Meghan Markle flies to New York for Hamptons summit, sparking new speculation about brand

Meghan Markle is in New York City to attend a prestigious business summit in the Hamptons, according to Page Six. The 42-year-old Duchess of Sussex joined an elite group of influential women at the G9 Ventures Summer Summit, hosted by high-profile broker Amy Griffin.

Held at Griffin’s lavish $13 million estate, the summit is an annual gathering of top business leaders. Markle flew in from Santa Barbara, California, on a private jet, accompanied by her close friend and makeup mogul Victoria Jackson. The event is a significant networking opportunity for Markle as she prepares to launch her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

The guest list included an impressive roster of celebrities, including designer Misha Nonoo, chef Missy Robbins, makeup legend Bobbi Brown and entrepreneur Jamie Kern Lima, who interviewed Griffin over lunch. Other attendees included Weight Watchers CEO Sima Sistani, investor Kirsten Greene, actress Reese Witherspoon, Spanx founder Sara Blakely and media personality Katie Couric. Even Gwyneth Paltrow, the power behind Goop, reportedly attended, underscoring the summit’s prestige.

Summit host Amy Griffin is well-regarded for her experience nurturing early-stage startups. Her influence extends to major brands like Goop, Athletic Greens, and Bumble. Griffin’s approach is highly regarded in the business community; she’s known for her “soft power” in making strategic introductions and mentoring founders. “Amy is more than just an investor. She becomes your friend and advocate,” said Spanx CEO Sara Blakely.

Markle, who previously ran her successful lifestyle blog The Tig before marrying Prince Harry, is using the summit to gather insights and strategies for her new venture. Her upcoming brand, American Riviera Orchard, aims to offer a mix of food and lifestyle advice reminiscent of icons like Martha Stewart.

Markle has been busy filming a new Netflix lifestyle show in Montecito in recent months, though a premiere date for the show has not yet been announced. The summit marks a key moment as she transitions from her role as a public figure to a dedicated entrepreneur.

Markle chatted with other guests during the summit, absorbing valuable advice and making key connections. “We hope to put this behind us and focus our efforts on protecting and upholding the sanctity and dignity of all human beings, while upholding the law,” said Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, after a recent legal victory that reflected the spirit of determination and support at the summit.

Griffin’s own journey in the business world is inspiring. She began investing as an angel investor in 2014 and officially launched G9 Ventures three years later. Her approach to investing is personal and strategic, focusing on smaller investments that allow her to maintain close relationships with the companies she backs. Griffin’s funds are different from her husband’s hedge fund earnings, underscoring her independent success in venture capital.

For Meghan Markle, the summit is more than just a networking event; it’s a key step in building her brand and securing her place in the business world. Her attendance at such a prestigious event underscores her commitment to her new venture and sets the stage for what could be a very successful career beyond the royal generation.