Martha Stewart, the renowned lifestyle guru, has openly shared her discerning views on Meghan Markle’s ventures into the competitive lifestyle and home space, particularly concerning authenticity and genuine engagement. This commentary from the experienced Martha Stewart has drawn significant attention as the Duchess of Sussex expands her public profile.

Stewart’s primary focus has consistently been on the importance of authenticity in business within any entrepreneurial endeavor. She questioned whether Meghan Markle truly designs and uses her own products, emphasizing that a genuine connection to one’s offerings is paramount for success in the Lifestyle Brands sector.

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, initiated her Lifestyle Brands venture “As Ever” in early 2025, concurrently debuting her Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan.” These Celebrity Ventures aimed to showcase her passion for cooking, crafting, and entertaining, featuring high-profile celebrity guests.

The Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan,” offered audiences an intimate look inside Markle’s kitchen, garden, and home. Episodes frequently featured celebrity friends such as Mindy Kaling and Abigail Spencer, engaging in activities ranging from tea parties and sleepovers to culinary and crafting sessions, further solidifying the nature of these Celebrity Ventures.

Following the initial launches, Martha Stewart reiterated her stance, admitting she didn’t “really know” Meghan Markle “very well.” However, she publicly expressed hope that Markle possessed deep knowledge and expertise in her chosen fields, reinforcing her belief in genuine subject matter authority, a core aspect of Authenticity in Business.

Stewart appeared to offer subtle critique regarding Markle’s Netflix series, initially questioning if it had even premiered when asked in an interview. Despite this, she expressed a clear curiosity to watch an episode and assess how the Duchess of Sussex performs in her new on-screen Celebrity Ventures, indicating a watchful, albeit skeptical, interest.

A particular incident involving a “similar” one-pot pasta recipe, featured by Meghan Markle, prompted Martha Stewart to decisively decline comment. This moment highlighted Stewart’s reluctance to engage in direct comparisons while subtly reinforcing her established reputation in the culinary domain and the scrutiny faced by new Lifestyle Brands.

Throughout her public commentary, Martha Stewart has maintained a consistent and unwavering message regarding the fundamental importance of authenticity in business and profound subject matter knowledge in the lifestyle industry, indirectly setting a benchmark for new Celebrity Ventures like those undertaken by the Duchess of Sussex.