Mielle was born in the kitchen of Monique Rodriguez in 2014. The company began on the back of one product, the Almond Mint Oil. Mielle believes that natural ingredients are the way to healthier hair. Introducing consciously created beauty products for textured hair at a time when there were limited offerings is what set the brand apart in the beauty industry.
Founder: Monique Rodriguez and Melvin Rodriguez
Founded: 2014
Leadership:
2023 Full Year Expected Revenue Range: $150-$200M (estimated by industry experts)
Category: Haircare
Distribution Channels: Mass, Grocery, Drugstore, Amazon, Prestige
Funding Rounds:
What are some of your key business initiatives for 2023?
This year, Mielle is focusing on innovation and new product offerings, expanding production and access, and increasing community-driven work through the Mielle Cares non-profit that will provide resources and support to advance education and economic opportunities in Black and Brown communities.
What are you most proud of having accomplished?
First and foremost, we’re proud that our ongoing connection and relationship with the Mielle community has led to our best year yet. We’re also incredibly proud of Mielle’s newest partnership with Procter & Gamble . This groundbreaking partnership will help Mielle expand brand offerings and access, further our mission to provide healthy haircare products for Black women, and amplify our give back to the communities we serve.
What aspect of your brand DNA fuels your competitive advantage?
Mielle remains competitive because as we continue to scale, our mission has remained genuine and consistent: to provide innovative, natural hair care options to help textured hair types grow and flourish, while educating and connecting personally with our consumers.
Please share your insight on the future of the beauty industry.
I’m excited to see the evolution of diversity, inclusion and representation in the future beauty space. I see an influx of women pursuing entrepreneurship in beauty, creating innovative products, and I hope to assist the next generation of beauty bosses in scaling their businesses.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Success isn’t owned, it’s rented. And rent is due every day.
Paying it forward - what advice would you give to someone contemplating launching a beauty brand?
Always deliver quality over quantity. Mielle started with one quality product and the delivery of a great experience. We have grown dramatically since our launch because the focus was always on addressing the needs of our customers and delivering a quality, high-performance product.
