Company: Mielle OrganicsTitle: Founder & Chief Executive OfficerIndustry: Consumer productsHometown: Merrillville, IndianaNotable in 2023: Sold company to Procter & Gamble in largest-ever acquisition for a Black female beauty founder, and stayed on as CEO.
Last year capped a banner year for Mielle Organics. The company, which was co-founded by CEO Monique Rodriguez and her husband, COO Melvin Rodriguez, was purchased by Procter & Gamble. This deal would expand the reach of the company, allowing it to serve Black and Brown customers who had their hair needs ignored by many mainstream beauty conglomerates.
It also marked the largest acquisition of a beauty brand owned by a Black female founder.
“From the moment we stepped into P&G, we saw a diverse team of leaders who share our values and vision for innovation, education and community empowerment, including several Black leaders who play a key role in the hair care and beauty …