The Duchess of Sussex is showing no signs of slowing down. Speaking at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in California, Meghan Sussex reflected on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the lessons she has learned from building her brand As Ever. Her appearance came as anticipation grows for the With Love, Meghan Christmas special, set to air in November on Netflix.
In a moment that demonstrates her influence, the Associated Press placed her session alongside world leaders and policymakers in its live feed, positioning her as a figure of global interest. Seated with Fortune’s editor-in-chief Alison Chantell, Meghan spoke candidly about building from the ground up and finding balance between business, family, and purpose.
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Building a Brand Rooted in Real Life
When Meghan Sussex began shaping As Ever, she said there was no grand strategy, only a desire to create something meaningful. “Five years ago, we were nesting and healing,” she recalled, describing how time at home inspired her to experiment in the kitchen. What started with homemade jam soon became a fully realized lifestyle brand.
Her first product drops sold out within hours, teaching her lessons about supply chains and scale. “You learn fast,” she said, noting that growing a company means adjusting to demand while keeping the creative heart intact. She explained that many assumed her next move would be fashion or beauty, but her goal was to design products that reflected how people actually live. “I wanted something that felt personal and grounded,” she added.
The brand’s early success proved there was an appetite for authenticity. “Fans even find creative ways to get the products shipped internationally,” she said with a smile, noting that As Ever currently sells only in the United States, though many international fans are eager to get their hands on her products.
Content and Commerce Move Together
Meghan described her growing media work as a natural extension of her business. After renewing her partnership with Netflix, she now operates under a first-look deal that allows flexibility across projects. “It’s a continuation of a strong relationship,” she said, praising Netflix’s female-led executive team for supporting her creative autonomy.
Her popular series With Love, Meghan has been renewed for a holiday special, premiering in November. The festive episode, filmed earlier this year, will feature gift-wrapping techniques, family-friendly recipes, and what she described as “the joy of doing small things beautifully.” She credited the show’s success to its mix of storytelling and lifestyle appeal, saying it allowed her to connect with viewers beyond traditional television.
Looking ahead, she is exploring shorter digital formats that fit into modern viewing habits. “People love thirty-minute shows, but they also want to learn a recipe in two minutes,” she said, noting how she plans to merge practical creativity with her growing brand.
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Redefining Power and Connection
Throughout the conversation, Meghan emphasized the importance of community, financial literacy, and creative independence. She spoke about managing As Ever’s online presence carefully, explaining her decision to turn off comment sections. “It protects the community as much as it protects me,” she said. Instead, her team engages supporters through handwritten messages and personalized digital notes.
On the subject of leadership, she shared her approach to running a small, efficient team. “You want people around you who challenge your thinking,” she said, adding that she values collaboration over hierarchy. Balancing work and motherhood remains central to her routine: “I still want to be the one chaperoning the first-grade field trip.”
Her reflections on financial independence resonated most. “Financial freedom gives you the power of choice,” she told the audience. She encouraged women to speak openly about money and to invest in one another. “When I invest in a female founder, I’m investing in her legacy,” she said, drawing nods from across the room.
Final Thoughts
Meghan’s presence at Fortune’s summit affirmed her evolution from royal figure to entrepreneurial leader. Sitting alongside CEOs and policymakers, she represented a new kind of influence, one grounded in creativity, integrity, and economic empowerment.
Her upcoming holiday special signals the next phase of her storytelling and business strategy, merging media with commerce in a way that feels both personal and scalable. As she put it, the goal is simple: to build something lasting, meaningful, and made to be shared.
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