Photo of Monique Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Miel Organics, holding a fortified oil.
Photo credit: Mielleorganics.com
Mielle Organics, a famous black-owned hair care brand, has sparked heated debate within the black community. Many regular customers have expressed concerns since the acquisition by Procter & Gamble (P&G) was announced in January 2023. This situation has left the black community wondering if another cherished black-owned brand is sacrificing its authenticity for mainstream appeal.
Mielle Organics has earned a reputation for hair care products designed specifically for textured hair. We have evolved from a small Black-owned business to a renowned beauty brand known for its quality and cultural relevance. The recent acquisition of P&G is an important milestone for the brand and could potentially expand its reach and influence. Miere founder Monique Rodriguez published a video on her Instagram account reassuring the community about concerns regarding the acquisition.
“To be clear, our formula has not changed. P&G remains committed to supporting our brand and the communities it serves,” Rodriguez said. ” he said.
Her words are meant to comfort, but skepticism remains. For many, it’s not just about maintaining the formula, but also maintaining the integrity of the brand. The concern is that as these brands are absorbed into larger corporate portfolios, their priorities shift from serving local communities to serving shareholders.
Recently, a long-time Mielle user claimed to have experienced negative side effects. Lindsey LaRose, a fourth-year social work major, shared some of the differences she noticed while using Mielle.
“When I was using Miel Organics hair oil, I noticed that I had a chemical burn in the middle of my scalp,” LaRose said. “The roots looked weaker instead of stronger, and the back of the hair started to grow longer than the front.”
For other consumers, the acquisition represents a moment of growth for Mierre, an opportunity for the brand to access new resources and reach a wider audience. Malkavia Evans, a third-year psychology major and longtime supporter of Miel Organics, sees this as a natural progression toward business success.
“This is a huge win for Miel and we feel it allows (Rodriguez) to expand the hair business and serve a variety of hair needs,” Evans said. “I have really bad dandruff and the Rosemary line really helps control it and also helps to accentuate my curls. I’ve been using it regularly since going natural two years ago. ”
The controversy surrounding Mielle Organics is a wake-up call for both Black-owned brands and their consumers. This serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining transparency, community engagement, and stewardship of cultural assets. For now, many are watching closely to see if Mierre will truly stay true to its roots or become just another victim of corporate consolidation. As brands move forward under the P&G umbrella, they must demonstrate a continued commitment to the very communities that helped build them.
