Melky Jean: From Grammy Nominations to Global Spirits: A Legacy Distilled

From gracing the stage as a Grammy-nominated vocalist to now helming a rising spirits empire, Melky Jean isn’t just evolving — she’s rewriting the rules. Her latest venture, Saint Savoir 1972, is more than a premium rum brand. It’s a living tribute to legacy, identity, and the power of reinvention.

Photo by: Jaypix photography 

Words by Angel Neal

We sat down with Melky to talk about her leap from music to entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind her brand, and how she's using her platform to uplift others — all while crafting one of the most exciting new spirits on the market.

Before launching her own label, Melky spent years championing the visions of others.

“I’ve spent the last 20 years promoting other people’s brands,” she shares. “Throwing incredible parties, hosting unforgettable events — brands knew who I was and would tap me to promote them.”

But over time, she realized it was her own story that needed telling.

“A light bulb went off. I knew I needed to create my own spirit brand,” she recalls. “It wasn’t an overnight decision. I’ve been working on this for 10 years — but in the last two or three years, it finally came home.” While the industries may differ, Melky sees undeniable parallels between her music career and entrepreneurial journey.

“The number one lesson? You need a great team,” she says. “No artist can do it all alone — you can’t be the producer, the label, the lawyer, and the promoter. It’s the same in business. Surround yourself with the right people.” Being an artist, she says, taught her how to build something from scratch — a mindset that’s been crucial in founding Saint Savoir 1972.

At its core, Saint Savoir 1972 is a deeply personal homage to Melky’s Haitian-American identity. “Growing up, I wasn’t American enough for America, and not Haitian enough for Haitians. I didn’t speak Creole fluently,” she explains. “But I wanted to tell a story that brought us together — one that honored the beauty of our dual identity.” The brand’s name carries profound significance: Saint Savoir was the first documented Haitian refugee ship to land on U.S. shores in 1972 — the same year Melky’s mother arrived in America.

“It’s a tribute to our resilience and legacy.”

The brand’s logo tells a powerful story — a portrait of three generations of Haitian women.

“That’s my grandmother on the bottle. She made moonshine in Haiti. My mother makes Haitian cremas. And now, I make rum.” She calls them “three generations of women in spirits,” emphasizing the continuity and evolution of tradition. Each bottle of Saint Savoir is infused with matriarchal magic — a blend of heritage, innovation (the label was designed using AI), and purpose.

So what does Saint Savoir 1972 taste like? “Expect the unexpected,” Melky says with a smile. “Our two-year is incredibly smooth — people sip it straight, in shots, or in cocktails. The four-year is bolder, more layered.” Her favorite cocktail?

“A Saint Savoir mule. Swap vodka for our two-year — the vanilla and coconut notes mixed with ginger beer and citrus? Out. Of. This. World.” Another hit?

“An espresso martini with Saint Savoir. It takes you to a whole new level.”

As a Black woman in the male-dominated spirits industry, Melky is intentional about how and with whom she builds. "When it came time to design my labels, I had a choice," she says. "I could’ve outsourced overseas and maybe even saved money, but I didn’t care about that. I chose a Black-owned, female-owned company based in Chicago.”

That decision, she says, was about more than aesthetics — it was about impact.

“As a Black woman running a spirits brand, I know how vital it is for us to make room for one another in this space. That’s what inclusivity looks like. Giving another Black woman a shot to be part of what I’m creating — that matters to me.”

Melky’s entrepreneurial mission is deeply tied to her philanthropic roots. Through her Karma Foundation, she’s been serving communities for over 17 years. “Everything I do has a philanthropic side,” she says. “With Saint Savoir, that continues — whether it’s Haiti, the U.S., or anywhere else, we’re about people first.” Supporters can get involved by visiting the Karma Foundation’s website or following Melky online. “I always post when we need volunteers — whether it's in another country or right here at home.”

“Legacy is a story you own — one that uplifts future generations,” Melky says. “It’s something my daughters, my nieces, my goddaughters can look at and say, ‘If she did it, I can too.’” She wants to be a reminder that reinvention has no expiration date.

“I heard someone say older women lose their value — but I’m here to prove the opposite. It doesn’t matter if you're too young or too old. You can always pivot. You can always start something new. Do whatever brings joy to your life.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Melky offers simple, grounded advice:

“Know your stuff. Every step of your journey is a form of education. A great leader was once a great follower — someone who listened, who learned.” And finally, she leaves us with a truth that resonates far beyond business: “The obvious isn’t always obvious.”

Because sometimes, the boldest moves are the quietest ones — the decisions that reflect integrity, intention, and belief in something bigger than yourself.

What's Next?

“I want people to say, ‘Wow, I never know what to expect from Melky Jean,’” she says with a smile. “From artist to promoter to entrepreneur — now CEO of one of the most exciting spirits brands in the world.”

Her final toast? “Taste the heritage. Celebrate the spirit. That’s what Saint Savoir 1972 is all about.”