Behind every successful person, there is often an unwavering source of love, support, and inspiration. For Andre Hakkak, the co-founder and CEO of White Oak Global Advisors, that pillar of strength is his wife, Marissa Shipman.
While Andre is a powerhouse in finance, managing billions of dollars in assets, Andre Hakkak’s Wife is a self-made entrepreneur who built theBalm Cosmetics, a globally recognized beauty brand. Their journey is more than just success in business it is a testament to how love, partnership, and shared ambition can create something truly extraordinary.
But how did they become the ultimate power couple? How did Marissa’s unwavering belief in Andre shape his career, and how did Andre support Marissa in building her dream? This is their story a story of love, success, and the power of a strong partnership.
The Woman Behind the Success: Who is Andre Hakkak Wife?
Before Marissa Shipman became the successful businesswoman she is today, she was just a woman with a dream and determination to make it a reality. Born and raised in New York City, Marissa had no formal background in cosmetics, but that didn’t stop her from turning a simple idea into a global beauty empire.
Did You Know?
Before launching theBalm, Marissa bought 11 books about makeup formulations and started mixing ingredients in her kitchen.
What began as an experiment quickly turned into a passion, and she soon realized she had something special. Her entrepreneurial mindset wasn’t just limited to beauty it was about taking risks, believing in oneself, and pushing forward even when the path wasn’t clear. And in Andre, she found a partner who shared her drive, ambition, and vision for success.
How Andre & Marissa First Met & Fell in Love
Every great love story has a beginning, and for Andre Hakkak and Marissa Shipman, fate had a grand plan. Though both were ambitious individuals carving out their paths Andre in finance and Marissa in beauty entrepreneurship their worlds collided in a way that neither expected.
Andre, a visionary in financial investments, admired strong, independent thinkers. Andre Hakkak’s Wife, a woman with a bold dream to revolutionize the beauty industry, carried the kind of confidence and charisma that immediately caught his attention. Their first meeting wasn’t just about a romantic connection it was about recognizing a shared drive for success.
From the beginning, their conversations revolved around big ideas, future ambitions, and the impact they wanted to make in the world. Unlike many couples who struggle to balance ambition with love, they found strength in their similarities rather than competition.
The Foundation of theBalm Cosmetics And Marissa Shipman’s Rise
Determined to create a high-quality, cruelty-free cosmetics brand, Marissa founded theBalm Cosmetics in 2004. Unlike many large beauty corporations, she focused on clean ingredients, sustainable packaging, and innovative product design.
But success didn’t come overnight. Marissa faced the challenges of building a brand from scratch, competing against beauty giants with unlimited resources.
Through perseverance and a keen understanding of branding and marketing, she took theBalm from a small startup to an internationally recognized brand, now sold in over 100 countries.
And throughout this journey, Andre was her biggest supporter. Even with his own demanding career in finance, he believed in her vision, encouraged her during challenges, and celebrated her victories.
Andre Hakkak’s Vision: From Finance to Billion-Dollar Success
Andre Hakkak wasn’t always the CEO of a billion-dollar financial firm. His journey started with a passion for finance, investment strategies, and helping businesses grow.
After completing his studies, Andre co-founded White Oak Global Advisors in 2007, a firm dedicated to providing financial solutions to small and mid-sized businesses. Under his leadership, White Oak grew into a multi-billion dollar firm, managing over $10 billion in assets and serving over 20,000 businesses worldwide. But even with his success in finance, his greatest asset was Marissa.
She helped him see things from a different perspective, offering insights on branding, consumer behavior, and the emotional side of business. Their conversations were not just about love—but also about ideas, growth, and innovation.
Love & Business: How Andre & Marissa Balance Success Together
One of the biggest challenges high-achieving couples face is balancing personal and professional life. But for Andre and Marissa, their mutual respect and shared ambition allowed them to thrive both in their marriage and careers.
Did You Know?
Studies show that entrepreneurs with strong life partners are more likely to succeed because they have a built-in support system that fuels motivation and emotional resilience.
So, how do they make it work?
- They celebrate each other’s victories,—whether big or small.
- They respect each other’s industries,—learning from one another.
- They provide emotional support,—especially during difficult business decisions.
Their story proves that success is not just about money or fame it’s about having the right person by your side, cheering you on, and pushing you to be better every day.
Their Life Outside of Work: Love, Family & Philanthropy
While their professional accomplishments are well-documented, their life outside of work is just as inspiring. Contrary to the image of high-powered executives who are always working, Andre and Andre Hakkak’s Wife values balance, family, and giving back to the community.
Marissa, beyond being a successful businesswoman, is a dedicated philanthropist. She is involved in organizations like Project Glimmer, which empowers young women by providing them with gifts and mentorship during life’s most important moments.
Andre, known for his strategic financial mind, also believes in giving back. His firm has supported numerous initiatives that help small businesses gain access to capital, reinforcing his belief that opportunity should be available to all. Despite their busy schedules, they ensure that love, family, and generosity remain at the core of their lives
Did You Know?
Couples who engage in philanthropy together tend to build stronger emotional bonds, as they share a purpose beyond just personal or professional growth.
Lessons from Andre & Marissa’s Journey:
The love story of Andre Hakkak and Marissa Shipman teaches us many valuable lessons. Find a partner who believes in you. Success is easier when you have someone who sees your potential, even when you don’t.
Success takes time, but persistence pays off. Whether it’s finance or beauty, nothing great happens overnight. Balancing love and ambition is possible. A strong relationship doesn’t mean sacrificing your career it means growing together. Support is the foundation of all great partnerships. Andre and Marissa didn’t just build companies; they built each other up.
Also Read: Ethan Hawke Net Worth 2025: Achievements & Impact
Final Thoughts: A Love That Inspires Beyond Business
Andre Hakkak and Marissa Shipman’s journey is a testament to how love and business can thrive together. Their ability to uplift, challenge, and support each other has led to not just personal fulfillment but extraordinary professional success.
They are living proof that with the right partner, ambition and love don’t just coexist they fuel each other. Their story isn’t just about money or achievements it’s about the power of having someone who believes in you, stands by you, and helps you reach heights you never thought possible.
FAQs:
1- Who is Andre Hakkak’s wife?
Andre Hakkak is married to Marissa Shipman, a highly successful entrepreneur and founder of theBalm Cosmetics.
2- How did Andre and Marissa meet?
Though the details of their first meeting are private, their relationship blossomed from shared ambition, mutual respect, and a deep connection over their love for business and innovation.
3- How does Marissa Shipman influence Andre’s success?
Marissa provides emotional support, fresh business insights, and a perspective on branding and consumer engagement, which has influenced Andre’s leadership in finance.
4- How do they balance love and success?
By prioritizing quality time, celebrating each other’s wins, and always maintaining open communication, they thrive both personally and professionally.
5- What can we learn from their journey?
Their story teaches us that success is not just about career growth but also about having a partner who uplifts, supports, and grows with you.