Meghan Markle has always had a knack for business, even from a young age. In a recent interview, the As Ever founder reminisced about her first venture into the world of work at just 11 years old, when she would make scrunchies from leftover fabric pieces.
“I’d buy scraps of fabric and elastics from the store and use my home sewing machine to create scrunchies to sell,” Meghan shared with Fortune in a recent interview. Fast forward to her 40s, the Duchess of Sussex has now launched her own lifestyle brand, As Ever, with her first collection of products, including her popular raspberry jam, selling out within an hour of its release. Meghan emphasized that her products are priced affordably, with most items under $20, to ensure accessibility.
This isn’t the first time Meghan has opened up about her early entrepreneurial endeavors. In a 2021 appearance at The New York Times DealBook Online Summit, she revealed more about her childhood business ventures. At the tender age of 8 or 9, Meghan started selling scrunchies made from scraps of fabric, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment from her hard work.
Now, Meghan is passing on her business acumen to her 3-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet. On the premiere episode of her podcast, “Confessions of a Female Founder,” Meghan shared that she often works from her home office with her daughter by her side, even during important calls with executives.
“Lili still naps, so she knows where to find me if she wakes up and wants to join me during meetings,” Meghan explained. “She’ll sit on my lap and observe as I interact with executives. It’s a unique bonding experience that also exposes her to the world of business at a young age.”
Meghan’s journey from making scrunchies as a child to launching her own successful brand is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and determination. As she continues to inspire women to pursue their passions and dreams, Meghan is setting an example for her daughter and future generations to follow.
