By Donna Hammond

You can and should set your own limits and clearly articulate them. This takes courage, but it is also liberating and empowering, and often earns you new respect.”

– Rosalind Brewer, CEO, Walgreens Boots Alliance

Meet Monique Rodriguez, the founder and visionary behind the Mielle Organics beauty brand. A woman who has lived her life setting her own limits and courageously working to build a brand of hair care products now available around the world. Ms. Rodriguez launched Mielle in 2014 with her Mielle’s Mint Almond Oil, after her own personal healthy hair care journey went viral on social media. Her success has defined her as a leader in the business community, inspiring women and young girls alike. Driven by her faith and purpose, Monique is passionate about helping women and small business owners around the world reach their potential. From her Secret Sauce to Success annual retreat, to the Mielle Global Education & Entrepreneurship program and the work of the Mielle Cares nonprofit, Monique strives to provide Black and brown communities with education, mentorship, and financial support.

Ms. Rodriguez has been featured in publications including Allure, Business of Fashion, Cosmopolitan, Essence, Glamour, Inc, Vogue and WWD. She has been a guest on popular national daytime talk shows like Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, The Real, and The Wendy Williams Show. Monique’s accomplishments in the beauty industry have been recognized by the Glossy 50 (2021), WWD’s Beauty Industry’s Next Generation Power Players (2022), Fast Company Brands That Matter (2022), and BeautyMatters Future50 (2023). She also serves on the Executive Leadership Advisory Boards for Hope Chicago and Building Better Futures. In 2021, Monique became the first Black woman to raise a non-controlling, nine-figure investment from Berkshire Partners.

Ms. Rodriguez is an entrepreneur who has engaged in inspiring women worldwide, thanks to her business savvy and her Secret Sauce to Success podcast and academy. She has traveled around the U.S. and the world empowering and equipping women to be the best versions of themselves through brand-building and self-care opportunities. In addition, the Mielle More than a Strand program was created to empower communities and women of color across the U.S., the Caribbean, and Africa, to strengthen mother and daughter relationships.

In her personal time, Monique enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and making memories with her husband Melvin and their two daughters.

About the Mielle Brand

Today, Mielle is the fastest growing, Black-founded and woman-led beauty brand offering quality, natural products for textured hair consumers. A global sensation, Mielle fulfills orders from 90 countries around the world. The brand’s products can be found in more than 100,000 stores across the U.S. in retailers such as CVS, Rite Aid, Sally Beauty, Target, Ulta Beauty, Walgreens, and Walmart. The Mielle brand’s widespread popularity has amassed nearly 1 million followers (The Mielle Mavens) on social media. Through education, innovation and transparency, Mielle has earned the trust and loyalty of consumers, cultivating a devoted community and ultimately attracting the attention and support of investors.

In 2023, Mielle Organics announced its historic partnership with P&G Beauty. Ms. Rodriguez’s departure as Mielle’s owner is poised to increase the Mielle brand to more Black Women. In addition, Mielle and P&G have pledged $10 million to expand the Mielle Cares charity that provides education, business relief, and economic opportunities in Black communities. Monique and her husband will remain at the helm of the brand as CEO and COO, respectively.

 

For information about the Mielle brand, visit www.mielleorganics.com.