When we think of power couples who excel in both their personal and professional lives, Andre Hakkak and Marissa Shipman come to mind. Marissa, known for her creativity and drive in the beauty industry, has achieved great success as the founder of theBalm Cosmetics. Together, Andre and Marissa have built a partnership rooted in love, mutual respect, and shared aspirations. Let’s dive into Marissa’s inspiring story, her career achievements, and her beautiful relationship with Andre.
Who Is Marissa Shipman?
Marissa Shipman grew up in the bustling city of New York, where her creative spirit and entrepreneurial mindset began to flourish. From an early age, she showed a love for finding innovative solutions and creating things that stood out. Her curiosity for business and her drive to make a difference made her stand apart.
After high school, Marissa pursued her education at Tulane University, where she honed her skills in marketing and business. Her time at Tulane helped her understand the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, preparing her for the exciting journey ahead.
Today, Marissa is known for her ability to turn ideas into successful ventures. But her path wasn’t without challenges—something that makes her journey even more inspiring.
The Beginnings of Marissa Shipman’s Career
Every successful entrepreneur starts with a small step, and for Marissa, it was her first venture with Julep Beauty Inc. in 2007. Co-founding the company with Jane Park, Marissa set out to create innovative beauty products. However, like many first ventures, Julep faced obstacles and didn’t achieve the success Marissa had hoped for.
Instead of being discouraged, Marissa used this experience as a stepping stone. She realized the market needed something different—products that were high-quality, cruelty-free, and affordable. With this in mind, she started experimenting with homemade beauty products in her kitchen.
This small beginning planted the seeds for something extraordinary: theBalm Cosmetics, a brand that would soon capture hearts worldwide.
The Creation of theBalm Cosmetics
In 2004, Marissa founded theBalm Cosmetics, a San Francisco-based company with a unique vision. She wanted to create makeup that was not only effective and safe but also fun and appealing. Her products stood out with their retro-inspired packaging and multi-functional uses, such as blushes that doubled as eyeshadows.
What made theBalm even more special was its commitment to being cruelty-free and free from harmful chemicals like parabens. Marissa’s attention to detail and dedication to quality quickly gained the brand a loyal following.
Over the past 15 years, theBalm has grown from a small kitchen experiment to an internationally recognized brand. With products sold in over 100 countries, it’s clear that Marissa’s hard work and vision have paid off.
Marissa Shipman’s Role in the Beauty Industry
Marissa is more than just a businesswoman—she’s a trailblazer in the beauty industry. Her commitment to creating products that are both sustainable and affordable has set a high standard for other brands to follow. By focusing on cruelty-free and eco-friendly practices, Marissa has shown that beauty and ethics can go hand in hand.
She’s also a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, often encouraging women to pursue their dreams. Marissa believes that beauty products should make people feel confident and celebrated, and that’s exactly what her brand achieves.
Her ability to combine creativity, ethics, and business smarts has made her a respected figure in the industry.
How Marissa Met Andre Hakkak?
Marissa and Andre’s love story began at a networking event in Los Angeles. Amidst the lively discussions and professional connections, the two struck up a conversation that felt effortless. They bonded over their shared passion for business and a desire to create something meaningful in their lives.
As their connection grew, so did their admiration for each other’s work ethic and values. Late-night chats turned into shared dreams, and it wasn’t long before they realized they wanted to build a life together.
Their partnership became a foundation for both personal and professional growth, proving that love and mutual respect can drive success in all areas of life.
Marissa Shipman and Andre Hakkak: A Power Couple
Andre and Marissa complement each other in every way. While Andre excels in finance as the CEO of White Oak Global Advisors, Marissa shines in the beauty industry. Together, they have supported each other’s careers, ensuring both their dreams are fulfilled.
Andre’s strategic mindset and Marissa’s creativity make them a dynamic duo. They encourage teamwork, innovation, and ethical practices in their respective fields, creating a lasting impact on those around them.
Their bond extends beyond business—they’re partners in every sense, inspiring others with their love and dedication.
Family Life: Raising Children and Creating Memories
Marissa and Andre are proud parents to two children, Ava (born in 2012) and Ethan (born in 2019). Despite their busy schedules, they prioritize family time, ensuring their children grow up in a loving and supportive environment.
Whether it’s taking family vacations or enjoying cozy evenings at home, Marissa and Andre cherish every moment together. They also instill important values in their kids, teaching them about hard work, kindness, and the importance of giving back.
For Marissa, being a mother is as fulfilling as her career, and she balances both roles with grace.
Philanthropy
Marissa is passionate about helping others. As a board member of Project Glimmer, she supports initiatives that empower young women and provide them with gifts and opportunities to feel valued. Her involvement in charity reflects her belief in the power of giving back.
Andre and Marissa often collaborate on philanthropic projects, attending charity galas and raising funds for causes close to their hearts. Their efforts inspire others to make a difference in their communities.
The Controversial Sale of the Gables Estates Mansion
In 2020, Marissa and Andre made headlines with the sale of their luxurious Gables Estates Mansion for $13.6 million. This transaction surprised many, as they had only owned the property for a few years.
Shortly after, they purchased the Pinecrest Mansion for $14.3 million, setting a record in luxury real estate. The move sparked curiosity, but it also highlighted their sharp sense for valuable investments.
Marissa Shipman’s Age and Net Worth
Marissa Shipman was born on April 15, 1980, which makes her 45 years old in 2025. Her zodiac sign is Aries, known for being confident, creative, and determined. She is American, with Caucasian roots, and follows Christianity, which highlights her strong family and moral values.
Marissa is known for her kind and approachable personality. She has a warm presence that makes her relatable and inspiring. She is about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 60 kg, maintaining a healthy and balanced look. Her light brown hair, hazel eyes, and bright smile give her a graceful and friendly appearance that reflects her positive attitude and creative energy.
As of 2025, Marissa Shipman’s net worth is around $25 million, earned from her success with theBalm Cosmetics, a global beauty brand. Her husband, Andre Hakkak, has an impressive net worth of $500 million, thanks to his role as CEO and co-founder of White Oak Global Advisors. Together, they are a strong and successful team, both in life and business.
Final Thoughts
Marissa Shipman’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering support from her partner, Andre Hakkak. From building a global cosmetics brand to balancing family life and philanthropy, Marissa embodies the spirit of a modern entrepreneur.
Her story, alongside Andre’s, reminds us of the power of love, respect, and determination. Whether you’re looking for inspiration in business or life, Marissa’s path is a shining example of what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.
We hope you find this article inspiring! Ready to learn more about influential figures like Marissa? Stay tuned for more stories that motivate and uplift.
(FAQs)
What surprising challenge did Marissa Shipman face before founding theBalm?
Before theBalm, Marissa co-founded Julep Beauty Inc., but the venture didn’t succeed as planned. Instead of giving up, she used this setback as motivation to create her own brand, which later became a global success.
How much is Marissa Shipman worth compared to her husband?
As of 2025, Marissa’s net worth is $25 million from her cosmetics brand, theBalm. Her husband, Andre Hakkak, has an impressive $500 million, showing the power of their combined success.
Did Marissa really start her cosmetics brand in her kitchen?
Yes, Marissa started theBalm in her own kitchen, experimenting with homemade products. From those humble beginnings, she built an internationally recognized brand sold in over 100 countries.
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