This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with the incredible Monique Rodriguez, founder of the powerhouse haircare brand Mielle Organics and author of the new book, The Glory in Your Story: Activating a Fearless Faith to Change Your Life, Your Career, and the World. From her kitchen table to a billion-dollar acquisition by P&G, Monique's journey is a masterclass in faith, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
This episode is for anyone who's ever faced adversity and dared to dream bigger, for the aspiring entrepreneur needing that push, and for every Black woman who knows the power of her own story and is navigating partnership in all its forms.
Tune in to hear Monique's transparent take on:
* The P&G acquisition: What *really* changed (and what absolutely didn't!), her non-negotiables in the deal, and her message to the community.
* Staying true to her vision: How she remains CEO and the driving force behind Mielle's DNA.
* The "Tariff Tea": How global trade impacts Black-owned businesses and what it could mean for your beauty budget.
* Paying it Forward: How Monique and her husband, Melvin, are now angel investing in other Black-owned businesses.
* Building a Brand Beyond Social Media: The power of community, networking (and a little "healthy stalking"!).
* **Partnership, Femininity & Faith:** Monique shares her perspective on embracing feminine energy in leadership and dives into the often-triggering word "submission" within her marriage – what it means to her and what it absolutely doesn't.
* Her new book, "The Glory in Your Story": Why she penned this powerful guide and how owning your narrative can change your life.
* The complexities of sisterhood in the business world.
* Balancing a billion-dollar brand, marriage (to her business partner!), and motherhood.
### Guest Spotlight:
**Monique Rodriguez** is the founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, a global beauty brand she launched in 2014. A former registered nurse, Monique built Mielle from the ground up, fueled by her passion for healthy hair and her deep faith. Her brand was acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2023, with Monique remaining at the helm. She is also the author of "The Glory in Your Story: Activating a Fearless Faith to Change Your Life, Your Career, and the World."
### Key Discussion Points:
* **[01:41] The P&G Acquisition Unpacked:** Monique addresses the critics, shares what it's *really* like working with a conglomerate, and why it was crucial for her to remain CEO and protect Mielle's formulas.
* **[05:25] A Call for Community Support:** Monique discusses the impact of criticism on Black brands seeking investment and acquisition.
* **[08:17] Leading Lady:** Monique clarifies her role – she works for Mielle and her customers, not P&G.
* **[10:43] Tariffs & Your Wallet:** How international trade policies can affect the price of your favorite products.
* **[13:27] From Mentee to Mentor:** The story of Richelieu Dennis's early investment and how Monique is now supporting other Black founders.
* **[16:04] Faith as a Foundation:** How Monique's faith guided her through profound grief and inspired the creation of Mielle.
* **[19:46] Beyond Analysis Paralysis:** Actionable advice on networking and getting your product into the right hands.
* **[21:46] "The Glory in Your Story":** Monique shares the inspiration behind her new book and its message of hope and empowerment.
* **[26:06] Social Media Sanity:** Monique's evolved relationship with social media and tips for maintaining balance.
* **[30:19] Building Community Offline:** The importance of in-person engagement for brand growth.
* **[32:00] Navigating Sisterhood & Business:** Monique's honest take on support (and lack thereof) from other women.
* **[36:27] Partnership in Business & Life:** Monique shares gems on navigating business and marriage with her husband, Melvin, emphasizing grace, shared mission, complementing strengths, and respecting boundaries.
* **[42:00] Feminine Energy & Redefining Submission:** Monique delves into the power of embracing her femininity in business and personal life. She offers her perspective on the biblical concept of submission in marriage, clarifying it as trusting her husband's earned leadership while retaining her voice and strength, rather than shrinking herself.
Memorable Quotes:
* "No one knows what goes on in that negotiating room... It's in my contract that I wanted to still be CEO and still make the decisions for the brand." - Monique Rodriguez
* "When someone received the abundance of what we're complaining that we don't have, we tear them down for that... It causes investors...to now take a pause and say, 'Do we want to acquire black brands?'" - Monique Rodriguez
* "I felt that God was using one of our darkest painful moments to birth purpose." - Monique Rodriguez
* "Stop wandering and just go. Start going out there, meeting people...stop trying to worry or figure out how it's gonna get done because it can cause what you call analysis paralysis." - Monique Rodriguez
* "No one can make fun of you for your own story if you have owned it and told it yourself." - Monique Rodriguez
* "I never felt that I had to lose my softness to run a company... When you combine femininity, your power and your purpose, that is a great dynamic duo together." - Monique Rodriguez
* "When women think submissive, it thinks like, I have to shrink who I am. I can't speak up... To me, it doesn't mean that I have to shrink who I am. It doesn't mean that I don't have a voice... It means that I can fully embrace being a woman and letting you lead because I trust you to lead." - Monique Rodriguez
Follow Monique: https://www.instagram.com/exquisitemo/
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