How Meghan Markle’s Sparkle ‘Accidentally’ Got An Earring Brand $1.2 Million In Investment
When Meghan Markle wore a pair of earrings from fledgling sustainable jewelry brand Kimai in 2019, it sparked a chain reaction that led to major success for the company.
Now, the founders have revealed how the “Meghan Sparkle” accidentally secured them over $1 million in investments.
The Power of Meghan’s Fame
Founders Jessica Warch and Sidney Neuhaus started Kimai with no outside funding. But that changed after the Duchess of Sussex sported their $120 gold Felicity earrings during a public engagement.
“How did you get Meghan Markle to wear your jewelry?” asked investor Steven Bartlett. As it turns out, a cold email campaign led Meghan’s team to discover Kimai’s ethical pieces. After donning the accessories, her endorsement sparked such demand it vaulted the business to new heights.
Bartlett, impressed by the founders’ proactive outreach, decided to invest in the burgeoning brand. His backing adds to the avalanche of success Kimai has seen since the fateful day Markle first wore their sustainable jewelry.
Generosity On and Off Screen
While the British royal family doesn’t provide guidance on accepting free gifts, Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” gives insight into Meghan’s actions. According to the book, Meghan happily shared the many free products sent to her amongst female staff members.
This generosity aligned with the warm, charitable persona she cultivated publicly after marrying into the royal fold in 2018. However, behind the scenes, divisions grew between the young couple’s household and Prince William’s.
By 2019 when she wore Kimai’s earrings, Meghan was still a senior working royal. But by 2020, she and Harry had resigned from official duties, moving to her home state of California to raise their growing family.
From Cold Email to Multi-Million Dollar Brand
From an initial cold email to the serendipity of the “Meghan Sparkle,” Kimai’s founders have an unlikely success story. Their proactive efforts combined with Meghan’s star power have made the brand a household name.
Since the pivotal PR moment, Kimai has seen meteoric growth. The young company now ships to over 50 countries and has 11-figure revenue. They’ve expanded their offerings of lab-grown diamond and recycled gold pieces.
And the outlook remains bright, as ethical consumerism rises. As Warch said, the magic was simply “reaching out to [Meghan Markle] through this method.” It just goes to show the power of a little sparkle and hustle.
