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

Our Story

YOU CAN DO ANYTHING.

One hard day in 2008 opened an unexpected route for Melissa Ben-Ishay, a founder of Baked by Melissa. After she was fired from her assistant media planner job, her brother encouraged her to go home, bake her cupcakes, and make a business from them.

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.

Big dessert ideas, made wonderfully small

New York City supplied the setting for Baked by Melissa's bite-size mini cupcakes. The early flavor ideas included s’mores, cookie dough, peanut butter cup, and tie-dye, while a SoHo pickup window served as the brand's first retail location.

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

A shared vision with New York momentum

The brand presents its growth as a group vision involving family, friends, and team rather than a solo achievement. Baked by Melissa is female-founded, and New York City contributed the energy, creativity, and confidence that supported its early development.

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

MAKE LIFE SWEETER.

Melissa Ben-Ishay's role as a founder remains central, but the Baked by Melissa story closes by recognizing the family, friends, and team who share the vision and helped carry it beyond its first moment.