Monique Rodriguez

Monique Rodriguez is the founder and visionary behind Mielle - the fastest growing, Black-founded and women-led beauty brand offering quality, natural products for textured hair consumers. After her own personal healthy hair care journey went viral on social media, Rodriguez launched Mielle in 2014 with just one product, the Mint Almond Oil. Today, Mielle is a global sensation, with orders in nearly 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. Her brand's widespread popularity has amassed nearly 1 million followers on social media, affectionately called Mielle Mavens.

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 2021, Rodriguez became the first Black woman to raise a non-controlling, nine-figure investment from Berkshire Partners, and in 2023, Mielle announced its historic partnership with P&G Beauty.

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." Rodriguez'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. Rodriguez's success has defined her as a leader in the business community, inspiring women and young girls alike.

Driven by her faith and purpose, Rodriguez 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, Rodriguez strives to provide Black and brown communities with education, mentorship, and financial support.

When Rodriguez isn’t working tirelessly to position Mielle as “The Textured Hair Care Authority,” she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and making memories with her husband Melvin and their two daughters.