Meghan Markle in Melbourne. Photo: Getty
In what has been an eventful year for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle has just debuted as a business investor. “The Duchess has made her first private investment,” a spokesperson for Markle shared with People. Her company of choice? A female-founded startup that makes instant oat milk lattes, and one that is Oprah Winfrey-approved.
Named Clevr Blends, the startup is led by entrepreneur Hannah Mendoza, and is described as a “funky pop-up coffee bar” in Santa Barbara, California, which is also the location of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s new home. According to the company, its products are sustainable, ethically sourced and healthful while its shipping materials are 100% post-consumer recycled and 100% recyclable. A percentage of Clevr Blends’ monthly revenue is also donated to organizations fighting for food justice in the US.
“This investment is in support of a passionate female entrepreneur who prioritizes building community alongside her business,” Markle said in a statement that did not disclose the value of the investment. “I’m proud to invest in Hannah’s commitment to sourcing ethical ingredients and creating a product that I personally love and has a holistic approach to wellness.”
Mendoza added: “Entrepreneurs need funding, but they also need advisers who care deeply about what they are building. I’m grateful to have found both in the Duchess of Sussex. Her passion for what we’re creating is palpable, and I couldn’t imagine a more aligned partnership. We’re excited for the road ahead.”
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With Markle’s investment, the startup can now count Oprah Winfrey among its customers. The American talk show and philanthropist recently took to Instagram to share a video of herself making a “golden super latte” with Clevr Blends. According to the caption, the package had been gifted to her by Markle who lives in the same neighborhood as Winfrey’s, with her husband Prince Harry. “On the first day of Christmas, my neighbor “M” sent to me…a basket of deliciousness!” Winfrey wrote. Clarifying that “M” does in fact refer to Meghan Markle, she added: “(Yes that M👑) My new drink of choice for the morning and night. Wish I had @clevrblends sooner cause I would’ve added it to my Favorite Things list. #HappyHolidays”
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