Monique Rodriguez
{{Short description|American entrepreneur and the founder of Mielle Organics}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Monique Rodriguez
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_place = Chicago, Illinois, US
| nationality = American
| occupation = Entrepreneur, CEO, philanthropist
| known_for = Founder of Mielle Organics
}}
Monique Rodriguez is an American entrepreneur and the founder of Mielle Organics, a hair care and beauty brand.
Early life and education
Monique Rodriguez was raised in Chicago, Illinois.{{cite web |title= How This Millionaire Mom Turned A Health Tragedy Into Triumph |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dominiquefluker/2019/02/11/mielleorganics/?sh=407a77bb102d |website=Forbes |date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=May 28, 2024}} She developed an interest in hair care at an early age, influenced by her mother's homemade hair treatments. Rodriguez pursued a career in nursing.
Career
Rodriguez founded Mielle Organics in 2014. The company offers products designed specifically for textured hair, including shampoos, conditioners, oils, and styling products.{{cite web |title= Who Gets to Use a Hair Oil?|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/05/style/mielle-organics-rosemary-hair-oil.html |website=The New York Times |date=April 5, 2023 |access-date=May 28, 2024}}{{cite web |title=How to Launch a Black Beauty Brand |url=https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/beauty/how-to-launch-a-black-beauty-brand/ |website=Business of Fashion |date=May 20, 2022 |publisher=The Business of Fashion |access-date=May 28, 2024|url-access=subscription}}
In January 2023, Rodriguez announced the sale of Mielle Organics to Procter & Gamble (P&G).{{cite web |title= This Black founder sold her company to P&G—why she says she's 'selling up,' not selling out |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/21/black-founder-mielle-organics-sold-her-company-to-pandg-why-she-says-shes-selling-up.html |website=CNBC |date=January 21, 2023 |publisher=CNBC LLC |access-date=May 28, 2024}}{{cite web |title=Mielle Organics Co-Founders On Remaining True To Customers With Proctor & Gamble Acquisition |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanychambers/2023/01/12/mielle-organics-co-founders-on-remaining-true-to-customers-with-proctor--gamble-acquisition/?sh=4a19063c16dc |website=Forbes |date=January 12, 2023 |access-date=May 28, 2024}}
Philanthropic work
Rodriguez launched a venture fund in 2023, to provide financial and mentorship support to minority-owned businesses in the beauty and wellness industries.{{cite web |title=Mielle Organics Founder Monique Rodriguez To Launch Her Own Venture Fund |url=https://www.inc.com/ali-donaldson/mielle-organics-founder-monique-rodriguez-to-launch-her-own-venture-fund.html |website=Inc. |date=March 1, 2023 |publisher=Mansueto Ventures |access-date=May 28, 2024}}{{cite web |title= Mielle Organics' Monique Rodriguez Is Spearheading Her Own Venture Fund |url=https://www.essence.com/news/money-career/mielle-organics-monique-rodriguez-venture-fund/ |website=Essence |date=March 2, 2023 |publisher=Essence Communications |access-date=May 28, 2024}}
Personal life
Rodriguez said in 2019 that a family tragedy motivated her to pursue a career in hair care full-time.{{cite web |title=Mielle Organics Founder Monique Rodriguez On Growing A Company Out Of Tragedy |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/video/mielle-organics-founder-monique-rodriguez-on-growing-a-company-out-of-tragedy/ |website=CBS News |date=January 25, 2019 |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=May 28, 2024}}
Awards and recognition
Rodriguez was recognized as one of CNBC's "Changemakers" in 2024 for her impact on the beauty industry and her efforts to support Black women entrepreneurs{{cite web |title=Monique Rodriguez, CNBC Changemakers |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/28/monique-rodriguez-cnbc-changemakers.html |website=CNBC |date=February 28, 2024 |publisher=CNBC LLC |access-date=May 28, 2024}}
References
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Category:American company founders
Category:African-American company founders
Category:American women company founders
Category:American cosmetics businesspeople