Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is extending her support for women-owned businesses by becoming an investor in Cesta Collective, a sustainable luxury handbag brand that empowers female artisans in Rwanda.
Cesta Collective, founded by Erin Ryder and Courtney Fasciano, creates intricately woven basket bags in Rwanda, which are then finished in Italy.
Markle’s investment marks her first involvement as an outside investor, furthering her dedication to promoting ethical fashion and female entrepreneurship.
Markle’s discovery of Cesta Collective came about during a routine online shopping session.
“I spend a lot of time just Googling, looking for brands,” she told The New York Times. “I’m always searching for great new designers, especially in different territories.” Her connection with the brand grew after wearing one of their handbags during a May 2023 dinner date with Prince Harry, Cameron Diaz, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
The exposure from Markle’s public appearance immediately boosted the brand’s visibility, resulting in a surge of sales.
Ryder recalled, “We had more sales in one day than we’ve ever had.”
This spike in demand sparked a relationship between Markle and Cesta’s founders, ultimately leading to Markle’s investment in the summer of 2024.
While the specifics of her investment remain undisclosed, her involvement aligns with her mission to uplift women and support sustainable, socially responsible enterprises.
“One of the most powerful things I’m able to do is simply wear something from a brand that deserves more attention,” Markle said.
Cesta Collective’s core values resonate with Markle’s advocacy. The company prioritizes ethical production, paying fair wages to their Rwandan artisans while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship.
Despite their products’ luxury price tags and $1 million in annual revenue, Ryder and Fasciano remain focused on creating positive social impact, particularly for women in developing nations.
Markle’s investment philosophy reflects a commitment to collaboration rather than competition. She describes her venture capital initiative as “dolphin tank,” contrasting the aggressive style of “Shark Tank.”
Her growing portfolio of five to 10 brands complements her American Riviera Orchard brand, further positioning Markle as a tastemaker and advocate for socially conscious businesses.
“Investing in them has helped me line up for this chapter where I’m investing in myself,” Markle shared. “These are friendly waters.”
