Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard is struggling to get off the ground as she’s having an issue finding a CEO, according to a report.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, unveiled her new business venture in March, teasing its impending launch.
But six months later, there’s still no release date or information about the products that customers can expect to be up for sale.
A source has suggested that the delay has been a direct result of Markle’s struggle to hire a CEO.
“The numbers don’t lie and to have almost 20 members of staff quitting on them tells its own story,” a source told Closer of Markle’s setback. “It’s unprecedented, even for a startup.”
“The brutal reality is Harry and Meghan are the toughest of taskmasters, they’re very demanding and difficult to work for and that puts a lot of people’s backs up,” the insider added.
While products from her brand are not available to buy yet, Markle sent out jars of strawberry jam to an exclusive group of celebs in April, prompting a “strong start” to the company’s rollout.
Since then, the mom of two has sent dog biscuits to her celeb pals, and has teased a future rosé wine range.
Earlier this year, reports claiming that the “Suits” alum was seeking investors began to circulate.
“I imagine the pop-ups and the seeding, and a series of dinners will continue until some kind of official launch,” branding strategist Lucie Greene told the Sun in July.
“It could be that she’s still courting investment,” she continued. “If the brand is direct to consumer, versus wholesale, there will need to be a substantial marketing budget for consumer acquisition.”
“It’s unclear what leadership she has in place at this point, too,” she went on. “It could be that the jams were the precursor and example to show proof of concept to talent and investors.”
However, despite the claims, sources close to the duchess insist that there’s no truth to the rumor mill. A source told The Post that the former actress remains the current CEO of the lifestyle brand.
According to those close to the former actress, the brand’s name is a sweet nod to Santa Barbara, Calif., as it has been nicknamed the “American Riviera” for over a century.
The location is also where she and Prince Harry reside with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Additionally, a trademark application revealed the brand plans to sell tableware, drinkware, decanters, kitchen linens and edible treats such as jellies, jams, marmalade and spreads.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Markle could be looking to make a whopping seven-figure sum within the first year of launching the brand.
Rumors of business woes come just weeks after the couple’s chief of staff, Josh Kettler, quit after just three months on the job.
The reason for Kettler’s departure was revealed earlier this month — just one day before he was due to accompany the Sussexes on their trip to Colombia.
He was the 18th member of staff working for the couple to hand in his resignation over the past four years.
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Source: USA Today
