The phrase “Everything Dope Comes from Chicago”, coined recently by popular social historian Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, has a global significance. Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a Haitian African man, is widely regarded as the city’s founder. Lincoln Park Zoo was the first American zoo opened in 1868. Yellow Pencils made their official debut at The World’s Columbian Exposition in 1889. The Ferris Wheel, Open Heart Surgeon and Hospital founder Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, Former First Black Woman Senator Carol Moseley Braun and former President Barack H Obama elected (twice) to the highest public office in the land, all derived from Chicago.
So when Monique Rodriguez, The Founder of Mielle Organics, is brought into the conversation: Trailblazer is simply embedded in her DNA.
A genuine South Side native, Monique Rodriguez was determined to embark on a life of success, growth and natural creativity. Rodriguez and her husband established Mielle Organics in 2014 and although the venture into the billion-dollar haircare industry has had plenty of success it’s also had moments of frustration and despair. As a previous High-Risk Labor and Delivery Nurse, Rodriguez learned to lean on her faith along with developing adaptability for countless hours of learning skills and logistics which helped contribute to her success. In April 2025, she debuted her book “The Glory In Your Story” where she emphasizes the importance of perseverance through hard times and the strength of unyielding faith and persistence. Despite facing criticism and systemic barriers, she navigated entrepreneurship with grace and resilience, ultimately creating a successful, Black-owned business.
Everything has not been a crystal staircase with roses and daisies climbing for these achievements. She has endured inconceivable losses and setbacks such as the loss of her infant son, Milan. Grief in losing a child is devastating with mental and physical anguish, but Rodriguez was blessed to take time with healing and acceptance.
In the beauty game, Black founders (creators/developers) often are excluded and seats at the “table” are often scarce, but instead of waiting for the seat she encouraged herself to build her own “table”. Unwavering spousal, family, and spiritual support contributed to her strength and her faith as the size of a mustard seed contributed to her growth.
In 2023, Mielle Organics’ acquisition by Procter & Gamble was a historic deal for a Black-owned Beauty Brand. Amid her constant faith and work ethic, she took her pain to cultivate her purpose in relentlessly pursuing dreams, goals and aspirations. Her book gives pointers on how to be resilient in life and she wants other women to know that greatness is not easy but it is possible. Here’s some of the key components the reader will encounter:
- Embrace the path God has given you
- Understand that there are no shortcuts or simple steps. Be ready to work, exercise your faith and keep moving.
- See beyond your circumstances
- Life is going to happen. There is no timeframe for success. Please be prayerful and patient while developing your mustard seed of faith. Putting in work and constant learning goes a long way
- Don’t just survive but thrive
- Remember to take a moment of gratitude for small accomplishments and victories.
- Be motivated by what matters
- Find and establish your WHY. Also, have a daily reminder that YOU matter in everything you do. Do not take that for granted.
The Glory in Your Story Purchase Link
Monique Rodriguez embodies all the key components in her book and then some more. As she continues to make historic Black Beauty brand deals, she never neglects to give her faith in God and she understands the importance of showing transparency becomes a guide for others to take notes.
While Chicago is known for its skyscrapers with wonderful food and other attributes, you can certainly count on Monique Rodriguez to continue the narrative of dope legacies.
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of W Publishing Group/Thomas Nelson
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