Hosted by Nancy Twine

Monique Rodriguez: Building a Brand with Patience, Purpose, and Personal Power

As the founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, Monique Rodriguez scaled a kitchen-made formula into one of the fastest-growing textured hair care brands in the world. A former nurse turned beauty entrepreneur, she built her company with strategic patience, deep connections with her community, and the confidence to show up as her full self—quirks, faith, and all. Her journey is rooted in purpose and powered by authenticity, which continues to shape everything she builds, from retail growth to investor partnerships.

Key insights from Nancy’s conversation with Monique

As a guest on the Makers Mindset podcast, Monique talked about why she said no to a major opportunity,  how she found investors that she could trust, how she built a fiercely loyal community, and why she’s unafraid to be real as she’s leading there—and it only helped her business.

1. Be patient when you’re expanding

Patience is one of the most underrated growth strategies. Holding off on major moves—like expanding into retail—can actually protect your business and give you the time to build real operational strength.

“Walmart was actually knocking on our door, and as tempting it was to say yes, we weren’t ready. Our infrastructure was not ready to support that yet. And I knew that if we were to go into Walmart, we may not make it.”

Takeaway: Before expanding, ask yourself: Can we deliver consistently? Are we built to scale? If the answer isn’t a confident yes, the best move might be to hold—and build.

2. Lock down strategic investment partnerships

The right investment partner may not be the one with the biggest check. Alignment on values, vision, and control can matter just as much—if not more—when you’re scaling something you’ve built from the ground up.

“You hear horror stories with private equity firms that come in and they destroy the brand. Can you trust these people that you’re about to get into this marriage with? And we were very blessed and fortunate that they did exactly everything that they said they were going to do.”

Takeaway: Screen investors as much as they’re screening you. Come prepared with questions that help you gauge cultural alignment, shared vision, and how they approach founder-led brands.

3. Build a loyal community

Community is more than a marketing channel—it’s a growth engine. When people feel genuinely connected to your brand, they don’t just buy, they advocate, support, and stay.

“How do you create that community that, when things are not so great, you’re going to have these mavens that stick up for you because they know you, they know your character, they know you as a person?”

Takeaway: Build in time to engage with your audience directly. Host small events, reply to comments, ask questions, and spotlight their stories.

4. Use your personal brand

Your story is part of your brand—and one of your most valuable assets. When founders show up with honesty and vulnerability, it builds trust and loyalty that no marketing campaign can replicate.

“I couldn’t be afraid to put myself out there because people want to know the real you. When I put myself out there as this goofy, silly dance queen, people really gravitated towards that.”

Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to share the real stuff and be yourself. Talk about your journey, your values, and the lessons behind your business.

Monique Rodriguez’s story is proof that building a powerful brand starts from within. By moving with intention, nurturing real relationships, and embracing her personal voice, she created a brand that’s not only successful—but deeply loved. Her approach is a reminder to every founder: scaling smart, staying grounded, and showing up as your whole self is what drives true, lasting impact.

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