Photo courtesy: Mielleorganics.com
Mielle Organics, a well-known Black-owned hair care brand, has ignited heated debates within the Black community. Since the announcement of its acquisition by Procter and Gamble (P&G) in January 2023, many loyal customers have expressed concerns. This situation has left the Black community wondering if, yet another cherished Black-owned brand, is sacrificing its authenticity for mainstream appeal.
Mielle Organics earned its reputation through hair care products specifically designed for textured hair. It evolved from a small, Black-owned business into a renowned beauty brand, known for its quality and cultural relevance. The recent P&G acquisition marks a significant milestone for the brand, potentially allowing it to expand its reach and influence. Mielle founder Monique Rodriguez released a video on her Instagram account reassuring the community regarding concerns about the buyout.
“I want to be very clear, our formulas are not changing,” Rodriguez said, “P&G is committed to supporting our brand and the community it serves.”
While her words are meant to be comforting, skepticism remains. For many, it’s not just about maintaining the formulas but also about preserving the integrity of the brand. The fear is that once these brands are absorbed into larger corporate portfolios, their priorities shift from serving the community to serving shareholders.
Recently, long-time Mielle users claimed they’ve experienced negative side effects. Lindsey LaRose, a fourth-year social work student, shared some differences she noticed while using Mielle.
“I noticed that when I used Mielle Organics hair oil, I got a chemical burn in the middle of my scalp,” LaRose Said, “my roots looked weakened instead of strengthened and the back of my hair begin to be longer than the front.”
For other consumers, the acquisition represents a moment of growth and opportunity for Mielle, allowing the brand to access new resources and reach a wider audience. Marquavia Evans, a third-year psychology student and long-time supporter of Mielle Organics, sees this as a natural progression for a successful business.
“This is a big win for Mielle, and I feel like it allowed [Rodriquez] to expand and cater to different hair needs,” Evans said. “I have really bad dandruff, and the rosemary line really helps me keep it under control, it helps define my curls and I use it on a routine basis since going natural two years ago.”
The debate over Mielle Organics is a wake-up call to both Black-owned brands and their consumers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, community engagement, and maintaining control over cultural assets. For now, many are watching closely to see if Mielle will indeed stay true to its roots—or if it will become just another casualty of corporate consolidation. As the brand moves forward under the P&G umbrella, it must prove that it remains committed to the very community that helped build it.