Meet Melky Jean — a dynamic force of creativity, compassion, and Haitian American pride. A Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, philanthropist, and powerhouse entrepreneur, Melky has spent her life using her voice both on and off the stage. As the founder of the Carma Foundation, she has dedicated herself to empowering women and children in Haiti and beyond. Now, Melky is blazing new trails as the CEO and founder of Saint Sauveur 1972, a premium Haitian Heritage rum that blends culture, craftsmanship, and legacy into every bottle. Bold, unapologetic, and driven by purpose, Melky Jean is redefining what it means to lead with heart and hustle.
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Melky Jean
“A successful entrepreneuris someone who’s willing to believe in their vision before the world does, and keeps going even when the road gets tough. It’s not just about ideas—it’s about execution, resilience, and knowing your “why.” – Melky Jeam
My story begins in Brooklyn, New York—the first generation of my Haitian family born in the United States. My parents were ministers, and while we were rich in faith and culture, life in the inner city wasn’t easy. I was often bullied as a child, but even then, I knew I had something special. My saving grace was my talent.
That gift led me to performing arts school, where I studied classical music and learned how to harness my voice. I eventually signed to MCA Records, releasing a critically acclaimed album. As a songwriter, I wrote for major films like Happy Gilmore, Love Jones, Love & Basketball, Disappearing Acts (as the singing voice of Sanaa Lathan), and The Hurricane starring Denzel Washington. After the loss of my father, I pivoted my focus toward legacy. In 2006, I launched the Carma Foundation to honor his mission of service. Since then, Carma has helped thousands—especially women and children in Haiti—proving that compassion and commitment can change lives.
Outside the studio and the stage, I became known for my legendary events. I hosted unforgettable experiences for MTV, The GRAMMYs, Sony Music, and countless others. These weren’t just parties—they were cultural touchpoints where brands met real people. I became a go-to connector, especially in the spirits industry, helping promote some of the world’s biggest names.
But then came the question:
Why build someone else’s legacy when I could build my own?
It wasn’t easy. I had to learn the business. I had to bet on myself. But once I did, I knew the story I needed to tell—one that honored my roots and the women who came before me. My grandmother sold moonshine in Haiti in the 1940s. My mother still makes Haitian Kremas. This legacy of resilience, resourcefulness, and craft lived in me too.
That legacy is now bottled in SAINT SAUVEUR 1972
The name honors the first documented Haitian refugee boat—the Saint Sauveur—which arrived on the shores of Pompano Beach, Florida, in 1972. Though my mother came to America through a different journey, the spirit of Saint Sauveur mirrors the essence of every Haitian story: bold, brave, and unbreakable.
Saint Sauveur isn’t just rum—it’s a tribute to culture, to survival, and to celebration. It’s for those who honor heritage while daring to create something new.
This is my journey—from the stages of classical music to the frontlines of entrepreneurship. From heartbreak to heritage. From pouring into others to finally bottling my own truth.
And this is just the beginning!
What are the three most important habits to be a successful entrepreneur?
A successful entrepreneur is someone who’s willing to believe in their vision before the world does, and keeps going even when the road gets tough. It’s not just about ideas—it’s about execution, resilience, and knowing your “why.”
For me, success meant betting on myself, learning the business from the inside out, and understanding that failure is part of the process, not the end of it. It’s also about listening—listening to your gut, your community, and your culture. That’s how you build something authentic, something that lasts. And lastly, a successful entrepreneur knows how to stay hungry, stay humble, and stay true to themselves, their mission, and the people they serve
Every entrepreneur has a goal and a problem they’re trying to solve. What was the inspiration that started your journey?
5For me, it wasn’t just about launching a product—it was about reclaiming a space. The spirits market is oversaturated, but not with people who look like us, tell stories like ours, or come from where we come from. I spent years behind the scenes helping build other brands, and I realized our culture was being consumed but not truly represented.
So I decided to change that.
I wanted to create something rooted in authenticity, something that speaks to both legacy and elevation. Saint Sauveur 1972 isn’t just a premium rum—it’s a statement. It’s about showing the world that we belong in the luxury conversation, that our taste, our stories, and our excellence deserve center stage.
That was the inspiration—to fill the void, flip the script, and build something bold that honors who we are and where we are going.
How do you prioritize self-care and well-being while managing the demands of your business?
I’ve learned that health isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially as a CEO. I listen to my body, and when it tells me to slow down, I honor that. A healthy leader—physically, mentally, and emotionally—creates a healthy business.
I make time to meditate, even if it’s just a few minutes a day, to reset and reconnect. I’ve also embraced that it’s okay to shut down, unplug, and step away when needed. Rest isn’t weakness—it’s strategy. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so I protect my peace the same way I protect my brand: intentionally and unapologetically. Prioritizing myself is how I stay aligned, inspired, and strong enough to lead.
Can you share some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your successes and failures in business?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of being tenacious. I once heard Chris Burch say that word, and it resonated with me deeply. This journey isn’t for the faint of heart—you have to be relentless in your vision, even when things don’t go as planned.
Success taught me to trust my instincts and celebrate the small wins. Failure taught me to be flexible, to pivot without losing purpose, and most importantly, to never take anything personally—it’s all part of the process.
I’ve learned that being a CEO means constantly learning, growing, and showing up, even when the world doesn’t yet see your worth. But when you’re tenacious, when you’re grounded in your “why,” and when you’re willing to bet on yourself over and over again—that’s when the magic happens.
How do you set your business apart from others in your industry?
We lead with authenticity, intention, and innovation. In a saturated market, especially in the spirits world, we knew we couldn’t just create another rum—we had to create a statement. Saint Sauveur 1972 isn’t just a product—it’s a purpose-driven experience rooted in culture, legacy, and elevated craftsmanship.
We were intentional about every detail—from the rich, complex flavor profile to creating a gluten-free, kosher-certified spirit that respects the diverse lifestyles of our consumers. Even the bottle is one-of-a-kind—there’s truly nothing else like it on the shelf. It’s sleek, bold, and unforgettable—just like the story behind it.
We’re not here to follow trends.
We’re here to set the standard—for what it means to honor heritage while raising the bar in luxury spirits.
In conclusion, my journey is a testament to what happens when purpose, culture, and tenacity collide. I hope my story reminds you that no dream is too bold, no vision too big, and no legacy too deep to bring to life. Whether you’re building a brand, breaking barriers, or just beginning, do it with intention, with fire, and with heart. Thank you for taking the time to get to know a piece of my story.
All of these and more are part of our interview series spotlighting successful women in business.
Melissa Stewart is the founder of SheOwnsIt.com. She is a Purveyor of Possibility, Entrepreneur Advocate and Coffee Addict. She believes that behind every successful woman is her story. What’s your story?
