Merrillville-based Mielle Organics has a new spokesperson: Louisiana State University basketball star Angel Reese.

Monique Rodriguez, who founded Merrillville-based Mielle Organics in 2014, said Reese epitomizes beauty.

“Angel is a rising star with bold beauty, confidence, strength and must-have edges who uses and genuinely loves Mielle products,” said Rodriguez in a press release. “Angel's fun personality and ability to connect authentically with her fans make her a perfect addition to the Mielle family.”

The 6-foot-3-inch sophomore forward from Baltimore, Maryland, led the Lady Tigers to its first national championship over the Iowa Hawkeyes in April. They won 102-85 for the most combined points in the history of the title game, according to the NCAA. Reese also earned Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA tournament.

Reese is known for her outspoken style about beauty and athletes. The partnership started when Reese said in an interview that she wanted to work with Mielle. Rodriguez took the bait, reaching out to Reese.

“Athletes are the ideal beauty icons and brand ambassadors,” Reese said. “I put it out there that I wanted to work with more beauty brands, and I'm so excited to be working with Mielle! I'm a longtime user and fan of the brand so this is the perfect partnership.”

The partnership will include marketing, social media, events and products.

“I can't wait to share more with my fans and introduce my new Mielle bundle,” she said. “The last several months have been a whirlwind. I feel really blessed.”

Reese also was featured in the 2023 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

Mielle's hair-care products are sold in more than 100,000 stores in the U.S. and in 87 countries.

Caption: Louisiana State University basketball star Angel Reese, who led the Lady Tigers to its first national title in April, is a new brand ambassador for Mielle. (Provided by Mielle)