Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is shedding light on a pivotal decision regarding her lifestyle brand, Archewell. In the latest episode of her podcast, Archetypes, now rebranded as Confessions of a Female Founder, Markle candidly discussed the reasons behind the significant name change, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of building a brand as a female entrepreneur.

The episode, featuring a conversation with celebrity hair colorist and co-founder of the innovative hair care line, Kadi Lee, of the High Hair Co., provided a platform for Markle to delve into the complexities of brand evolution and the importance of protecting one's vision. While the initial name, Archetypes, focused on exploring stereotypes and challenging societal norms, Markle revealed that it inadvertently created confusion and obscured the brand’s broader mission.

“It’s interesting, right?” Markle began, referencing the shift. “Because Archetypes was about exploring these stereotypes, and the stories that we create around women, and the boxes we’re put into. And I think that was really valuable. But it became clear that it was also… limiting. People weren’t quite understanding what Archewell was, beyond the podcast.”

The decision to rebrand the podcast to Confessions of a Female Founder was a strategic move to better communicate the brand’s core values and its commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs. Markle emphasized the importance of creating a space where women can openly share their experiences, challenges, and successes in the business world.

“We wanted to create a space where women felt seen, heard, and understood. A place where they could connect with other female founders, learn from their experiences, and feel empowered to pursue their dreams,” Markle explained. “The new name, Confessions of a Female Founder, felt more aligned with that mission. It’s honest, it’s authentic, and it speaks directly to the audience we’re trying to reach.”

Kadi Lee, co-founder of High Hair Co., echoed Markle’s sentiments, sharing her own journey as a female entrepreneur. She discussed the challenges of securing funding, navigating the competitive beauty industry, and overcoming societal expectations. The conversation highlighted the common struggles faced by women in business and the importance of building a supportive community.

Markle’s openness and vulnerability in discussing the brand's evolution resonated with listeners, demonstrating her commitment to authenticity and transparency. The rebranding of the podcast also serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs – the importance of adapting and evolving to meet the needs of their audience and protecting their brand’s identity.

The episode concluded with a call to action, encouraging female founders to connect with each other, share their stories, and support one another’s journeys. Markle’s Confessions of a Female Founder podcast promises to be a valuable resource for women seeking inspiration, guidance, and community in the world of entrepreneurship.