Matilda Jane MLM Review: Why Matilda Jane No Longer Exists

Originally published June 23, 2023—Updated 2025

What Became of This Well-Known Clothing Brand?

In the past, Matilda Jane Clothing was a quirky brand in the women’s and children’s clothing industry. The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based company was founded in 2006 and gained recognition for its whimsical, colorful apparel and tiny home accessories.

Matilda Jane functioned as a multilevel marketing (MLM) corporation for many years, using independent distributors referred to as “Trunk Keepers” to sell goods through “Trunk Shows,” which are home parties. According to the sales at their events, hosts, who were lovingly referred to as “Janes,” received free or heavily discounted merchandise.

At its height, Matilda Jane created a fervent network of mothers and business owners who adored the boutique-style clothing and the brand’s family-friendly vibe.

But in the past decade, things have drastically shifted. I will evaluate what transpired and what it means for those who are still thinking about making money with businesses like Matilda Jane.

How Matilda Jane’s Business Model Operated

Trunk Keepers bought garment kits and set up home “shows” to market them directly to friends, family, and local customers under its multilevel marketing model. In addition to receiving commissions for in-person sales, they occasionally had the opportunity to hire recruits to create downlines.

The idea appeared straightforward: Trunk Keepers have parties, sell clothing, and get paid. However, as other distributors subsequently found out, the system needed a lot of work, high sales targets, and regular purchases of new products in order to remain functional.

Since comparable clothing could frequently be obtained online for less, making competition strong, many Trunk Keepers struggled to make a profit prior to it being shut down.

What Happened to Matilda Jane Clothing?

Matilda Jane Clothing declared in December 2022 that it was closing its Trunk Keeper program and folding its business. The corporation was shutting down its multilevel marketing division because of financial difficulties, according to details from WPTA 21 News and BehindMLM.

Matilda Jane’s private consultant program officially ended in January 2023 when its intellectual property and other goods were sold through Hilco Global.

Although there were brief indications of a potential revival as Cheeky Plum, there is no proof that the MLM model was ever brought back. The business no longer functions as a source of revenue, and Matilda Jane’s website is mainly lying vacant now.

Was This Program a Legitimate Opportunity?

Indeed, Matilda Jane was actually a genuine company, but its distributors had numerous issues, much like with many multilevel marketing schemes.

Trunk Keepers faced competition in a saturated market, monthly sales targets, and an upfront financial commitment. Many distributors were dissatisfied and stuck with unsold merchandise when the company closed.

A harsh reality about multilevel marketing is brought to light by this closure: even with a legitimate brand, your income is solely dependent on the stability of the business and your capacity to sell. When the company fails, your chance is gone in an instant.

The Lessons from Matilda Jane’s Shutdown

The story of Matilda Jane is typical of the multilevel marketing sector.
The following are important considerations for anyone thinking about starting any sort of home-based business:

• Multilevel marketing systems are risky. Distributors are powerless and vulnerable when a business declines financially or shifts course.
• Returns may be outweighed by upfront expenses. Many participants never recoup the costs of kits, samples, and hosting.
• Income fluctuates. Earnings are dependent on steady, strong sales; there are no salaries or guarantees.
• Brand instability is important. Even well-known businesses might go out of business, leaving sellers without help or reimbursement.

In an MLM context, Matilda Jane’s shutdown serves as a warning that enthusiasm for what you sell does not always equate to financial success.

Affiliate marketing is a better option

There are safer and more profitable methods to make money online if you still desire to establish a flexible home-based business. One of the finest options is affiliate marketing.

Unlike multilevel marketing (MLM), affiliate marketing doesn’t involve you throwing parties, recruiting people, or purchasing inventory. Just promote reliable brands, and you get paid when customers buy from your links.

You may create a legitimate internet business at your own speed without the hassles of multilevel marketing limitations or quotas if you have the proper training and resources.

Wealthy Affiliate is one of the best programs for this type of training, where you can:

• Learn step-by-step how to create and monetize a website
• Access world-class SEO and affiliate marketing training
• Get 24/7 support from a large online community
• Start for free and grow at your own speed

Without relying on the success of a single business, affiliate marketing offers you freedom, versatility, and the possibility of long-term passive income.

My Final Thoughts

Once a thriving and well-liked brand, Matilda Jane Clothing’s multilevel marketing model eventually proved unsustainable. Even while the business itself may no longer be able to generate revenue, its experience teaches us important lessons about the dangers of participating in direct sales programs.

Affiliate marketing is a much better option if you’re serious about creating a steady revenue stream that won’t disappear when an industry choice changes everything.

Through Wealthy Affiliate, the program I personally use and endorse, you can start learning right now and launch your own sustainable internet business.

To begin your free trial with Wealthy Affiliate, click here.

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