Meghan Markle has spoken out on the trademark row over her brand As Ever (Image: Lemonada Media)
Meghan Markle has finally spoken out about the drama surrounding her brand's rename to As Ever, having previously unveiled her brand under the name American Riviera Orchard. Speaking on the third episode of her new podcast, she told guest Kadi Lee: "I had secured As Ever as a name in 2022, and then as everything started to evolve last year, and bringing in a partner the size that it was, it was just so interesting.
"You remember, I said, 'I like American Riviera as an umbrella,' and then be able to have verticals beneath it. And maybe have the 'Orchard' really small. But when that's not feasible … suddenly it became this word salad. I didn't love that so much.
"I was like, 'OK, let's go back to the thing that I've always loved. Let's use the name that I protected for a reason that had sort of been under wraps'.
READ MORE: Prince Andrew takes up new hobby despite looming threat of Royal Lodge eviction
Stay up-to-date with the latest Royal news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Meghan Markle with Kadi Lee at her launch party for her brand (Image: Gregg DeGuire/WWD via Getty Images)
"And then we were able to focus in the quiet and put our heads down and build on something that no one was sniffing around to even see about. It was really just helpful to have that quiet period.
The Duchess added: "It was just really, really helpful to have that quiet period which you would know after spending so many years working on something, building it and the pivots that you had to take with it."
Meghan's guest in the third epsiode of 'Confessions of a Female Founder' runs the Highbrow Hippie salon in the Los Angeles area of Venice, with her clients including Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt.
In November 2024, Meghan Markle attended the launch event for the brand in Venice, California, and posed for photos with the friend and founder.
During the pair's chat, Ms Lee also said they first met in 2020, which was the year Meghan stepped down as a senior royal with Prince Harry and moved her family to California.
Don't miss...
Meghan Markle goes on 'panic-filled blitz' as brand in 'crisis' [LIVE]
Prince Louis' birthday prompting 'mixed emotions' for mum Princess Kate [LATEST]
Prince Harry 'cautiously optimistic' about Archie and Lilibet move [LATEST]
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Meghan sits down with hair colourist and haircare range co-founder (Image: @meghan / Instagram)
Trending
The pair's conversation comes as Meghan's previous name for her business was American Riviera Orchard, but the Duchess said she was forced to change it because the term "limited" her. There was then backlash over Meghan's new brand name 'As Ever' because the logo is similar to the symbol of a Majorcan village.
The episode is the latest instalment from Meghan's new eight-part podcast with Lemonada Media, which described it would contain advice on how to create "billion-dollar businesses".
The episode description states: "Meghan sits down with Kadi Lee, co-founder of Highbrow Hippie and the go-to colorist for some of Hollywood’s biggest names. What began as a blog has since grown into a brick-and-mortar salon and a thoughtfully crafted product line, all built with heart and the utmost attention to detail.
"The pair discuss what it means to grow something from the ground up, how to lead with your values, and why staying connected to your community is the ultimate marker of success."
