Monique Rodriguez is turning a new leaf. Rodriguez is the founder of organic and natural haircare line Mielle Organics, which she founded in 2014. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, her company achieved early success scaling from her garage into major retailers, including Target, Walmart, and CVS, among others. By 2021, the company had been worth over $100 million. Although this achievement stands as a remarkable milestone for Rodriguez, her path to securing investments hasn’t always been paved with ease and success. Inc. Magazine reports she bootstrapped her business for the first seven years and then shifted her attention to securing capital. However, in the process she was met with rejections and unexpected changes to term sheets. In fact, a group of investors once presented her with a $2 million deal for 40% stake in the company, which she turned down. “I knew in my spirit that they were not the right investors, but I felt that because I wanted to continue to grow my business, I...

Founders each have their own testimonies for why they believe their companies have found great success. Mielle Organics Founder and CEO Monique Rodriguez’s answer is complex yet still quite simple: Faith.

When it comes to scaling and growing Black-owned businesses, Richelieu Dennis is the man with the master plan. He played a pivotal role in spearheading the largest consumer products transaction between a majority Black-owned company during his negotiation of the acquisition by Unilever of the company he co-founded, Sundial Brands.

Mielle Organics has smashed through yet another glass ceiling. According to Procter & Gamble, the hair company will officially join P&G Beauty, pending regulatory approval.

Steve Pamon has a new role on his hands. According to a press release, the former president and COO of Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment has been appointed to Mielle Organics’ Advisory Board.

Mielle Organics is celebrating its seven-year anniversary with some exciting news! Actress and venture capitalist Keshia Knight Pulliam has been named as the brand’s new global education ambassador. The “Cosby Show” veteran actress will partner with the beauty brand to lead the global education arm on their More Than A Strand campaign. “We chose Keshia Knight Pulliam as our new Global Education Ambassador because of her passion for providing opportunities for mentorship, education, and venture capital for Black women,” said Mielle Organics’ founder and CEO, Monique Rodriguez. “Entering this next chapter of our journey with someone who is equally as passionate about building community entrepreneurship is a testament to what God has to come.” Their inaugural Global Certificate Program is a partnership with Rutgers University and the Newark Business Hub which is a part of the brand’s promise to provide opportunities for education and entrepreneurship for the community. Mielle Organics...

Black-owned haircare brand Mielle Organics has announced a monumental move to tap rap star Megan Thee Stallion as its first-ever Global Ambassador as it embarks on an aggressive growth plan for 2021. Megan — who has recently embarked on her own natural hair journey — is excited to team up with a brand she feels identifies with her and other Black women. “I’m excited to represent a global hair care brand that is Black-owned and women led,” said Megan in a press statement. “It’s an incredible feeling to become an ambassador for a beauty brand that uplifts women to stand in their natural beauty.” According to a press release, this new deal will further position Mielle Organics for worldwide expansion and supports its philanthropic efforts as it continues to build upon its growth.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Hot Girl Meg (@theestallion) “Mielle has seen phenomenal growth in many key categories and the addition of Megan Thee Stallion as our global ambassador will...