Carmelo Anthony may have played 19 seasons in the National Basketball Association and earned $262 million, but he hasn’t stopped even after retirement. He boasts a net worth of $160 million today through endorsements, business ventures, and entrepreneurship. In his post-NBA journey, his business partner has been Asani Swann, who has helped him through it all.

Growing up in the Bay Area, Asani learned values like education, service, and entrepreneurship. She later armed herself with a marketing degree from North Carolina A&T State University and an MBA from Mercer University’s Stetson School of Business and used those degrees to embark on a career filled with accomplishments.

According to Asani Swann’s LinkedIn profile, she’s a seasoned pro with over two decades of experience in sports and entertainment, and she has even co-founded a wine company! She has created business strategies and partnerships for leading global brands, managed major companies, and established her ventures. But what she truly has built is a reputation as a trailblazer with an eye for impactful collaborations.

In 2020, Asani launched I Am Wholehearted, a project designed to empower others to live a life full of purpose. With this project, she’s using her experiences to show people they can achieve anything if they set their sights high. Her mission? To encourage those who look like her to reimagine what’s possible, all while staying true to themselves.

While Asani’s entire line of work reflects a mix of strategy, creativity, and a commitment to creating opportunities, her partnership with Carmelo Anthony truly takes the spotlight. Together, they co-founded VII(N) The Seventh Estate in 2019, blending their love for storytelling and fine wine.

Asani Swann-Melo wine journey

In 2022, they launched their first label, the 2017 Oath of Fidelity Chteauneuf-du-Pape. But breaking into the wine industry wasn’t just about selling bottles for them—it was about making an impact. “We are going up against these big brands and these big houses where we have to be very strategic and intentional [about] how are we going to enter,” Melo said, highlighting the challenges of carving their place in a crowded market.

What makes their partnership even more meaningful is their shared mission to bring diversity to an industry where it’s sorely lacking. According to the Association of African American Vintners, there are less than 1% of Black-owned wine companies in the U.S. “The goal is to get the message out about all of the different jobs that are available in the wine industry, and we want to utilize our platform to communicate what those opportunities are and diversify the pipeline,” Asani shared, expressing her desire to make a difference.

And their brand name, VII(N) The Seventh Estate, is a testament to their thoughtfulness. After digging deep into its meaning, they chose the name as a nod to their roots. “VII” reflects Melo’s iconic jersey number from his Knicks days, while “vin,” the French word for wine, ties their work to tradition.

Their latest release, Ode to Soul, is a bold American red blend from the iconic To Kalon Vineyard. Having partnered with Robert Mondavi Winery, Asani and Carmelo Anthony continue to expand VII(N) The Seventh Estate’s reach. But Melo’s passion doesn’t stop at strategy—he sees wine as a way to celebrate and connect.

“The name ‘Ode to Soul’ is rooted in celebration, paying homage to our ancestors while also opening the doors to connect people through the shared experience of wine,” Melo explained, sharing the deeper symbolic meaning. “When you hear ‘Ode to Soul,’ the name dances just by the way it sounds and how it tastes.”

Their production journey

Together, they co-founded Creative 7 Productions in 2018, a company that champions inclusive and purpose-driven storytelling. Backed by partnerships with industry giants like Plan B, Will Packer Productions, and Hock Films, Creative 7 is carving a path for stories that truly matter.

“At the core, our goal is to amplify unheard voices and groundbreaking stories that push the envelope and will leave a profound impact,” Swann explained. As a Black woman, she takes pride in co-leading a company committed to diversity and inclusion. As per her Creative 7 isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about breaking barriers and changing perspectives in an industry that desperately needs it.

Creative 7 has been involved in some impressive projects, including Blood Brothers, a limited series developed with A+E Studios, and Un Sueño Real, a dock-series on HBO España that dives into the Real Madrid women’s soccer team. They’ve even explored the world of jazz with Universe, a series celebrating Wallace Roney, a protégé of Miles Davis.

Interestingly, the Asani-Melo duo have also joined as executive producers of The Harder They Come, a musical adaptation at New York’s Public Theater. “As soon as I experienced the show, I felt this was something Creative 7 had to be part of because of the real power, depth, energy, and heart it brought to the stage,” Anthony shared.

After seeing the choreography for the group’s performances, they fell in love. They joined the production and wanted to help it reach new heights. They partnered with producers Joshua Blum, Bruce Miller, Anthony to ensure the show reflected their dedication.

Truly, Asani is on a roll. With her by the side, we can expect a rise in Melo’s net worth and future business endeavors, but also a long-lasting positive impact on the lives she touches.