AceShowbiz - In an interview with The New York Times, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, revealed that she has invested in several small-scale ventures. She has between five and 10 brands in her portfolio, which she views as complementary to her own lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

Markle's investment journey began with her support of other women-owned businesses. She credits the impact of her fashion choices on small brands, noting that wearing their pieces gave them much-needed exposure.

Inspired by her experiences, Markle decided to invest in companies that aligned with her values, a concept she refers to as a "dolphin tank" in contrast to the competitive nature of "Shark Tank". She jokingly says, "These are friendly waters."

Markle's investment portfolio includes Cesta Collective, a woman-owned handbag brand that specializes in handwoven bags. She has also invested in Clevr Blends, an instant latte company.

In addition to investing in others, Markle is also investing in herself. She has launched American Riviera Orchard, a lifestyle brand that will offer a wide range of products, including tableware, home decor, cosmetics, cookbooks and pet accessories.

Markle's entrepreneurial endeavors reflect her passion for empowering others, supporting diverse voices, and promoting sustainability. She believes that by using her platform to elevate small businesses, she can make a positive impact on the business landscape.