Meghan Markle's unmasking as an investor in up-and-coming handbag brand Cesta Collective is a "smart move" which could "solidify her position as a savvy businesswoman," an entertainment expert has told Newsweek.
In an article for The New York Times which was published on Wednesday, Meghan was named as the first outside investor of Cesta Collective, an ethically sourced bag brand which incorporates Italian leather craft with traditional Rwandan basket weaving.
The brand was co-founded by designers Erin Ryder and Courtney Fasciano and to date, they remain the company's only full-time employees.
This is the second business venture that Meghan is known to have invested in since her split from the monarchy, the first being vegan coffee brand Clevr Blends.
The duchess' move into the fashion business comes as she soft-launched her own lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, earlier this year, though the venture still has yet to announce any product line.
Meghan's transition into fashion mogul has been labeled "smart" by entertainment expert and founder of MarkMeets, Mark Boardman, who told Newsweek that the duchess faces the challenge of balancing her own projects with overseeing her investment portfolio.
"Meghan Markle's investment in Cesta Collective is a smart move that highlights her ongoing support for ethical fashion," he said. "Having previously worn one of their bags, her involvement is not only a show of personal endorsement but also a strategic step into entrepreneurship in the fashion industry.
"This is a powerful decision by the Duchess of Sussex, particularly as her own lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, faces delays following a soft-launch earlier this year. While Cesta Collective was only established in 2018, Meghan's backing will undoubtedly raise the brand's profile and valuation. With her experience running The Tig blog, Meghan is no stranger to lifestyle brands, and this investment aligns with her commitment to ethical consumerism, it could pay dividends long-term, as investing in existing brands and promoting the products at events is a much easier move than starting from scratch."
The duchess' investments, he noted, do come with risk both financial and personal.
"There is, however, a concern that Meghan might be spreading herself too thin," Boardman said. "With multiple ventures potentially demanding her attention, there's a possibility that Prince Harry may need to step back from his own projects to support her.
"Nonetheless, by diversifying her portfolio and becoming a venture capitalist with a focus on fashion, Meghan could strengthen her influence in an industry she's clearly passionate about.
"If she can balance these endeavors, Meghan's hands-on approach to investing in sustainable brands could solidify her position as a savvy businesswoman with a distinct fashion eye. However, maintaining focus and ensuring each project gets the attention it needs will be crucial for her long-term success."
Part of ensuring this success, Boardman concluded, would be to strengthen Meghan and Harry's personal staff.
In August it was revealed that the couple's chief of staff, Josh Kettler, had left their team after just three months in what is believed to have been a mutual decision after a trial period.
"What needs to come next is the need for more stability with the Sussex's team, and supporting aides," Boardman said. "So the couple can ensure that every project runs smoothly and is a hit."
Newsweek approached representatives of Meghan Markle via email for comment.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
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