—briefly exposed to the public—showed that her Signature Fruit Spread Gift Box alone moved roughly one million units. At $42 a pop, we aren't talking about a hobby. We’re talking about a $40 million revenue stream from jam alone.

Critics like Jan Moir have been quick to point out "teething problems," and yeah, the website has crashed more than a few times. But from a business perspective? Selling out of 70,000 bottles of wine in under an hour isn't a failure. It’s a supply chain nightmare, sure, but it’s a massive success in terms of demand.

The product lineup has expanded way beyond the kitchen:

  • Sustainably sourced leather bookmarks (with her own calligraphy).
  • Mulling kits for cider (huge during the 2025 holiday season).
  • Edible flower sprinkles (a bit niche, but they sell).
  • Hand-poured candles and stationery.

The "Tig" Energy is Back

If you remember The Tig, Meghan's old blog from her Suits days, you’ll recognize the DNA here. She’s always loved the "curated life."

But the 2026 version of Meghan is different. She’s less of a "blogger" and more of a "founder." By partnering with Netflix to sell products directly through "Netflix House" retail locations in cities like Dallas and Philly, she’s bypassed the traditional department store route.

It's a "closed-loop" ecosystem. You watch her make the focaccia on Netflix, you get the notification on your phone, and you buy the olive oil she used from the As Ever site. It’s smart. It’s modern. And it’s exactly why the "From Meghan with Love" sentiment resonates—it feels like a direct line from her kitchen to yours.

The Sustainability Factor

You can't talk about With Love, Meghan without mentioning the ethics. She’s leaned hard into local sourcing. Whether it’s the honey harvested from her own hives or the "supple black leather" for her bookmarks, everything is branded as sustainable.

Is it expensive? Yes.
Is it for everyone? Probably not.
But the audience she’s targeting—the people who want a piece of that Montecito lifestyle—don't seem to mind the price tag.

What Happens Next?

The second season of the show and the 2025 Holiday Special have already cemented the brand's place in the cultural zeitgeist. As we head further into 2026, the rumors of her entering the hospitality space (hotels or "wellness retreats") are getting louder.

If you’re looking to get the "Meghan look" or replicate the vibe of the show, start with the basics. Don't go out and buy a whole orchard. Focus on the small things: handwritten labels, locally sourced honey, and the "intentionality" of hosting a few friends for a simple lunch.

Next steps for the inspired:

  • Check the restock cycles: Her site usually drops new batches on Tuesdays; sign up for the waitlist if you actually want the jam.
  • Watch the "Holiday Celebration" episode: Even if you aren't a fan, the DIY gift-wrapping tips are genuinely useful for saving money while looking "high-end."
  • Look for the Netflix House pop-ups: If you're in a major US city, you can finally see the quality of the linens and tableware in person before dropping $100+ online.