In a twist of irony worthy of Hollywood, Meghan Markle’s recent entrepreneurial efforts have taken a plunge into the shallow waters of business with the announcement that Jamie Kern Lima, Meghan’s self-made billionaire best friend, will appear as a guest shark on Shark Tank for its 16th season.
It seems that Meghan’s hopes of joining the ranks of successful investors have fizzled faster than a beached dolphin. Rumors suggest that Markle had tried to hitch a ride on Lima’s rising fame by allegedly pleading with her to secure a spot on Shark Tank as well. However, the invitation never materialized.
Lima expressed her excitement on social media, posting, "I’m so thrilled to be a guest shark on #SharkTank season 16," while Markle appeared to focus on her latest investment in Cesta Collective, a brand known for its ethically-made, handwoven bags. Meghan reportedly discovered the brand while browsing online and couldn’t resist boasting about how the bags are crafted by women in Rwanda and finished in Italy. Her enthusiasm for the product made her seem like she was trying hard to appear as a serious entrepreneur. Meanwhile, the media frenzy surrounding Markle’s investment appeared to align conveniently with a photo op, where she was seen sporting one of Cesta’s bags. Her portfolio, which features investments primarily in women-led companies, only reinforces her reputation as someone trying to ride the wave of other people’s success.
What’s particularly amusing is how Meghan has styled her business approach as a "dolphin tank," suggesting a more supportive and less aggressive environment compared to the cutthroat competition of Shark Tank. Yet, this warm, self-branded persona feels more like a marketing gimmick than a sincere mission. One can’t help but wonder if Meghan truly believes she can outshine her royal ties by simply attaching a friendly label to questionable business tactics.
In typical Markle fashion, her ventures have not been without their share of controversy. Reports indicate that a recent project, launched with much fanfare in the Hamptons, quickly spiraled into chaos as investors began pulling out, leaving Meghan in a state of disbelief. What was supposed to be a groundbreaking endeavor collapsed amidst whispers that her inflated claims about the venture’s value had finally caught up with her. After all, it’s difficult to convince investors that your idea is worth millions when it barely justifies its existence on paper. This fiasco sent shockwaves through the business world, igniting skepticism about Meghan’s capabilities as a serious entrepreneur. Critics, never slow to point out her missteps, seized the opportunity to scrutinize her actions. Witnesses even described her reaction as one of explosive frustration when her dreams came crashing down. It seems that not even a former royal is immune to the harsh realities of the competitive business world.
As for her other ill-fated venture, American Riviera Orchard, the public response has been lukewarm at best. After sending out jars of overpriced jam to celebrity friends, Meghan found herself on the receiving end of ridicule rather than admiration. Royal expert Tom Quinn noted that "Meghan was in tears when the brand launched," adding, "It’s tough when the world doesn’t fawn over every little thing you do, isn’t it, Meghan?" In a desperate attempt to salvage her crumbling public image, Markle is reportedly planning a full-scale PR blitz. Expect to see her making appearances on talk shows and podcasts in an effort to generate interest and sympathy. However, after this series of blunders, one must ask—can anyone take her seriously anymore?
