Former actress Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, has shared insights into her early career struggles. Before achieving stardom on the legal drama "Suits," Markle faced rejections from beauty brands due to her freckled complexion. She recounted how her commercial agent struggled to secure her roles in skincare advertisements. Despite these challenges, Markle went on to marry Prince Harry and transitioned into a life of royal duties. Recently, she launched a lifestyle brand named "As Ever," reflecting her ongoing evolution from an actress to a businesswoman.
Markle's journey through the entertainment industry was marked by both successes and setbacks. Initially known for her role as Rachel Zane in "Suits," she gained widespread recognition. However, during her auditioning phase, beauty brands were hesitant to hire her because of her natural features, particularly her freckles. In a recent podcast episode, Markle discussed how this exclusion shaped her perspective on the beauty industry’s standards at that time. She noted that major campaigns rarely featured individuals with freckles, which made it difficult for her to be considered for such roles.
In conversation with Jamie Kern Lima, founder of It Cosmetics, Markle expressed admiration for Lima's revolutionary approach to inclusivity in the beauty sector. Lima envisioned a business model where real people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and skin tones could serve as models. This innovative thinking resonated deeply with Markle, who recognized its transformative potential in an era dominated by conventional beauty norms. Her experiences highlighted the need for greater diversity within advertising campaigns.
After leaving her acting career behind to join the British monarchy, Markle embraced new ventures. Although she stepped away from traditional television roles after marrying Prince Harry, opportunities remain open for her return. Creator Aaron Korsh mentioned that Markle holds an invitation to participate in "Suits LA," though he acknowledged the complexity of blending reality with fiction in such scenarios. Since transitioning out of acting full-time, Markle has focused on projects like her Netflix docuseries and lifestyle brand.
Today, Meghan Markle continues to evolve professionally while maintaining ties to her creative roots. Through initiatives like "As Ever," she showcases personal passions for cooking and entertaining. The rapid sellout of initial product releases underscores public interest in her endeavors beyond royalty. Reflecting on past obstacles, including early rejections from beauty advertisers, Markle exemplifies resilience and adaptability throughout her multifaceted career path.