FridayOL

Blake Lively, known for her dazzling on-screen presence and impeccable style, once ventured into the world of entrepreneurship with her lifestyle brand, Preserve. However, the brand's abrupt closure in 2018 has been followed by unsettling allegations from former employees who describe a “toxic” and “draining” workplace environment. These claims paint a starkly different picture from the curated aesthetic Lively presented to the public.

According to multiple former employees who spoke to Cut, Preserve was plagued by a chaotic and disorganized atmosphere. The brand, which sold a curated selection of home goods, fashion, and artisanal products, reportedly struggled with inconsistent inventory, unclear roles, and a lack of proper management. One former employee described the experience as “insane,” highlighting the constant pressure to meet Lively’s exacting standards.

A Culture of Chaos and Confusion

The core of the complaints revolves around Lively's hands-on – and some would say, overly involved – approach. While her passion for the brand was undeniable, former staff claim it translated into a management style that was both demanding and unclear. Employees were often asked to perform tasks outside of their job descriptions with little to no training or support. This resulted in a feeling of being constantly overwhelmed and undervalued.

“It felt like we were all just treading water,” one former employee stated. “There was a lot of anxiety and a constant feeling that we were failing to meet expectations, even though the expectations weren’t clearly defined.”

Inventory Issues and Financial Strain

Beyond the internal culture, Preserve also faced significant operational challenges. The brand reportedly struggled with inventory management, often overstocking certain items while lacking others. This led to frequent sales and discounts, which further strained the company's finances. Sources suggest that Lively’s desire to constantly refresh the brand’s offerings, while aiming for a unique and curated experience, ultimately contributed to the logistical difficulties.

The Human Cost

The cumulative effect of these challenges took a toll on the employees. Many described feeling emotionally and physically drained by the relentless pressure and the lack of support. The feeling of working in a constantly shifting and unpredictable environment fostered a sense of anxiety and disillusionment.

“It was just…draining,” another former employee said. “You felt like you were constantly putting out fires, and there was never enough time or resources to do things properly.”

Preserve's Demise and Its Legacy

Preserve officially shut down in 2018 after just two years in operation. While the brand's closure was attributed to a variety of factors, including the changing retail landscape and the rise of e-commerce giants, the allegations of a toxic workplace environment raise serious questions about the leadership and management practices at the company. The story serves as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs and highlights the importance of fostering a healthy and supportive work environment, even for high-profile brands.

Blake Lively's representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations.