In the latest episode of Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan invites her trusted hair colorist and entrepreneur, Kadi Lee, co-founder of Highbrow Hippie, for a candid conversation that blends humor, resilience, and the journey of female entrepreneurship.
Meghan opens up about a relatable pandemic mishap—attempting to dye her hair at home, which resulted in an “Elvira-esque” shade of black. This beauty blunder led her to seek professional help, bringing Kadi Lee into her life. Their professional relationship blossomed into a close friendship, with Meghan’s children affectionately calling Lee “Auntie Kadi” .
Kadi shares the story of launching Highbrow Hippie just before the pandemic—a time that tested her resilience as a Black woman entrepreneur. Despite the challenges, she remained steadfast in her vision, creating a salon space that fosters community, wellness, and inclusion. Meghan’s support extends beyond friendship; she has invested in Highbrow Hippie, championing the brand’s mission and highlighting the importance of backing female-founded businesses.
Meghan with artist, poet, activist, and author Cleo Wade and Kadi Lee in August 2023 via Instagram.
On the subject of naming a business, the Duchess shared how she ultimately settled on As Ever for her own lifestyle brand, which officially launched in April. Meghan revealed she had actually secured the name back in 2022, long before its debut. She explained:
“I had secured As Ever as a name in 2022 and then as everything started to evolve last year, and bringing in a partner the size that it was, and it was just so interesting, because do you remember I said ‘I like American Riviera as an umbrella,’ and then to be able to have verticals beneath it and maybe have the ‘orchard’ really small.
But when that’s not feasible suddenly it became this word salad. I didn’t love that so much. And I said, ‘Well okay, let’s go back to the thing that I’ve always loved, let’s use the name that I protected for a reason, that had been under wraps.’ And then we were able to focus in the quiet and put our heads down and build on something that no one was sniffing around to even see about. It was really, really helpful to have that quiet period.”
The moment reveals how intention, timing, and intuition played into the launch of As Ever. In true founder fashion, Meghan trusted her gut and went with a name that reflected her values and vision.
Meghan with Kadi Lee and Serge Normant at the Highbrow Hippie product launch, November 2024.
Throughout the episode, Meghan and Kadi’s dynamic shines: two women supporting each other through style, soul, and startups. Their story is a masterclass in friendship-meets-female-foundership, reminding us all that great things happen when women collaborate, lift each other up, and stick to what they know—and love.
For a deeper dive into their empowering discussion, listen to the full episode of Confessions of a Female Founder on your preferred podcast platform.
Kadi Lee’s Highbrow Hippie products—Root Replenish Active Growth Serum, $88 / Essential Wellbeing Complex, $118
In other news…
On Easter Sunday, Meghan delighted fans with a charming Instagram video capturing an unexpected visit from a mother duck and her ducklings at her Montecito home.
The Duchess, barefoot and beaming, wore a crisp white sleeveless shirtdress adorned with black buttons—a nod to her signature royal style.
Meghan’s dress is from Carolina Herrera – the Halterneck Button-front Dress in white, $2,490. (currently only available in stores). The dress is available in navy and a floral print online.
You may recall Meghan wore the polka dot version of the dress in episode 8 of With Love, Meghan.
She was not wearing shoes.
Get the look with these affordable styles.
Reiss ‘Masha’ linen dress, $278 / SNDYS x REVOLVE Button Down Midi Dress, $89 / Rihoas The White Collared Twist Backless Midi Dress, $49
Last week, photographer Jake Rosenberg shared a photo of himself with Meghan from a photoshoot for As Ever.
Perhaps we will be getting new products soon on As Ever!
In celebration of Earth Day, Meghan shared a video on her Instagram.
As Ever also shared an Earth Day celebration post.
Meghan is using a copper watering can I included in a previous post — The CherHome watering can in copper, $30.
Her clogs are the Crocs ‘Dylan’ style in cognac, $41. More sizes available here.
What will you be planting in your gardens this Spring? Share in the comments below!
I’ll be back later today with coverage of the TIME100 Summit, where Meghan is set to speak and Prince Harry is also expected to attend.
C’était magnifique d’entendre Kadi rapporté ses expériences et son vécu; c’était très enrichissant, c’est une très belle femme de l’extérieur et de l’intérieur.
La robe à pois j’ai pas encore réussi à mettre la main dessus mais j’y arriverai💕trop belle.
Fantastico tu trabajo como siempre, muchas gracias por compartirlo
I loved the episode Duchess Meghan did with Kadi Lee. I appreciated how they brought up the important statistic of how little VC funding women get – especially Black women. I also loved how Kadi touched on the importance of positive self talk. It was a wonderful conversation to listen to & experience. Meghan also looks too gorgeous for words in those shirt dresses! ♥️