When it comes to custom jewelry, few things are as synonymous with personal expression as diamond grillz. While grillz have long been a staple in hip-hop culture, their creation and design have predominantly remained within the hands of men, leaving little room for women, especially Black women, to carve out their place in the industry. Enter Dr. Melissa “Dr. Melz” Jones DDS, PC, and her daughter, Ariel Jones—two Black women who are breaking barriers in a predominantly male-dominated field.
Dr. Melz, a licensed dentist with over 30 years of experience, and Ariel, a lead designer, represent the first-ever mother-daughter team to enter the custom diamond grillz business. Together, they founded Melz Grillz, a thriving enterprise based in Riverdale, Ga. The duo talked to MadameNoire about changing the narrative around who can create grillz.
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From High School Vision to Business Success
The idea for Melz Grillz began years before the company was officially founded. As Ariel recalls, the inspiration struck her while she was still in high school. “We saw a lot of exploitation in our community, and there was no regard for the oral health of people who wore grillz,” Ariel shares. “It always seemed odd to me that dentists weren’t involved in making grillz. That just didn’t sit right with me.”
Her mother, Dr. Melz, agrees. “It seemed strange to me that the dental community wasn’t involved. It just felt wrong, so we had to step in,” she says. However, despite the passion behind the idea, timing wasn’t quite right for Ariel to jump into this business venture alone. “I wasn’t a dentist. I was the creative one,” Ariel explains. “It made the most sense for us to do this together.”
And that’s exactly what they did. Not only are they mother and daughter, but they also represent the powerful dynamic of Black women running a business together. “Who could hate it, you know? There’s a lot of love behind what we do, and you don’t see mothers and daughters in business together very often,” says Dr. Melz. “And definitely not in the diamond grillz industry.”
A Team That Defines Excellence
Dr. Melz, a graduate of Howard University Dental School and a seasoned dentist, brings decades of experience to the table. Ariel, on the other hand, balances her creative passion with a solid academic background. Ariel is currently completing her master’s degree in Spain, adding an international touch to her entrepreneurial journey. Their combined expertise, alongside their unwavering familial bond, sets Melz Grillz apart from the rest of the industry.
“It’s not just about being a businesswoman. It’s about loving each other and loving what we do. We both have the credentials and the passion to take this business to new heights,” Dr. Melz asserts. “And beyond that, we’re actually giving back to the community. Unlike many jewelers, we care about the culture.”
Their involvement in the grillz industry isn’t just about aesthetics. They recognize the long-standing cultural significance of grillz in the Black community and are dedicated to upholding and enhancing that legacy. Ariel notes, “We’re making history.”
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