Melz Grillz’s Mother-Daughter Duo Is Shaking Up The Custom Grillz Game—One Celebrity Smile At A Time [Exclusive]

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Dr. Melissa Jones with Daughter Ariel Jones. Courtesy of Melz Grilz

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.

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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Iconic Moments

One of the most defining moments for the Melz Grillz brand came when the mother-daughter duo connected with none other than Coach Prime himself, Deion Sanders. The business began with a simple marketing idea: send a package to Coach Prime, whose son was starting to gain attention on YouTube. They included a handwritten note and a custom grill design.

To their surprise, Coach Prime called them personally. “We had a 30-minute-long conversation with him, which was insane,” Ariel recalls with excitement. “For me, as a sports lover, that was iconic. Nobody can top that. It was a moment we’ll never forget.”

That phone call was just the beginning. It opened doors to meeting new people, collaborating on new projects, and establishing Melz Grillz as a major player in the custom jewelry industry. The duo’s ability to leverage their networks and take initiative in the industry resulted in a series of exciting opportunities.

Another iconic moment for Melz Grillz came when Ariel checked their Instagram DMs and found a message from none other than celebrity stylist Law Roach. Initially, Dr. Melz, not being very familiar with social media, missed the gravity of the message. “Who the hell is Law Roach?” she recalls thinking, but Ariel quickly jumped in to handle the situation. Ariel laughs, “I cussed my mom out for touching the DMs, but it worked out. He came to us, and that was another milestone for us.”

These moments helped Melz Grillz gain recognition as a serious business, backed by talent, creativity, and cultural knowledge. “It’s all about respect,” Dr. Melz says, reflecting on their journey. “We’re showing that women, Black women specifically, belong in this space and we’re doing it with excellence.”

Overcoming Obstacles

While the journey of Melz Grillz has been marked by milestones and accolades, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest surprises for both Dr. Melz and Ariel was the lack of support they received from some Black celebrities. Ariel recalls, “There have been so many instances where Black celebrities wanted to get a grill, but expected it for free. That’s not support. That’s exploitation,” noting the $10,000 price tag on their products.

Dr. Melz also shares a particularly jarring encounter with a celebrity client who disrespected her expertise. “I’m standing there with my white coat that clearly says ‘doctor’ on it, and they still had the audacity to question [my credentials]. It was a moment that made me feel the weight of disrespect.”

In an industry where Black women are often undervalued, these moments of disregard were disheartening. However, they didn’t allow it to deter them. Instead, the duo used these experiences as fuel to push even harder. “It’s always been about proving ourselves, but now, we’re on top. We’re going to finish what we started, and we’re not going anywhere,” Dr. Melz asserts.

The lack of recognition and support, especially from Black celebrities, is something Ariel is particularly passionate about. “It’s disappointing,” she admits. “We have the credentials, we have the experience, and yet we still have to fight harder than others to gain respect.”

Despite these hurdles, the duo remains resilient, with a shared vision of breaking down doors for future generations of Black women in business. “If we can do it, anyone can do it,” Ariel says with determination. “We’re showing Black women that we deserve a seat at the table.”

The Legacy They’re Building

Beyond the business, Melz Grillz represents a legacy of empowerment, education, and perseverance for young Black girls and women who dare to dream big. Dr. Melz and Ariel are determined to continue blazing a trail for the next generation. “We want to show young women that they can do anything,” Ariel says. “We need more exposure. We need to see more Black women in these spaces, and if we have to be the ones to pave the way, then that’s what we’ll do.”

For both of them, their journey is about breaking the cycle of systemic barriers and providing access for other Black women to step into spaces they’ve historically been excluded from. “We’re not just making a name for ourselves,” says Dr. Melz. “We’re making a name for every Black woman who’s ever been told that she couldn’t do it.”In a world that continues to silence and suppress Black women, Melz Grillz is proof that we can, and will, be heard.

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