Singer and songwriter Melky Jean has made a move into the luxury alcoholic drink market.
She is the chief executive officer of Saint Sauveur 1972 Rum. The launch coincides with the celebration of Haitian Heritage Month.
Melky Jean is known for her work with top artistes including Beyoncé, Shakira, and her brother Wyclef Jean.
Explaining the motivation behind the new brand, she noted: “I’ve been promoting brands for over 20 years…When I wasn’t on tour, I was throwing the hottest parties in New York City. That’s when I said: ‘Self, you’re doing this for everyone else. Why not do it for yourself?’”
Saint Sauveur 1972 is described as smooth, versatile, and “the first rum people are taking shots with.”
The brand, according to the CEO, pays homage to her mother and grandmother, who made a living dealing in homemade spirits or alcohol.
“Saint Sauveur was the first documented Haitian refugee ship to land in Pompano Beach, Florida, in 1972. That’s also the year my mom came to America.
“My mom wasn’t allowed to work—my dad kept getting her fired. So she started making and selling cremas at home…To this day, at 82, she’s still selling it. I had to carry on that entrepreneurial spirit,” Ms Jean added.
“There aren’t a lot of us in this field. Especially not Haitian-American women. And if I’m being real, this brand took ten years. I refused to go to market until it was 100% mine.”
“There are so many narratives that paint us inaccurately…This is a moment to say, ‘This is who we are,” she added, and thanked her brother, Wyclef, for the support.
“When I told him about the brand, he said, ‘Whatever you put your head to, I know it’s going to win,” she stated, and advised women to establish their own brands.
