Baked by Melissa bite-size cupcakes in a variety of flavors, New York City

Our Story

YOU CAN DO ANYTHING.

A brother's practical encouragement changed the course of a difficult day in 2008. He advised Melissa Ben-Ishay, newly fired from her assistant media planner role, to go home and bake her cupcakes as a business—the turning point behind the Baked by Melissa founder story.

Melissa Ben-Ishay with her mother, early days of Baked by Melissa.
Melissa Ben-Ishay with her brother Brian
Melissa Ben-Ishay and Scottie, Baked by Melissa team early days.
Melissa Ben-Ishay with her parents, who supported the founding of Baked by Melissa.

The SoHo window at the start of the route

Customers first encountered the retail concept at a pickup window in SoHo, following Baked by Melissa's New York City beginning. The format was intentionally bite-size and mini, with early flavor thinking connected to tie-dye, cookie dough, peanut butter cup, and s’mores.

Baked by Melissa early days collage — SoHo pickup window, cupcake boxes, first team.

Creativity, confidence and a collective effort

Baked by Melissa frames the enterprise through people working together—team members, friends, and family sharing the vision. It is a female-founded company whose early momentum also reflects New York City's confidence, creative character, and energy.

Melissa Ben-Ishay of Baked by Melissa in New York City.

MAKE LIFE SWEETER.

At the close, Melissa Ben-Ishay is named as a founder and the lens widens again. Family, friends, and team remain woven into Baked by Melissa's group vision, with gratitude directed toward the people who moved it forward.