“That’s beautiful“, said Dwyane Wade about his statue. When the Miami Heat unveiled a bronze statue of the Miami Heat legend outside the Kaseya Center last month, it was a moment that marked his transition from an athlete to a cultural icon. The statue, capturing Wade’s signature pose after a game-winning shot, immortalizes his 16 years of NBA excellence and three championship titles. Now, just days after this monumental event, Wade and his wife, Gabrielle Union, scored another milestone.

In an Instagram post by ESSENCE, it was revealed that both Wade and Union are part of the ‘ESSENCE 2024 Power 40 in Entrepreneurship list‘. “They see opportunity where others see obstacles by turning passion into profit, one groundbreaking idea at a time,” read the caption of the post. The honor recognizes their influence beyond the basketball court and silver screen, spotlighting their ventures like Flawless and Proudly.

Flawless by Gabrielle Union aims to provide high-quality, affordable products for textured hair, catering to underrepresented consumers. The products celebrate the beauty of diversity. “My name helped us find investors, but that’s it. We don’t have an endless well of money. We narrowed our profit margin and put money into developing the product because that’s what makes the brand special: the product,” said Union about Flawless’s products.

But their shared venture, Proudly, takes it a step ahead to stand out.

Back in 2022, the couple launched a first-of-its-kind baby care company, inspired by their daughter Kaavia. “We set out to build PROUDLY because we found there was a lack of options for children of color as we’ve raised our own kids,” they said, speaking of the skincare launch. Their aim once again was to make the products accessible and sustainable.

Apart from these, Wade has his hands in 59th & Prairie Entertainment — a production company, Wade Cellars — a Wine company, Way of Wade — a lifestyle brand, and numerous more. Union also has her own production company, I’ll Have Another, launched in 2018.

For the couple, it has been about understanding, supporting, being collaborative, and equitable while also focusing on individuality as their take on ‘split it fifty-fifty’ made clear. “It’s about learning about each other, learning what she wants for her life and for her career and trying to support all those things,” Wade had shared via People. 10 years together and they have come to be a symbol of love and innovation. However, their relationship wasn’t smooth sailing all the time.

Dwyane Wade had a hard year in relationship

Wade and Union celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary this year which is a decade-long journey marked by love and growth. However, their milestone came with candid reflections on the challenges they’ve faced.

Through a video message, the Miami Heat legend made a confession that last year wasn’t the best for him and Union. “Year nine was hard for us. We were kind of reminiscing how we got to even here,” said Wade. Their relationship has weathered its fair share of trials, including a separation early in their courtship.