When we hear about Andre Hakkak, the respected CEO of White Oak Global Advisors, there’s often another name that comes to mind—Marissa Shipman. While Marissa is widely known as Andre’s wife, she has paved an inspiring path of her own as a trailblazer in the beauty industry. Together, the couple embodies the true meaning of a power duo, balancing individual success while supporting one another’s ventures.
This post takes you through the fascinating life of Marissa Shipman, her entrepreneurial achievements, her role as Andre Hakkak Wife, and the luxurious life they’ve built together.
Marissa Shipman: The Visionary Behind theBalm
Marissa Shipman isn’t just a name behind the shadows of her husband. Her story in the beauty industry is one of perseverance, creativity, and an innate passion for making people feel beautiful.
Early Beginnings
Born and raised in New York City, Marissa studied at Tulane University, where her creativity began to take shape. After co-founding Julep Beauty Inc. with Jane Park in 2007, she quickly became a force in the cosmetics industry. But Marissa’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there—she went independent and founded theBalm, a cosmetics company based in San Francisco, which has since become a cult favorite.
What Makes the Balm Unique?
- Cruelty-Free Approach: Marissa’s dedication to animals is evident in the brand’s ethical production process, offering premium beauty options without causing harm.
- Talc-Free Products: The Balm revolutionized how people feel about makeup safety, with products free from harmful talc substances.
- Quirky Yet Elegant Designs: The brand is loved not only for its formulas but also for its vintage-inspired, chic packaging that reflects Marissa’s personal flair.
Within just 15 years, Marissa grew the Balm from humble homemade beginnings into a respected global cosmetics brand.
Marissa’s Role Beyond Business
Beyond her professional accolades, Marissa is an active supporter of women’s empowerment and youth outreach programs.
Project Glimmer
Marissa is a board member of Project Glimmer, a non-profit organization that uplifts young women and girls through gifting initiatives. By empowering underserved communities, she ensures that confidence and self-worth shine far beyond makeup.
Artistic Pursuits
She also loves painting, which complements her creative foundation and brings balance to her multifaceted life.
Andre Hakkak Wife: Partners in Life and Business
Behind every great entrepreneur is a strong support system. Andre and Marissa exemplify how a relationship can thrive when mutual respect, shared goals, and unwavering encouragement are at the forefront.
A Couple Committed to Success
Their relationship flourished during their early entrepreneurial journeys. Andre, an influential figure in private credit and business financing, provided Marissa with encouragement and insight during her initial days of building the Balm. Likewise, Marissa stands as a pillar of strength behind Andre’s endeavors at White Oak Global Advisors.
Their Real Estate Investment Success
The couple’s success isn’t limited to their industries—they’ve taken luxury living to new heights.
- Rich Homes: Subsequent to buying a 12,300-square-foot manor in Peaks Bequests for $13.6 million of every 2020, they sold it for $27.5 million recently.
- Historic Pinecrest Mansion Purchase: Recently, the couple broke real estate records by acquiring a $14.3 million Pinecrest property, making it the most valuable residence in the South Florida enclave. The 10,500-square-foot home boasts seven bedrooms, a pool, gym, theater, and more.
The Legacy of Andre Hakkak and Marissa Shipman
Together, Andre and Marissa have built an inspiring legacy defined by hard work, shared dreams, and a commitment to giving back. While Andre remains a force in the world of finance, Marissa’s name continues to be synonymous with innovation in beauty and philanthropy.
Why They Inspire Us
- They prove that relationships thrive when nurtured with mutual respect and supportive collaboration.
- Marissa’s transition from a co-founder of Julep to the independent founder of theBalm shows the power of forging your unique path.
- Their philanthropic endeavors underscore the importance of using success as a platform for good.
Learn From Their Story
The tale of Andre Hakkak and Marissa Shipman is more than an inspiring narrative—it’s a call to action for individuals everywhere to balance ambition with purpose. Their combined efforts have created waves in their industries while positively impacting communities.
Whether you’re starting your own business or looking for inspiration to chase your dreams, their story proves that success is sweeter when built on passion, resilience, and teamwork.
Takeaways
The story of Andre Hakkak and Marissa Shipman reminds us that success doesn’t come overnight—it takes tenacity and vision. Marissa’s evolution from founding Julep to building theBalm highlights the importance of staying authentic while executing bold ideas.
FAQs About Marissa Shipman and Andre Hakkak
Q1. What led Marissa Shipman to start her own cosmetics company?
Marissa sought to create high-quality, cruelty-free, and clean cosmetics that stood apart from those traditionally found in the beauty market. She began with homemade lip balms and eventually transformed the Balm into a premium cosmetics brand.
Q2. How has Marissa contributed to women’s empowerment?
Marissa is a board member of Project Glimmer, where she actively supports initiatives centered around uplifting girls and women through gifting and mentorship programs.
Q3. What is the significance of the Pinecrest Mansion purchase?
The Hakkaks’ purchase of the Pinecrest Mansion set a record, becoming the most expensive home sale in Pinecrest’s real estate history.
Q4. Are Marissa Shipman’s cosmetics brands cruelty-free?
Yes, both Julep and theBalm have a strong commitment to creating cruelty-free and ethically sourced premium cosmetics.
5. What is the significance of their Pinecrest mansion purchase?
Their $14.3 million acquisition is a record-breaking real estate deal in Pinecrest, reflecting the couple’s exceptional successes.