Monique Rodriguez’s journey from a grieving mother to the founder and CEO of one of the most successful Black-owned beauty brands in the world is nothing short of extraordinary.
Once a full-time registered nurse in Indiana, Rodriguez is now celebrated as the powerhouse behind Mielle Organics, a brand that transformed a homemade hair oil into a $600 million business empire.
A Journey Rooted in Healing and Purpose

Rodriguez’s rise began in the wake of unimaginable loss. After losing her son during a high-risk pregnancy, she turned to self-care as a path toward healing — and found purpose in it.
In 2014, she began mixing natural oils and herbs at home and documenting her DIY hair journey on social media.

What started as an act of self-love quickly turned into a movement.
The response from women — especially Black women craving hair products that truly catered to their needs — was overwhelming. Orders poured in, and Monique began fulfilling them from her garage, hand-packaging every product while working night shifts and raising two daughters.
Building Without Backing: A Self-Made Success Story

Unlike many beauty brands that launch with deep pockets or corporate backing, Mielle Organics was bootstrapped from day one.
There were no investors or fancy laboratories — just a vision, dedication, and a deep understanding of what Black women wanted in their hair care.
By 2021, Mielle Organics was generating over $100 million in annual revenue, its customer base fueled by a loyal following that saw themselves reflected in the brand’s mission and identity.
The products earned coveted shelf space at Target, Sally Beauty, and Walmart, helping to catapult the brand to national prominence.
A Landmark Acquisition and a Legacy of Empowerment

In 2023, Mielle Organics reached a new milestone when it was acquired by Procter & Gamble in a deal reportedly worth over $600 million. The acquisition marked one of the largest of its kind for a Black-owned hair care brand and cemented Rodriguez’s legacy as a trailblazing entrepreneur in the beauty industry.
Today, Monique Rodriguez is business mogul who is inspiring with her story of resilience, innovation, and empowerment.