Monique Rodriguez on Protecting Your Seat at the Table

Monique Rodriguez is the Founder & CEO of Mielle Organics.

Monique Rodriguez, founder of Mielle, leads the fastest-growing Black-founded and woman-led beauty brand, celebrated globally for its quality, natural products catering to textured hair consumers. With a presence in over 90 countries, Mielle's products are available in over 100,000 U.S. stores including Sally Beauty, Ulta, Target, and Walmart. Boasting a social media following of over 1 million Mielle Mavens, Monique's strategic approach secured a groundbreaking non-controlling nine-figure investment from Berkshire Partners in 2021. In 2023, Mielle marked history with a significant partnership with P&G Beauty.
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Monique's industry impact is underscored by accolades such as the Glossy 50, WWD's Power Players, and Fast Company Brands That Matter. Acknowledged for her leadership, she serves on Executive Leadership Advisory Boards for Hope Chicago and Building Better Futures. Her commitment to empowerment extends through the nonprofit Mielle Cares. Driven by faith and purpose, Monique imparts wisdom, education, and financial resources to support Black and brown communities.

"Growth isn’t worth losing your voice or your values. Know your numbers, protect your seat at the table, and don’t rush into deals just because they look big or shiny."

What does legacy mean to you at this stage of your career?

Legacy for me right now is about building something that actually lasts beyond me. Not just a successful company, but something that creates opportunity, ownership, and leadership for the next generation especially for my daughters and other women coming behind me.

You’ve been outspoken about the funding gap for Black women entrepreneurs. From your vantage point, what structural shifts would actually move the needle?

Honestly, we need more people making the decisions who actually understand both the consumer and the founder. Not just checking a diversity box. More Black women in decision making roles, more flexible capital, and more real partnership not just a check and then you’re on your own.

For many women founders, ownership is synonymous with power. What advice do you have for founders navigating growth while trying to retain both equity and decision-making authority?

Be really intentional about who you partner with and why. Growth isn’t worth losing your voice or your values. Know your numbers, protect your seat at the table, and don’t rush into deals just because they look big or shiny.

Do you have one secret to your success?

Consistency. Showing up, staying disciplined, staying grounded in faith, and not chasing every trend or outside validation.

Who is a woman you admire?

My mom. Her strength, work ethic, and faith shaped how I lead and how I raise my girls.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

My faith and my family. Everything else comes after that.

What is one big trend you’re excited about in 2026?

Founders building real ecosystems not just products. Community, content, culture, ownership all connected.

What book or film/show has been the most impactful in your career or life?

The Bible. It really shapes how I lead, how I make decisions, and how I define success.