Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

How to Launch a Black Beauty Brand

In a three-part series, The Business of Beauty explores how Black founders Monique Rodriguez, Danessa Myricks and more built, launched and scaled their multi-million-dollar businesses. In part one, a look at how these entrepreneurs found their niche and harnessed early lessons that were critical to their growth.

There's still plenty of room for growth and innovation in the beauty industry, especially among Black founders who arguably resonate with multicultural consumers. (BoF Team)

Sheena Butler-Young

15 April 2024

BoF PROFESSIONAL

Mielle Organics’ origin story is by now the stuff of legend among Black female entrepreneurs: In the early 2010s, Chicago nurse Monique Rodriguez was frustrated with the available range of multicultural hair products. She whipped up her own concoction in the kitchen, shared it with friends, gained a loyal following and soon attracted the attention of major investors and international beauty conglomerates.

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P&G Beauty Acquires Textured Hair Brand Mielle Organics

Mielle Organics has been acquired by P&G Beauty for an undisclosed sum. Co-founders Monique and Melvin Rodriguez will stay on in their roles of CEO and COO, respectively.

How Mielle Organics Is Rewriting the Playbook for Black Hair Brands

Monique Rodriguez is one of a small number of Black women to secure a seven-figure investment for her business. The next challenge: scale while staying Black-owned.

The Truth About Hair Relaxers: In the US, Lawsuits Over Cancer. In Africa, Soaring Sales

Despite criticism for the use of potentially harmful chemicals, companies are still selling the products around the world.

About the author

Sheena Butler-Young

Sheena Butler-Young is Senior Correspondent at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and covers workplace, talent and issues surrounding diversity and inclusion.

In This Article

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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

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