Andre Hakkak Wife: The Story of Marissa Shipman
In the world of finance and entrepreneurship, some power couples stand out not just for their business success but for the synergy of values, ambition, and drive they exemplify. One such duo is Andre Hakkak, the co-founder and CEO of White Oak Global Advisors, and his wife, Marissa Shipman, an innovative entrepreneur who founded theBalm Cosmetics. While Andre Hakkak commands respect in alternative asset management, Marissa Shipman has carved her own legacy in the beauty industry with her cruelty-free, eco-conscious cosmetics brand. This article explores the life, accomplishments, and public interest surrounding Andre Hakkak’s wife, Marissa Shipman, offering a deep look at her biography, entrepreneurial achievements, lifestyle, and philanthropic activities.
📌 Who Is Andre Hakkak?
Before diving into the story of his wife, it’s important to understand Andre Hakkak’s background. He is an influential figure in the world of private credit and investment. As co-founder of White Oak Global Advisors, he has led the firm to become one of the leading providers of private credit to small and medium-sized enterprises. With a reputation for discretion and precision in financial strategy, Hakkak’s career spans over two decades in investment management, lending, and structured finance.
Yet despite his public standing, Andre Hakkak maintains a low-profile personal life, which has only served to increase curiosity about his family — especially his wife, Marissa Shipman.
👩💼 Meet Marissa Shipman: Entrepreneur, Visionary, and Wife of Andre Hakkak
Early Life and Education
Marissa Shipman was born and raised in the United States, growing up with a deep sense of creativity and business curiosity. She attended Tulane University, where she developed the foundational skills that would serve her later as an entrepreneur.
Unlike many who enter the beauty industry through established cosmetic companies or beauty schools, Marissa took an unconventional route. After graduation, she moved to New York City with aspirations in media production but soon found herself more intrigued by the world of personal care and beauty products.
Founding theBalm Cosmetics
In 2004, Marissa’s career took a significant turn when she founded theBalm Cosmetics. Starting from scratch, she taught herself cosmetic chemistry by ordering books online, testing homemade formulas in her kitchen, and gradually building a brand from the ground up.
Her vision was clear from the start:
- Create high-quality, multi-use cosmetics.
- Ensure all products were paraben-free, cruelty-free, and environmentally conscious.
- Design packaging that combined vintage glamour with modern functionality.
Over time, theBalm’s quirky, retro packaging and ethical commitment made it a cult favorite across the U.S. and internationally. The company expanded into over 100 countries, with a lineup that includes everything from highlighters to lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes.
💕 Marriage to Andre Hakkak
Marissa Shipman and Andre Hakkak reportedly met at a business networking event in the early 2010s, drawn together by their shared ambition and values. Their connection quickly blossomed into romance, and they were married in 2012, in a private ceremony believed to have taken place in Napa Valley, California.
Since then, they have built a life together centered around family, innovation, and social responsibility. The couple has two children — a daughter and a son — and resides in a luxurious yet tastefully private home in Pinecrest, Florida. Prior to that, they owned a $13.6 million mansion in Coral Gables, showcasing their real estate taste for upscale yet serene environments.
💼 Marissa Shipman’s Career Highlights
theBalm’s Global Reach
By the mid-2010s, theBalm Cosmetics had entered major retail chains like:
- Sephora
- Walgreens
- Amazon
- Urban Outfitters
Its products became known not only for their effectiveness but for their unique names and packaging. For example, their highlighter “Mary-Lou Manizer” gained a cult following on beauty blogs and YouTube reviews.
Revenue & Business Success
By 2024, theBalm Cosmetics was reportedly generating $24.9 million in annual revenue, with thousands of loyal customers and a loyal base of beauty influencers who swore by the brand.
Core Brand Values
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sustainability
- Recyclable packaging
- Empowerment of women in business
🌍 Philanthropy and Social Contributions
Both Marissa and Andre are active in philanthropy. Marissa is a board member of Project Glimmer, a nonprofit organization that empowers at-risk teenage girls and women through gift drives, mentorship programs, and career guidance. She has spoken publicly about the importance of lifting up other women — especially those without access to educational or financial opportunities.
In addition to Project Glimmer, the couple has also been known to support:
- Environmental causes
- Education initiatives
- Entrepreneurship mentoring
Their philanthropic philosophy appears to be rooted in empowerment rather than charity, with a focus on creating sustainable change.
🔒 A Private Life Despite Public Interest
Despite their success and growing media attention, Marissa Shipman and Andre Hakkak remain notoriously private. Marissa avoids public appearances, red carpets, and press interviews, instead preferring to let her brand speak for itself.
She also keeps her social media presence minimal, rarely posting family photos or behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life. This discretion may come as a surprise in today’s influencer-heavy beauty industry, but it reflects the couple’s shared preference for authenticity over spectacle.
🏡 Lifestyle and Real Estate
As a power couple with considerable wealth, Marissa and Andre enjoy a high-end lifestyle while still maintaining a down-to-earth image. Real estate records show their investments in:
- A 13,600-square-foot mansion in Coral Gables, Florida (reportedly sold)
- A luxury Pinecrest estate, complete with eco-friendly features and a sizable home office studio
- Potential West Coast holdings, likely in California, where theBalm Cosmetics is headquartered
They also travel often between Florida, California, and business hubs like New York and Chicago.
📊 Biography Table of Marissa Shipman
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marissa Shipman |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Founder of theBalm Cosmetics |
| Education | Tulane University |
| Notable Brands | theBalm Cosmetics, Julep Beauty (early involvement) |
| Date of Marriage | 2012 |
| Spouse | Andre Hakkak (CEO of White Oak Global Advisors) |
| Children | Two (a daughter and a son) |
| Residence | Pinecrest, Florida (formerly Coral Gables) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $10M–$15M (unconfirmed, based on company valuation) |
| Philanthropy | Board member at Project Glimmer; supports women’s causes |
| Business Revenue (2024) | Approx. $24.9 million from theBalm Cosmetics |
| Public Presence | Low-profile; minimal social media activity |
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💬 Final Thoughts
Marissa Shipman, wife of Andre Hakkak, is more than just the partner of a high-powered financier. She is a visionary entrepreneur, a philanthropist, and a pioneer in ethical beauty. Together, the couple represents a blend of industries — finance and fashion — yet their shared values of innovation, ethics, and social responsibility make them a modern role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers alike.
While their lives may remain behind closed doors, their impact — both in dollars and inspiration — continues to be felt across industries.
