Long before Monique Rodriguez became one of the most recognized names in Black-owned beauty, she spent her days as a registered nurse, with zero intention of ever running a business.
Then, when she tragically lost her son, Milan, in 2013, she needed something, anything, to occupy her mind. So, she started tinkering with hair products in her kitchen, just for fun, just for herself.
That "just for fun" project didn't stay small for long. She began posting her hair routine on Instagram, and before she knew it, women everywhere were asking where they could buy what she was using. So she made it available.
That single decision would eventually become Mielle, a brand she built with her husband, Melvin, powered almost entirely by the needs of her customers. (You probably have the award-winning Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil in your bathroom cabinet.)
Fast forward to today: Mielle products line the shelves of over 100,000 stores in 90+ countries, the company landed a nine-figure investment from Berkshire Partners, and it's now part of the P&G Beauty family.
Monique also brokered a first-of-its-kind deal bringing Mielle into NFL locker rooms, a major milestone for representation in professional sports.
And yet, when asked if she's finally "made it," her answer is no. There's always more to accomplish.
Below, Monique opens up about ambition, the sacrifices nobody sees behind the scenes, and what she'd go back and tell her younger self.
Who shaped how you think about your career—and why?
“My career has been shaped by a deeply personal mix of loss, purpose, partnership, and community. Losing my son, Milan, was a turning point; it gave me a sense of fearlessness and pushed me to pursue something bigger than myself as well as turn my pain into purpose. My mother led me to nursing, where I learned to serve women, while my husband, Melvin, helped me build Mielle Organics from the ground up. Listening to the Black female consumer community guided my vision, and through social media, I built authentic trust. Grounded in faith, my journey has been driven by purpose, resilience, and a commitment to empowering women.”
What does being ambitious mean to you?
“Ambition, for me, is about stewardship. It’s not just about wanting more; it’s about being responsible with what you’ve been given and doing the most with it. I’ve carried that mindset from my time as a registered nurse into entrepreneurship. It’s about building something meaningful, creating opportunities for others, and staying committed even when things aren’t glamorous. True ambition requires discipline, consistency, and the ability to keep going when no one is watching, along with having the flexibility and openness to adapt and pivot quickly when things don’t go as planned or pressure rises.”
What actually matters in your first job—and what doesn’t?
“What mattered most in my first job was the opportunity to learn, grow, and prove my work ethic, not the title or the paycheck. Early on, I focused on the power of overdelivering in everything I did, going above expectations, and treating every task as a chance to stand out. That mindset helped me build trust, sharpen my skills, and open new doors. Titles and pay can come with time, but your reputation is built from day one. When you consistently show up and exceed expectations, people notice, and that’s what truly creates long-term opportunity and helps you truly stand out.”
What’s one resource that helped you in the early days of your career?
“One of the most valuable resources for me in the early days was Instagram. It started as a creative outlet where I shared my hair journey and the products I was making at home, but it quickly became so much more. It allowed me to connect directly with a community of women, get real-time feedback, and validate that there was a demand for what I was creating. That organic connection helped me build trust and ultimately launch Mielle. I also spent time researching online and attending trade shows, but Instagram was truly the foundation.”
What did you have to say no to to get where you are?
“To get to where I am today, I had to say no to comfort, security, and expectations that weren’t truly mine. That meant walking away from my nursing career and the stability it provided, even when it felt risky. I had to say no to fear after losing my son, and instead choose faith and purpose. My husband and I invested everything we had to start the business, and I had to tune out outside opinions to build something authentic. Every no created space for me to say yes to the life and impact I truly wanted.”
What’s the moment you thought to yourself, “I made it?”
“Ironically, I don’t feel like I’ve ‘made it’ because there is always work to be done. I’m constantly growing, learning, and evolving to new heights. When I launched Mielle Organics in 2014 and my first batch of Almond Mint Oil sold out in just a few days, that moment was incredibly validating. After everything I had been through personally, it showed me that my purpose resonated with others and that there was a real need for what I was creating. Seeing that immediate support from my community gave me the confidence to dream bigger. I never want to be complacent. It was the first time I truly believed I could turn my vision into something life-changing, not just for me, but for other women too.”
What’s something you got wrong about success early on?
“Believing I had to do everything myself. As a founder, I was deeply involved in every detail, from product development to operations, because I thought that was the only way to ensure success. In reality, it slowed my growth and led to burnout. Over time, I realized that scaling requires trust. Building the right team and learning to delegate not only strengthened the business but also allowed me to step fully into my role as a leader. Letting go of control was a turning point that unlocked the next level of growth.”
What’s a skill you wish you’d built sooner?
“Seeking out mentors and advisors. Early on, I was so focused on grinding and figuring things out on my own that I didn’t always lean on the guidance that could have helped me navigate challenges more efficiently. While I’ve always been a student of life, asking questions, and learning as I go, I realized the value of having trusted voices around me. I also had to grow in managing my mindset, learning to push past self-doubt and fear. Those two things, guidance and mindset, can truly accelerate your journey.”
What’s an underrated productivity hack?
“Slowing down and being intentional. Early on, I focused on building a strong foundation instead of rushing to scale, making sure my products, systems, and community were solid first. I also operated with a ‘million-dollar mindset,’ prioritizing quality over quantity and building real trust through authenticity and vulnerability. Another big one is protecting my time, understanding that no is a complete sentence. That level of intention, patience, and focus has been key to building something sustainable, not just fast.”
What do you look for in someone you want to hire?
“When I’m hiring, I look for people who align with purpose first. At Mielle, we’re not just building products; we’re serving and empowering a community, so I want individuals who genuinely care about impact. I also value a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and the ability to take initiative. You can teach skills, but you can’t teach passion or integrity. I’m drawn to people who are solution-oriented, who believe in our mission, and who are committed to growing, not just the business, but themselves.”
Best career advice you’ve ever received?
“The best advice I’ve ever received came from my husband: ‘Success is not owned, it’s rented, and rent is due every day.’ That mindset has stayed with me because it keeps me disciplined and focused. It reminds me to never get complacent, to keep serving my consumer, and to continue earning my place every single day.”
And the worst?
“The worst advice I received was to stay in my ‘safe’ career as a nurse. While it came from a place of love and security, I knew I was being called to something greater. Choosing purpose over comfort ultimately changed the trajectory of my life.”
What’s something you’d tell your younger self just starting out in their career?
“I would tell my younger self to trust the process and not rush the journey. Everything doesn’t have to happen overnight; there’s power in patience and preparation. I started Mielle from a place of purpose, not perfection, and a lot of what I learned came through trial and error. I’d remind myself to stay rooted in my “why,” because that’s what carries you through challenges. Even when things don’t make sense in the moment, they’re shaping you for what’s ahead. Stay consistent, stay faithful, and know that your story is unfolding exactly as it should.”
MORE SUCCESS STORIES
Good Things Come to Those Who Persist—Just Ask Lesley Thornton
The Future of Body Care is Here—And You Can Thank Karen Young
This is How You Launch Sephora's First Black-Owned Clean Beauty Brand
