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

Our Story

YOU CAN DO ANYTHING.

The first coordinate is time: 2008. The second is a change in work, when assistant media planner Melissa Ben-Ishay was fired. Her brother redirected that moment toward cupcakes, urging her to bake at home and turn the work into a business. That sequence places Melissa Ben-Ishay at the founding of Baked by Melissa.

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.

A flavor compass points toward SoHo

A flavor compass names cookie dough, peanut butter cup, s’mores, and tie-dye among the first ideas. The cupcakes were designed as mini, bite-size pieces. Baked by Melissa began in New York City, then marked its first retail point with a SoHo pickup window.

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

The map widens beyond a single founder

The wider map includes Baked by Melissa as a female-founded company, the creative force and pace associated with New York City, and a group vision. In the brand's telling, family, friends, and team all contributed to that direction.

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

MAKE LIFE SWEETER.

Melissa Ben-Ishay remains a founder of Baked by Melissa, while the final coordinate is collective. The stated group vision makes room for the relatives, friends, and teammates who helped the business move forward.