Before stepping into the global spotlight as the Duchess of Sussex or landing her breakout role in Suits, Meghan Markle was a young actress navigating the competitive world of Hollywood, auditioning relentlessly while trying to stay stylish on a tight budget.
In a new episode of her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan, 43, looked back on her early career and the hustle that shaped her journey to success. She was joined by Cassandra Morales Thurswell, a former stylist who is now the CEO of a successful beauty brand.
“This is pre-Suits for me,” Meghan shared during the episode. “This is really early days when I was auditioning… you talk about not having a strategy, but always hustling.”
The mother of two recalled how Thurswell helped her curate a few wardrobe essentials that were professional yet affordable. One of the most memorable items was a pair of $200 black Louboutin flats — a small investment that ended up playing a huge role in her career.
“I wore those shoes on my final audition for Suits when I booked the part,” Meghan revealed, referring to her role as Rachel Zane, the intelligent and ambitious paralegal in the hit legal drama. That role not only launched her acting career but also became a cherished chapter in her life.
“I still have the pencil skirt from the first episode!” Meghan added. “It’s like a time capsule for me.”
Meghan also addressed the show’s resurgence in popularity in the streaming era, expressing her pride in its quality. “It was so well written and so well produced,” she said, explaining why she’s not surprised it continues to resonate with new audiences.
Now living in Los Angeles with her husband Prince Harry and their two children, Meghan uses her platform to inspire and empower women. Her candid reflections on the podcast offer a rare glimpse into the determination and resilience it took to build a career before royalty — a story of persistence, style, and self-belief.
