The founder and CEO of theBalm Cosmetics, Marissa Shipman possesses more than a decade of experience in the cosmetics industry and develops her own line of cruelty-free products. Marissa Shipman’s company also carries products free of the preservative paraben, an ingredient that has contributed to consumer concern over the years. One of the most widely used preservatives in personal care products, paraben prevents the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. Paraben comes in several forms; those most commonly found in cosmetic and personal care products include propylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben. Some products may carry multiple types of paraben in order to offer further protection against a variety of microorganisms. Products containing parabens range from shampoos and lotions to makeup and shaving cream. Concern about the use of parabens began in 2004 after a British cancer study found paraben present in malignant breast cancer tumors. Additionally, parabens contain an agent with properties similar to estrogen, a hormone linked to the growth of breast cancer cells. Critics of the study note that paraben’s estrogen properties are weak and the amount used in products is at low levels; however, watchdog groups remain concerned about the body possibly storing paraben over time. With no conclusive evidence of paraben’s harmful effects, the Federal Drug Administration poses no special rules on its use in cosmetics. The FDA does require all companies to accurately label their products and gives clear instructions on its safe use, allowing concerned citizens to seek alternatives to products containing paraben.
An accomplished entrepreneur, Marissa Shipman functions as the CEO of theBalm Cosmetics, which she established in San Francisco. Outside of her work, Marissa Shipman regularly contributes to charitable organization and serves on the Board of Project Glimmer.A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Project Glimmer strives to inspire and boost the self-confidence of young women through gifts. The gifts, which are all provided to at-risk women, include a variety of beauty and makeup products that are acquired through fundraising efforts such as Glimmer Drives and birthday donations.Birthday donations for Project Glimmer are month-long fundraising drives designed to recruit the help of family and friends. The program makes use of web-based resources and tools that include templates, custom donation pages, and automated alerts. Moreover, the program’s web-based platform raises awareness and encourages others to donate their birthday month. To date, fundraising through birthday donations and other programs have helped the organization provide more than 200,000 gifts across 30 states.
Longtime entrepreneur Marissa Shipman serves at the CEO of theBalm Cosmetics, which she established in 2004 after creating a lip-plumping balm in her kitchen that she sold in Sephora cosmetics stores. In 2014, Marissa Shipman, who now sells her products in at least 60 countries, launched her first brick-and-mortar location for theBalm Cosmetics at her headquarters in San Francisco, a popular city for premier cosmetic brands.In addition to theBalm Cosmetics, San Francisco is home to other world-renowned cosmetic brands like Bare Escentuals and Sephora. Additional Bay Area brands include Benefit Cosmetics, Kryolan, and Purity Cosmetics. MAC Cosmetics also has locations in the area.San Francisco is a popular home for cosmetics companies for several reasons. A health and animal rights conscious location, it is a good match for companies that do not test on animals and are free of parabens. Additionally, it’s shown to be an attractive destination for shoppers seeking trendy options and beauty-based products.
A former television producer in New York City, Marissa Shipman founded theBalm Cosmetics, where she serves as CEO. Under her leadership, theBalm has grown into a global company with products sold in over 100 countries worldwide. Prior to launching her career, Marissa Shipman attended Tulane University and earned a bachelor of arts in theater. Founded by Dr. Monroe Lippman over 110 years ago, Tulane University’s undergraduate theater program is designed for students who want to pursue careers or advanced studies in acting, directing, stage design, or entertainment production. The program gives students the opportunity to perform and develop their craft in front of a live audience. Tulane University oversees several performance spaces, including the Albert Lupin Memorial Theatre, Dixon Hall, and Theatre Lab. Performing arts students at Tulane also have access to fully equipped costume and scene shops for university productions. During the 2017-2018 season, Tulane will present productions of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, The Bald Soprano, and Clytemnestra. Each year, the university also hosts the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane. The 2017 festival featured The Taming of the Shrew, The Tempest, and Twelfth Night.
