Monique Rodriguez is killing the hair game. A little over a year ago, she started her company Mielle Organics. Within that time, she boasts sales in over 87 countries. Her company creates hair and skin care products from all natural ingredients for adults and children. With organic ingredients being its “root to results,” Mielle Organics has natural beauty products for all hair types. Her product line includes hair oils, shampoos, conditioners, and vitamins.
For many years, Rodriguez was a registered nurse. Armed with her passion for hair and natural ingredients, she created hair products in her kitchen. She shared these ingredients with friends and later with the internet through her famous YouTube videos. Viewers watched as her bra-strap length hair grew to her waist. Realizing she was onto something, she connected with a chemist and created Mielle Organics.
Rodriguez’s company became popular fairly quickly. She and her products have been featured in Essence.com, Hype Hair.com and many more publications. The company has been endorsed by celebrity fans including Rasheeda Frost (“Love & Hip Hop”), Drew Sidora (BET’s “The Game”), Demetria McKinney, (“Real Housewives of Atlanta”), and April Daniels (WE tv’s “Tamar and Vince Show”). Videos flood YouTube and social media of naturalistas who boast unusual hair growth after using her products.
We sat down with Monique to talk more about her company and her journey to success.
Tell us your story.
I was a registered nurse for eight years. I went to college and started my career right after graduation. During that time I started working with an agency to do home health. You get independence and autonomy in that position. I liked that feeling and knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship was something I always had an interest in, but I let fear hold me back. I also didn’t have the financial backing. Even though I came from a family of entrepreneurs, I didn’t have anyone to show me the ropes. I looked and said if they can do it, I can do it. I didn’t want to die without living my dreams and it took for something to happen to me to tap into my spiritual side. God spoke to me and I stepped out on faith.
What inspired you to start your hair line?
My love for hair and the hope that I can touch lives by helping women with their hair. I am also inspired by my children. They make me want to be great.
Within one year, your products have sold in 87 countries. How did that happen?
Social media. Being engaged with my followers has allowed us to tap into a larger market faster.
What countries outside of the US have you been most successful in?
The United Kingdom, Canada, and most recently Nigeria.
How has having this company and the success changed your life?
I am very humbled by it. I prayed for it and asked for it to happen, so I feel blessed.
What is next for you and your company?
You will be seeing us in Sally’s Beauty Supply and in Target. We will be opening a storefront in the Chicagoland area where our customers can actually come in and get the products. We will also be expanding our product line to include more great products.
Go to mielleorganics.com to learn more about Monique Rodriguez’s company.
Read more about Monique Rodriguez. Check out highlights from the 2015 Ubiquitous Hair and Health Trade Show.
