Monique Rodriguez

Monique Rodriguez is an entrepreneur, author, and the founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, a hair care and beauty brand focused on textured hair. Before launching her business, Rodriguez worked as a registered nurse, a role that developed her discipline, scientific approach, and empathy. After the loss of her son, she began creating natural hair care formulations at home, which led to the founding of Mielle Organics. Drawing on her background in physiology and her interest in ingredient-focused beauty, Rodriguez built the brand with an emphasis on community and purpose.

Mielle Organics has expanded from a home-based concept to an international beauty company, offering 10 product collections and reaching more than 100,000 stores in the United States, including Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Ulta, with distribution in over 87 countries. Rodriguez became the first Black woman to raise a non-controlling nine-figure investment, securing more than $100 million from Berkshire Partners while maintaining majority ownership. Mielle Organics was later acquired by Procter & Gamble in a significant deal, with Rodriguez remaining as CEO. Through the partnership with Procter & Gamble, Mielle Organics became the first official textured hair care partner of the NFL.

Rodriguez has also launched a venture fund to support minority-owned businesses in the beauty and wellness sectors and established Mielle Cares, the nonprofit arm of her company. Mielle Cares, supported by a $10 million donation matched by Procter & Gamble, focuses on supporting female entrepreneurs and providing scholarships for young Black women pursuing higher education. Rodriguez has been recognized by CNBC as a "Changemaker," included in Forbes' Next 1000, and named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. Black Enterprise honored her with the Luminary Award at its Women of Power Summit.

In addition to her business leadership, Rodriguez is a speaker and author. Her book, "The Glory in Your Story: Activating a Fearless Faith to Change Your Life, Your Career, and the World," details her journey from personal loss to entrepreneurship. Her work and insights on entrepreneurship, community empowerment, and perseverance have been featured in major fashion, business, and lifestyle publications, as well as on national daytime television.