Picture this: You’re strolling through a bustling cosmetics aisle in a U.S. department store, and a quirky, retro-inspired package catches your eye. That’s theBalm Cosmetics, a brainchild of Marissa Shipman, a woman who’s much more than just Andre Hakkak’s wife.
She’s a dynamo in the beauty industry, a visionary entrepreneur, and half of a power couple that’s rewriting the rules of love and business success. Married to Andre Hakkak, the financial mastermind behind White Oak Global Advisors, Marissa blends her passion for ethical beauty with a life of real estate ventures and philanthropy.
Their story isn’t just about individual wins—it’s a vibrant tapestry of teamwork, ambition, and impact that resonates across the U.S. and beyond. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the inspiring world of Andre Hakkak’s spouse, Marissa Shipman.
Championing the Beauty Industry
From Vision to Victory: Marissa’s Entrepreneurial Roots
Marissa Shipman didn’t stumble into the beauty industry by accident. Born and raised in the energetic streets of New York City, she soaked up creativity like a sponge. Her journey took a pivotal turn at Tulane University, where she sharpened her mind and ignited her entrepreneurial journey.
After dipping her toes into the corporate world, Marissa felt a spark—she wanted more. In 2007, she co-founded Julep Beauty with Jane Park, a bold leap into the cosmetics market. Though Julep faced hurdles, Marissa didn’t falter.
Instead, she pivoted, launching theBalm Cosmetics in 2004 from her San Francisco home. What started with homemade lip balms blossomed into a global beauty brand, proving she’s a businesswoman with grit.
Think of Marissa as a gardener planting seeds in rocky soil. She nurtured her vision through trial and error, cultivating a company that now thrives in over 100 countries. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects a classic American tale—dream big, work hard, and adapt.
Today, Andre Hakkak’s wife stands tall as a cosmetics expert, showing the U.S. audience that resilience pays off.
Ethics Meets Glamour: Redefining Beauty Standards
Marissa Shipman, the theBalm founder, didn’t just want to make makeup—she wanted to make a difference. Her commitment to ethical beauty shines through every product. TheBalm Cosmetics offers cruelty-free makeup, free of talc and harsh chemicals, appealing to U.S. consumers who crave guilt-free glamour.
Imagine a chef crafting a delicious cake that’s also healthy—that’s Marissa’s approach. She blends style with sustainability, creating lip balms that pop and powders that pamper.
Here’s why this matters: The U.S. beauty industry raked in $49.2 billion in 2023, according to Statista, with ethical brands gaining ground. Marissa tapped into this shift early, positioning theBalm as a leader in clean beauty.
Her influence ripples beyond sales—it’s about empowering customers to choose responsibly. As Andre Hakkak’s spouse, she brings this ethos into their power couple dynamic, proving business and beauty can harmonize with purpose.
Quick Facts on Marissa’s Ethical Beauty Impact
- Cruelty-Free Commitment: No animal testing since day one.
- Eco-Friendly Focus: Sustainable packaging introduced in 2015.
- Market Reach: Products sold in over 100 countries by 2025.
TheBalm: A Story of Innovation and Success
Building a Brand from Scratch
Ever wonder how a kitchen table dream turns into a cosmetics company juggernaut? For Marissa Shipman, it began with a mixer, some ingredients, and a whole lot of guts. Founding theBalm Cosmetics in 2004, she crafted products with a playful, retro twist—think 1950s pin-up vibes meets modern chic.
From the cult-favorite “Mary-Lou Manizer” highlighter to velvety lipsticks, her beauty brand screams personality. By 2024, theBalm boasted $24.9 million in revenue, a testament to her business success.
Marissa’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. She faced supply chain snags and market competition, yet her hands-on approach kept theBalm Cosmetics thriving. Stores across the U.S., like the flagship on Valencia Street in San Francisco, buzz with fans eager for her latest drops. As Andre Hakkak’s wife, she’s not just riding his coattails—she’s blazing her own trail in the makeup industry.
Leadership with Heart: Marissa’s Impact Beyond Profit
Profit’s great, but Marissa Shipman aims higher. As a female CEO, she pours her heart into philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Take Project Glimmer, a nonprofit where she’s a board member. Since 2010, it’s gifted over 1 million girls across the U.S., boosting their confidence with beauty products and support. Marissa’s involvement isn’t just a side gig—it’s core to her mission. She’s showing young women they can shine, inside and out.
Her leadership style? Think warm yet fierce. She fosters creativity at theBalm, encouraging her team to innovate while staying true to ethical beauty. This blend of compassion and drive makes her a standout in the beauty industry. For Andre Hakkak’s spouse, success isn’t just dollars—it’s about leaving a legacy of good.
Table: TheBalm’s Growth Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Revenue Impact |
| 2004 | Founded in San Francisco | $0 (Startup Phase) |
| 2010 | Expanded to 50+ countries | $5 million |
| 2024 | Hit global sales peak | $24.9 million |
A Power Couple in Business
Love and Ambition: How They Met
Every power couple has a meet-cute, and Marissa Shipman and Andre Hakkak are no exception. Picture New Orleans, 2007—a networking event buzzing with ambition. Marissa, fresh off her Julep launch, locks eyes with Andre, a rising star in financial expertise. Sparks flew over shared dreams of business growth. Fast forward to June 12, 2011: their wedding sealed a bond built on love and mutual respect.
Their story’s like a Hollywood script—two go-getters finding harmony amid chaos. As entrepreneur partners, they’ve supported each other’s ventures, from theBalm Cosmetics to White Oak Global Advisors. Andre Hakkak’s marriage to Marissa proves love can fuel ambition, making them a high-profile couple U.S. audiences admire.
Synergy in Success: Blending Finance and Beauty
Together, Marissa Shipman and Andre Hakkak are a force. He brings financial expertise, managing billions at White Oak. She dazzles in business and beauty, steering theBalm to new heights. Their collaboration on Julep Beauty showcased this synergy—Andre’s investment savvy paired with Marissa’s creative flair. It’s like peanut butter and jelly: different, yet perfect together.
This entrepreneur couple thrives on teamwork. They’ve built a culture where ideas flow freely, boosting both beauty entrepreneurship and financial strategy. For U.S. readers, their story screams possibility—proof that business partners in marriage can conquer diverse fields. Andre Hakkak’s wife isn’t just a sidekick; she’s a co-star in their epic tale.
Case Study: Julep Beauty Collaboration
- Challenge: Scaling a startup in a crowded cosmetic market.
- Solution: Andre’s funding strategies + Marissa’s product innovation.
- Outcome: Julep grew to a $100 million valuation before its 2016 sale.
A Taste for Luxury: The Real Estate Chapter
From Gables to Pinecrest: A High-Stakes Move
Real estate ventures are the cherry on top for Marissa Shipman and Andre Hakkak. In 2020, they sold their Gables Estates mansion in Coral Gables, Florida, for $13.6 million. Not ones to rest, they soon snagged the Pinecrest Mansion for $14.3 million—a record-breaking U.S. residential sale. This 10,000-square-foot gem boasts luxury at every turn, from sprawling lawns to a six-car garage.
Why the switch? It’s more than flaunting wealth. Andre Hakkak’s wife and her husband play the long game, turning luxury properties into smart investments. Their moves reflect a knack for spotting value, a skill honed in their business ventures. For U.S. fans, it’s a peek into the lavish life of a power couple.
Strategic Living: Why Florida?
Florida’s no random choice for this entrepreneur couple. No state income tax means more cash to fuel their empires—contrast that with California’s 13.3% top rate. Plus, Coral Gables offers privacy and prestige, perfect for a high-profile couple. They’re not just buying homes; they’re making chess moves with their wealth.
This real estate venture ties into their business success. Every decision screams strategy, from investment properties to lifestyle perks. Marissa Shipman, Andre Hakkak’s spouse, brings her sharp eye to these deals, proving she’s as savvy in homes as she is in cosmetics.
List: Benefits of Florida for the Hakkaks
- Tax Savings: Zero state income tax boosts their bottom line.
- Luxury Appeal: Coral Gables is a hotspot for elite housing.
- Business Hub: Proximity to Miami’s growing economy.
Conclusion
Marissa Shipman, Andre Hakkak’s wife, isn’t just along for the ride—she’s driving her own lane. From revolutionizing the beauty industry with theBalm Cosmetics to building a power couple legacy with Andre, she embodies ambition with heart. Their entrepreneurial journey blends ethical beauty, financial expertise, and philanthropy and entrepreneurship, all wrapped in a love story that inspires. Living large in Florida’s luxury properties, they show the U.S. that success is sweetest when shared.
Feeling inspired? Check out theBalm’s latest cruelty-free goodies or share this tale of business and beauty. Marissa Shipman and Andre Hakkak prove that with passion and partnership, you can paint the world—literally and figuratively.
