Marissa Shipman, known to many as Andre Hakkak Wife, has carved her own remarkable path in the beauty world. While her association with the visionary CEO of White Oak Global Advisors often places her in the spotlight, Marissa’s identity as a beauty mogul and entrepreneur is something she’s fiercely proud of. From her early days in business to founding the successful cosmetics brand, theBalm, Marissa Shipman has shown the world that she’s much more than the partner of a high-profile investor. Instead, she is a pioneer in her own right, building a cosmetics empire that rivals the best in the industry. Here’s a deep dive into Marissa Shipman’s extraordinary journey, her impact on the beauty world, and the powerful partnership she shares with Andre.
The Rise of Marissa Shipman: From Julep to theBalm
Marissa Shipman’s story is one of resilience, vision, and unyielding commitment. Before she became the face of cruelty-free cosmetics with theBalm, she co-founded Julep Beauty Inc. alongside Jane Park in 2007. While Julep’s path took unexpected turns, Marissa’s entrepreneurial spirit remained steadfast. After the closure of Julep, she channeled her experiences and lessons into her next big project: theBalm.
A New Chapter with theBalm: Defining Beauty and Empowerment
TheBalm Cosmetics, which Andre Hakkak Wife founded over 15 years ago, is now a powerhouse in the beauty industry. Known for its cruelty-free stance and a commitment to high-quality, innovative products, the brand has grown exponentially. What started as a small-scale lip balm production in a modest space has blossomed into a multi-million-dollar company.
Marissa’s flagship products, including lip balms, talc-free powders, and cruelty-free skincare, have become staples in many beauty enthusiasts’ routines. As a founder, Marissa emphasized inclusivity and empowerment, making her mark with both innovative formulations and her bold approach to business.
A Glimpse into the Life of Andre Hakkak’s Wife: Marissa Shipman’s Background
Marissa Shipman’s journey didn’t begin in the world of beauty. Born and raised in New York City, she honed her entrepreneurial skills at Tulane University, where she learned to combine business acumen with a creative flair. With a background in business, Marissa took her natural instincts for problem-solving and applied them to her cosmetics ventures.
Her experience with Julep gave her the insight to understand what consumers wanted and what they were missing in the beauty industry. With theBalm, she focused on cruelty-free practices that are now more important than ever, leading the charge for clean, ethical beauty products.
Behind the Success: How Marissa Shipman Revolutionized Cosmetics
Marissa’s leadership at theBalm has been instrumental in the brand’s meteoric rise. Under her guidance, the company has expanded its range of products to include over 100 items, each designed with sustainability and innovation in mind. In 2024 alone, theBalm generated nearly $25 million in revenue, solidifying its position as one of the leading players in the cosmetics industry.
What makes theBalm stand out is not just its cruelty-free promise, but its ability to create high-quality, effective products that cater to a wide range of skin tones and beauty needs. Marissa’s background in both the arts and business has allowed her to design products that are as visually appealing as they are functional, attracting beauty lovers and industry experts alike.
The Power Couple: Andre Hakkak and Marissa Shipman
While Marissa’s career has been marked by entrepreneurial success, it’s the partnership she shares with Andre Hakkak that adds another layer of intrigue to her story. Andre, the CEO of White Oak Global Advisors, has been a constant source of support for Marissa throughout her journey. Their relationship is a true embodiment of teamwork, where personal and professional lives intersect seamlessly.
Together, they’ve cultivated a culture of innovation and empowerment, with Marissa leading the charge in the beauty industry and Andre offering his strategic expertise in investments and business management. Their combined efforts have not only made them a formidable duo in business but have also set a benchmark for couples balancing love and work with grace.
Making Waves in the Real Estate World: The Gables Estates Mansion Controversy
Beyond their work in business, the couple has also made headlines for their real estate ventures. In 2020, Andre and Andre Hakkak Wife made a controversial move by selling their $13.6 million mansion in the Gables Estates, only to purchase the Pinecrest Mansion for a staggering $14.3 million. This sale not only caught the eye of the media but also marked a significant moment in their personal lives, showcasing their continued success in both business and personal investments.
The Pinecrest Mansion, which stands as one of the largest residential sales in U.S. history, serves as a reminder of the couple’s astute judgment and strategic decision-making in various aspects of their life.
Marissa Shipman’s Role in Charitable Causes
While business may be at the heart of Marissa Shipman’s life, she hasn’t forgotten her responsibility to give back. A passionate supporter of women’s causes, Marissa has been an active board member of Project Glimmer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young women and girls across the U.S. Through Project Glimmer, Marissa has helped provide prom dresses, beauty kits, and other essentials to help women feel confident and beautiful.
Her work with the nonprofit highlights her dedication to social causes, further reinforcing her status as a multifaceted business leader.
Andre Hakkak and Marissa Shipman: A Balanced Life of Professional Excellence and Personal Fulfillment
What makes Andre and Marissa such a captivating couple is the balance they’ve struck between personal happiness and professional success. Both have enjoyed thriving careers, yet they remain deeply connected to each other’s aspirations and dreams. This partnership is a testament to the power of mutual support and the importance of having someone by your side who believes in your vision.
While Andre’s business acumen has been crucial to their success, Marissa’s ability to innovate in the cosmetics world has made her a force to be reckoned with. Together, they represent a blend of intellect, ambition, and love that has fueled their joint success story.
The Future of Marissa Shipman and theBalm
As Andre Hakkak Wife continues to lead theBalm into new territories, both literally and figuratively, the future looks incredibly bright. With plans to expand the brand globally, Marissa is setting her sights on new markets and eager to introduce cruelty-free cosmetics to even more consumers worldwide.
Her brand’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and quality positions it as a beacon of hope for the beauty industry, where more and more consumers demand ethical products that don’t compromise on effectiveness or style.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Marissa Shipman and Andre Hakkak
Marissa Shipman and Andre Hakkak’s partnership is an inspiring story of love, business success, and resilience. Marissa’s journey from Julep to theBalm is a true testament to the power of reinvention and staying true to one’s passions. And while Andre’s career in finance has provided the stability and support for their ventures, Marissa’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision have taken the beauty world by storm.
Together, they are a shining example of what happens when two people come together to support each other’s dreams, create something meaningful, and, ultimately, change the world—one cosmetic product at a time.
