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.

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.

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.

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.

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!
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.
Cameron Vaught, National Makeup Artist and VP of Training & Education
Cameron began her career as an elementary school teacher in Redondo Beach, California. Having always had a talent for and an interest in doing makeup, she took a weekend job as the head makeup artist at a local boutique. After two years of teaching, she gave in to her inner cosmetic diva, left her teaching job, packed 2 suitcases and bought a one way ticket to New York to pursue a makeup career. The decision turned out to be the right one -- soon after arriving in the city, Cameron landed her first freelance job doing makeup for a television pilot. She continued to have success as a freelance makeup artist, taking on a variety of jobs in print, film and special events. She is thrilled to be working for the Balm as the National Makeup Artist and VP of Training and Education, a job that incorporates her two favorite things -- makeup and teaching!

Cameron received her Bachelor of Arts from UCLA and her Masters in Education from Pepperdine University.

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."
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.
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.
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.
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.


This site is dedicated to Marissa's grandfather, Harold V. Mark, the king of fabulous flavors and fragrances.