Is Meghan Markle Taking Cues from Martha Stewart’s Legendary Path to Success?
Is Meghan Markle following in the footsteps of Martha Stewart’s iconic path to success? That might be a stretch. Martha Stewart, after all, is a self-made mogul who built an empire from scratch and transformed industries along the way.
But after Stewart’s recent documentary aired, one can’t help but imagine the Duchess of Sussex taking notes on how to shape her own image — perhaps even picking up a matching apron or two.
Stories of her famously demanding nature have circulated for decades. She’s known for her exacting standards — whether it’s specifying details for speaking engagements or maintaining a meticulous, hands-on approach to her brand. Yet, unlike some modern figures, her reputation for being tough has hardly deterred her fans. If anything, it’s enhanced her legend.
Now consider Meghan Markle. In her post-royal life, she’s ventured into various projects, from a short-lived podcast to public speaking engagements and book deals. However, critics often point out that she’s yet to bring anything groundbreaking to the table.
Some wonder if Meghan is simply emulating seasoned women like Martha, Gwyneth Paltrow, or even Angelina Jolie, attempting to build her own empire by mirroring their qualities. The difference is that where they brought innovation, Meghan’s offerings feel, to some, less substantial.
A crucial distinction between Martha and Meghan is how they handle setbacks and criticism. Martha Stewart’s infamous jail time for insider trading could have spelled the end of her career. Instead, she emerged with renewed self-awareness and even a sense of humor, creating unexpected friendships (like her legendary partnership with Snoop Dogg).
Jail time was a setback, but she transformed it into a springboard, returning with an edgier, more authentic image. It’s hard to envision Meghan managing a similar situation with the same poise; recent media appearances reveal a more guarded approach to criticism.
Stewart’s evolution is partly due to her ability to laugh at herself. She was willing to be roasted by Justin Bieber, team up with Snoop Dogg in genuinely entertaining ways, and embrace scandal as a catalyst for reinvention.
By contrast, Meghan’s public moves often seem to lack that adaptability and authenticity. While Martha’s cultivated image is both meticulous and authentic, Meghan’s efforts can sometimes feel more performative — a quality that, critics argue, detracts from her appeal.
The documentary highlights how Martha can be unapologetically exacting, projecting a no-nonsense demeanor. Her audience doesn’t seem to mind; they understand that her tough exterior is rooted in years of genuine work and innovation.
Meghan, on the other hand, has sometimes been perceived as demanding without having built a similar foundation of accomplishments. For some, her perceived sense of entitlement doesn’t resonate in the same way as Martha’s perfectionism.
Let’s not forget Martha’s origins. She built a billion-dollar brand from the ground up, creating a blueprint for lifestyle empires that didn’t exist before. Meghan, by comparison, often appears to be following in the footsteps of others’ success.
While Martha’s documentary may reveal a demanding personality, her achievements and legacy shine through. Meghan’s ventures, however, sometimes seem to lack that same solid foundation, leaving critics to question if she’s ever had a truly original vision.
Meghan might aspire to a similar level of influence, but without Martha’s unique grit and self-awareness, she may find herself remaining in the shadow of true icons.
