Marissa Shipman is more than just the wife of finance executive Andre Hakkak. She is a pioneering entrepreneur in the beauty world, the founder of a globally recognized cosmetics brand, and a strong advocate for ethical business practices. While Hakkak leads White Oak Global Advisors in the finance realm, Shipman has built her own empire with creativity, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to clean beauty.

Early Path to the Beauty Business

Marissa Shipman’s career in beauty started in 2007 with her role in the early development of Julep Beauty Inc., co-founded alongside Jane Park. While Julep gained initial success, Shipman eventually chose to step away and pursue her own vision. That path led to the creation of theBalm Cosmetics, a company that quickly made its mark with high-performance products rooted in clean beauty principles.

Her creative direction, product innovation, and sharp business skills helped theBalm become a standout name in a saturated market. With charming vintage packaging and formulas that avoid parabens, talc, and other harsh chemicals, theBalm won over consumers seeking both quality and transparency.

Academic Roots and Early Influences

Born and raised in New York City, Marissa’s passion for business and innovation was shaped during her academic years at Tulane University. Her studies provided the critical thinking and foundational knowledge that would later guide her strategic decisions in the competitive cosmetics space. Her background played a crucial role in blending creative product development with business acumen, laying the groundwork for long-term brand success.

A Dynamic Power Couple

Marissa Shipman and Andre Hakkak share more than a marriage. Their partnership reflects deep personal and professional alignment. While Andre is widely known in financial circles for co-founding and leading White Oak Global Advisors, Marissa has carved her own space in the beauty world.

Their relationship has evolved as a mutual support system, with Andre standing behind Marissa’s ambitions and offering financial and emotional encouragement. The couple represents a modern-day alliance, combining creative leadership with strategic investment skills to create lasting impact in multiple industries.

Building a Global Beauty Brand

Since its founding, theBalm Cosmetics has grown into an international player. By 2024, the company had reached $24.9 million in annual revenue, with distribution across more than 100 countries. Its flagship store on Valencia Street stands as a symbol of the brand’s independent success and its commitment to keeping beauty fun, accessible, and ethical.

The product line has expanded to include everything from talc-free face powders and nourishing lipsticks to multi-use palettes and skincare essentials. What sets theBalm apart is its consistent promise: no animal testing, minimal harmful additives, and a blend of style and substance that appeals to conscious consumers.

Commitment to Ethical Beauty

Shipman has made cruelty-free beauty her mission. Every product from theBalm aligns with her personal values of transparency, safety, and quality. Long before clean beauty became a global trend, Marissa was already setting standards in formulation integrity.

But her ethical stance goes beyond products. Marissa has also extended her impact into the community through nonprofit work. She serves on the board of Project Glimmer, a national organization that empowers underserved young women through gifts, mentorship, and support programs. This reflects her belief that true beauty includes compassion, confidence, and opportunity for others.

Success Beyond Beauty: Real Estate Investments

Outside of business, Marissa and Andre have demonstrated their sharp eye for high-value real estate. In 2020, they sold their Gables Estates Mansion for $13.6 million, a major real estate transaction in the Miami area. Soon after, they purchased a new Pinecrest mansion for $14.3 million, one of the most significant residential deals in South Florida at the time.

Their real estate activity mirrors their business ethos: strategic, bold, and elegant. Each move has been calculated, reflecting their mutual success and long-term vision for growth, both personally and financially.

Leadership and Legacy

Under Marissa’s leadership, theBalm has retained its independence while competing with global beauty conglomerates. This is no small feat in an industry often dominated by acquisitions and private equity influence. Her hands-on leadership ensures that every product maintains the brand’s original values: safe ingredients, responsible sourcing, and distinctive, playful branding.

In a world where many female entrepreneurs face uphill battles, Marissa’s journey offers a blueprint of what’s possible with vision, persistence, and support. Her story isn’t just about lipstick or mascara—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and raising standards across the board.

Final Thoughts

Marissa Shipman represents the modern entrepreneurial spirit. She’s creative, strategic, and deeply values-driven. From starting in the cosmetics world with a bold idea to building a brand with international reach, her legacy is still unfolding—but already inspiring.

Together with Andre Hakkak, she reflects a balanced partnership rooted in ambition, respect, and shared values. As she continues to lead theBalm into the future and expand her philanthropic reach, Marissa Shipman remains a powerful force in beauty, business, and beyond.