In a recent episode of BBC’s Dragon’s Den, ethical jewelry brand Kimai, co-founded by Sidney Neuhaus and Jessica Warch, shared the story of Meghan Markle’s pivotal role in their success. The brand, known for its use of lab-grown diamonds and recycled gold, faced the sharks in a Shark Tank-style business pitch on the show.
Kimai initially launched without any investment, but the turning point came when Meghan Markle endorsed the brand by wearing their earrings. The Duchess of Sussex’s public appearance with Kimai’s pieces, secured through cold emails, significantly boosted the brand’s revenue, leading to a successful fundraising round of $1.2 million.
The co-founders revealed the unconventional outreach strategy that involved reaching out to Meghan Markle via cold emails. Steven Bartlett, one of the investors on the show, was impressed by Kimai’s bold approach in contacting the Duchess of Sussex and decided to partner with the ethical jewelry brand.
Meghan Markle wore Kimai’s 18-karat gold Felicity earrings during a visit to Smart Works’ London hub in January 2019, adding to the brand’s visibility and success. The co-founders expressed their excitement, stating that Meghan’s team contacted them, and she genuinely appreciated their earrings.
While the royal family’s website does not provide specific guidance on accepting gifts, Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” mentioned Meghan’s practice of sharing received gifts with colleagues. The warmth Meghan brought to the royal office, as described by Prince Harry, stands in contrast to the divisions that eventually led to the separation of their royal household from Prince William and Kate Middleton’s.
As Kimai continues to thrive, Meghan Markle’s support serves as a testament to the positive impact her endorsements can have on emerging ethical brands. The success story unfolds in Dragon’s Den, highlighting the potential influence of royal patronage on businesses committed to sustainability and ethical practices.
