FridayOL

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, offered fans a charming peek into her home life this weekend, sharing a candid snapshot from her kitchen on the official Instagram page for her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The photo, posted just before Memorial Day in the US, showcased a cozy and relatable moment, but it also comes amidst growing concerns regarding As Ever's customer service, with accusations of 'ghosting' customers surfacing online.

The image itself is simple yet effective: a glimpse of a kitchen counter, perhaps featuring fresh produce or a handwritten note. It's the kind of everyday scene that many can relate to, reinforcing Meghan's efforts to portray a down-to-earth persona. This move aligns with her ongoing strategy to build a personal brand separate from her royal past, focusing on authenticity and connection with her audience.

As Ever, launched in partnership with Jessica Mulroney, aims to provide curated lifestyle essentials. However, recent social media chatter and online reviews paint a less rosy picture. Several customers have alleged that they haven't received responses to their inquiries regarding orders, returns, or general questions. The term 'ghosting' – a common term for abruptly ceasing communication – has been used to describe the alleged lack of customer support.

These accusations are particularly damaging given Meghan's reputation for valuing communication and transparency. While As Ever has yet to publicly address the concerns, the online backlash is undeniable. It raises questions about the brand's operational capacity and its commitment to providing a positive customer experience. The timing is unfortunate, as the brand is still relatively new and relies heavily on building a loyal customer base.

The situation highlights the challenges of launching a lifestyle brand, especially one associated with a high-profile figure. Maintaining brand integrity and providing excellent customer service are crucial for long-term success, and As Ever appears to be facing scrutiny in both areas. The kitchen snapshot, while seemingly innocuous, is now viewed through the lens of these customer service concerns, adding a layer of complexity to Meghan’s brand narrative.

Moving forward, it will be essential for As Ever to address the customer service complaints swiftly and transparently. A proactive response, including apologies and concrete steps to improve communication, could help mitigate the damage and restore consumer confidence. Otherwise, this situation could significantly impact the brand's reputation and future prospects. The Duchess's personal brand, inextricably linked to As Ever, could also be affected if these issues are not resolved.