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Marissa Shipman, Founder & CEO
Marissa
realized that there were a few simple products she needed to help her
feel glam all the time. Then she decided that if she needed them, other
women probably did too.
So she went to
Amazon, bought 11 books on how to make makeup and started mixing in
her kitchen. "I went crazy. I had a web site designed, got
incorporated, worked out a budget, and hired a chemist." And the rest
is history! Well, not yet but with her great ingredients, gorgeous
colors and fabulous scents, Marissa is certainly making makeup
history.
Marissa has a Bachelor of
Arts from Tulane University. Through her Theater Arts major and career
in television production, Marissa developed keen insights into present
day American pop culture that enhance her understanding of cosmetic
trends. Marissa is glamorous and fun and her personality definitely
shows through in her products.
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Alex Britt, Vice President
After countless brainstorming sessions about cosmetics, Marissa finally persuaded Alex to join theBalm. Alex is responsible for the company's day-to-day business operations but is also instrumental in product development and marketing. Prior to joining the team, she held various marketing roles at advertising, consulting and consumer goods companies in New York and San Francisco. Her background includes years of experience in consumer insights including extensive work on the youth market consulting for clients such as MTV, Philips Electronics and Levi Strauss. Alex brings a life long love of all things glamorous along with her creativity and energy to theBalm.
Alex earned a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University with a major in Economics.
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Stacey Wexler, Vice President - Sales and Business Development
Talk about a career shift...Ex-Investment Banker Stacey
Wexler joined theBalm as Vice President of Sales and Business
Development in 2003, and never looked back. She found her
calling and true passion -- cosmetics and sales. Who knew?
She runs day-to-day sales activities on the East Coast, Southern
U.S. and West Coast, and is responsible for all of Canada
-- seeing that she is born and raised in Montreal.
Prior
to entering theBalm’s world of beauty, Stacey was a Director for two
technology companies in the Bay Area in both Strategic and Corporate
Development. She held global responsibility for Cygent's industry
research and strategic initiatives, and managed all partner-related
activities and contract negotiations at Ingrian Networks. Her
post-college career began at Morgan Stanley in New York, with two years
in Corporate Finance, and two years in Equity Research.
Stacey earned her Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University.
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Jordana Shipman, Vice President - Sales and Business Development
Jordana
is responsible for marketing theBalm throughout the Midwestern region
of the United States. Jordana has spent many years working within the
media, fashion and event planning industries. Prior to joining theBalm,
she managed the corporate event group at InterActiveCorp. Before
InterActiveCorp, Jordana was a conference and event planner with Mosaic
Event Management and a promotion assistant with GQ magazine.
She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Finance.
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Lani Lindstrom, Vice President, Marketing
While
searching for an internship in the marketing world, Lani stumbled
across a posting advertising an opening at an up and coming cosmetic
company. Knowing that this was an opportunity she could not pass up
(due to her love of makeup!), she eagerly got on board. After earning
her degree in Business/Marketing from San Francisco State University
she began full time as Marketing Coordinator for theBalm where she
handles different aspects of press, promotions, and daily operations
and enjoys the fun, creative atmosphere that theBalm offers!
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Jamie Hession, Art Director
As a designer with over ten years experience focused on luxury goods, Jamie has worked on projects from chocolate to must-have diaper bags. Jamie developed the fabulous branding of theBalm and is responsible for the art direction and design of all product packaging, marketing collateral and web development.
Jamie received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma, and a Masters in Graphic Arts from the Academy of Art.
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Jennifer Sullivan, National Makeup Artist and VP of Training & Education
Jennifer's love of cosmetics began at a young age. Landing her
first makeup job at the age of 19, she hit the road running
and hasn't looked back since. Jennifer used her makeup skills to attain a BA in
Liberal Arts with the intention of becoming a teacher. Realizing that she couldn't
leave cosmetics behind, she decided to combine her two passions, makeup and
teaching.Through her 12 years of experience, Jennifer has developed a clientele
ranging from celebrities, top stylists, and professional makeup artists.
Having participated in events such as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and on air
events for HSN, her true passion lies in teachingwomen how to look and feel
good about themselves, especiallythrough something as simple as a lipstick
Jennifer is very excited to be the newbie at theBalm and hopes that her obsession with yoga, dark chocolate and soy chai lattes will prepare her to be National Makeup Artist and VP of Training & Education for theBalm.
Jennifer received a Bachelor of Arts from California State University at Long Beach with an emphasis in Education.
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Niki Quinn, Senior Project Manager
Prior to joining theBalm, Niki built her experience working at advertising agencies in New York, negotiating multi- million dollar National TV advertising campaigns. She worked her way through the ranks to running a team of skilled negotiators.
Moving to San Francisco in 2006, Niki further developed her marketing experience planning and negotiating print, online and TV campaigns first at a Bay area advertising agency, followed by a large packaged goods company in the East Bay. Her experience in overcoming challenges and producing results, combined with a passion for fun makeup have made her the perfect addition, joining theBalm as Senior Project Manager.
Niki earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Florida State University.
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Brandy Burggraff, Office Manager
With such a passion for beauty products (instead of
clothes in one closet she has cosmetics!) theBalm is
the perfect place for Brandy! She enjoys keeping the
office running smoothly, walking to work and the fun
that comes with working with cosmetics all day!
Brandy received her B.A. with a double major in
Anthropology and Behavioral Science from San Jose
State University.
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Ralph R. Kacy III, National Makeup Artist, Senior Account Executive
After spending 12 years selling electronics by day, while playing the Hollywood club circuit in various rock bands by night, Ralph decided he needed a colorful career change. Having an art background and a love of fashion, makeup seemed a natural choice. Attending one of the premier makeup schools, the Makeup Designory in Los Angeles, Ralph acquired the skills for the numerous print, commercial & runway jobs including work on Top Chef, the Discovery Channel, San Francisco and Lucky Magazines, and a position as National Artist with Christian Dior.
Ralph feels, "Makeup artistry is a constant learning experience. You learn new techniques everyday, as well as having access to new and improved products. TheBalm is a fun, innovative cosmetics line that will continue to push the learning curve with cutting edge products that not only look fabulous, but many of which are treatment based as well. It's a line which I have confidence in each and every product and that's a good feeling."
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Lenna Myers, National Makeup Artist and Account Executive
Lenna was born and raised in NYC. While other children were learning
to tie their shoes, she was much more interested in learning how to apply
mascara. She studied fashion merchandising and design in college, but never
lost her passion for the ultimate accessory... makeup. She gained valuable experience working for Clinique and freelanced with some of the
industry's best. Her abundant vigor and spontaneous approach to
life made her a perfect installation to theBalm team! Lenna loves all
things Audrey Hepburn, kung-fu movies, exotic cuisine and is fairly certain that,
"a cupcake a day makes everything okay."
Lenna earned a bachelor of arts in Fashion Merchandizing and Design from FIT.
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Dwight O'Neal, National Makeup Artist and Account Executive
Dwight began his career as a successful model, now becoming an
entertainment overachiever has allowed him to begin to leave his mark on the
world. Being
educated at "The American Musical and Dramatic Academy," has allowed him to
buff his talents to near perfection and gave him tools for stardom. When
working on stage in school, Dwight started experimenting with make-up. After
these experiments took place he started interning for a Floss Magazine and
ended up landing on set for photo shoots where he learned many tools for
make-up artistry success. At this point a spark was ignited in Dwight and he
decided to get beauty schooled where he was educated on make-up artistry and
skin care. Dwight has worked with several top models, NY Fashion Week, and on
set on several films and TV Productions.
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Megan Brothers, National Makeup Artist and Account Executive
A native Texan, Megan
started her career as a college intern in the cosmetics department at
the world-renowned luxury store, Neiman Marcus, in Houston, Texas.
That is where she got her start and where she learned from some of
the best makeup artists in the country. She has held other positions
in the retail cosmetics industry and even did a stint in luxury
apparel. Cosmetics is what she loves best though, so this position
with theBalm is perfect for her. Megan loves her four nephews, her
miniature dachshund, Jack Henry, makeup, handbags, makeup, shoes, and
oh, did I mention makeup?
Megan received her
Bachelor of Arts in Family and Consumer Science from Stephen F.
Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas
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Eloise "Wheezie" Shipman, Chief Pet Officer
For every dog owner, there is a story of how a dog changed a life. The same is true here. When Marissa met a doe-eyed pup from Napa just shy of six-weeks, it was love at first sight. Not a second later, Marissa jetted to San Francisco with a precious pug whom she'd lavish with love and name Eloise "Wheezie" Shipman. Together, this trendsetting pair have been living the fabulous life ever since!
Today, Wheezie is theBalm's Chief Pet Officer and Dirrrector of First Impressions. A sassy sista' with a passion for fashion, Wheezie, along with her pal, Huck, greet all people and pedigrees to walk through theBalm's doors. When Wheezie isn't helping rescue fellow pugs from broken homes, she enjoys long walks on the beach, canoodling with her favorite canines (Buddy, Huck and Norm), the latest Puppia fashions, chicken jerky treats and gabbing on her Grrrizon phone. Some of Wheezie's pet peeves are sirens, ruff days and apparel that won't fit her curvy bod.
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Buddy Lotto Shipman-Hakkak, Pet President
Buddy grew up in Napa. We don't know much about him before the age of 5 because he was abandoned by his parents when they got a divorce (MEAN). He was very skinny and had some skin issues due to neglect but he was very lucky that his owners had the sense to call pug rescue when they gave him up. This is an all volunteer organization committed to preventing pugs from being euthanized. A wonderful lady who heads our local chapter named Gena Austin quickly found him a foster home...ours. When Wheezie took one look at Buddy it was love at first sight. She couldn't keep her eyes off of him and they kissed and cuddled all day long. They have been a happy couple ever since. Needless to say, we have officially adopted the Bud man. He is the sweetest dog in the world and he's never met an animal or human he doesn't like. He enjoys chicken jerky treats, going to the beach, sitting on people's feet, making out with Wheezie and belly rubs. How anyone could give him up is beyond me....but their loss is our gain. If you are interested in saving a pug or learning more please visit their website www.pugrescue.com.
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Fog City "Niner", Director of Pets
Like the rest of theBalm, Niner lives by the motto "work hard and play fabulous". As a young Yellow Labrador Retriever, he worked hard in school and graduated at the top of his class. With his academic achievements, stunning good looks, and champions pedigree, it's no wonder Niner is the life of the party everywhere he goes. Variously described as strong-willed, focused, passionate, stubborn, hard-charging and (oftentimes) overly playful, Niner has infused theBalm with his own brand of leadership, vision and spirit. Niner's primary duties are effectively managing operations within the design office, keeping his momma's feet warm, babysitting his little brother, and barking orders at the shipping and receiving department (aka, UPS). In his free time, Niner enjoys tug-of-war, long hikes, swimming in the pool, playing with his best friend Luka, and eating all kinds of t-r-e-a-t-s.
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This site is dedicated to Marissa's grandfather, Harold V. Mark, the king of fabulous flavors and fragrances. |
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