Meghan Markle appears to be stepping away from her struggling business ventures, but in doing so, she has introduced yet another fiasco.
Her latest endeavor involves a brand name seemingly plucked from thin air—except it already belongs to someone else. Enter Mark K., the founder of As Ever NYC, a vintage-inspired workwear brand that he has spent over a decade carefully crafting. Unlike Meghan, he built his business from the ground up, putting in real effort to create something of value rather than simply attaching his name to a pre-existing concept and expecting instant success.
Mark K., a man of quiet professionalism, found himself at the center of Markle’s latest misstep when she announced her new lifestyle brand under the “As Ever” name. Instead of engaging in a public spectacle, he responded with composure, consulting legal professionals and assessing his trademark rights. His approach was measured, far more dignified than Meghan’s usual strategy of playing the victim while simultaneously trying to profit from her own PR disasters.
Mark K.’s success is the result of talent, persistence, and genuine hard work. He began his journey in a vintage shop, upcycling clothing and gradually gaining recognition. In stark contrast, Meghan has relied on expensive PR campaigns to manufacture an image of success. While he has spent over a decade running a thriving business, she has left behind a trail of failed multimillion-dollar deals and abandoned partnerships.
Predictably, Meghan’s attempt to claim “As Ever” as her own has spectacularly backfired. Instead of strengthening her brand, she has inadvertently given As Ever NYC a massive wave of publicity. Mark K.’s Instagram following is surging, his sales are skyrocketing, and his name is making headlines. The so-called “Markle Effect” has once again played out—but not in the way she intended. Rather than elevating herself, she has inadvertently propelled the very brand she seemed to be overshadowing.
Her approach to business follows a familiar pattern: latch onto an idea, assume it will succeed by virtue of her involvement, and then watch as it collapses under poor execution. First came the Archetypes podcast, which was abruptly canceled by Spotify. Then there was the Netflix deal, which, beyond the Harry & Meghan docuseries, has failed to produce anything of significance. Now, she is venturing into the already oversaturated world of lifestyle branding—using a name that isn’t even original.
Adding to the irony, there is yet another “As Ever” in existence—a Chinese garment manufacturer. Not only is Meghan stepping on a small business owner's toes, but she is also wading into competition with an established overseas brand. One would assume that basic due diligence—such as checking for existing trademarks—would be a fundamental step before launching a business. But Meghan’s approach seems to begin and end with what feels beneficial to her personal brand, rather than thorough research and strategic planning.
Meanwhile, Mark K. is playing his cards wisely. He is biding his time, aware that Meghan’s version of As Ever may never even get off the ground. The legal complications, competition, and logistical hurdles of producing and marketing a successful brand are immense. Given her history, it is difficult to imagine Meghan committing to the hard work necessary to make it a long-term success.
If this situation reveals anything, it’s that Meghan’s business ventures tend to falter before they even gain traction. She had the opportunity to approach this endeavor with integrity—by properly researching trademarks and building something meaningful. Instead, she has once again exposed herself as someone more interested in shortcuts than substance.
Mark K., on the other hand, is winning without even trying. His calm and professional response has not only protected his brand but has also resulted in increased recognition and financial success. Whether or not he pursues legal action, he has already gained more than he could have anticipated.
Meghan Markle’s latest misstep is yet another example of her prioritizing image over execution. While she struggles to establish herself in the entrepreneurial world, small business owners like Mark K. continue to thrive through authenticity and dedication. In the end, As Ever NYC serves as a reminder that real success isn’t about flashy branding or celebrity status—it’s about perseverance, hard work, and building something of genuine value. Unfortunately for Meghan, that seems to be a lesson she refuses to learn.
