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

Our Story

YOU CAN DO ANYTHING.

The first branch appeared in 2008 after Melissa Ben-Ishay was fired from her assistant media planner job. Her brother suggested the alternative branch: go home, bake cupcakes, and establish a business. That choice became part of the documented beginning of Baked by Melissa, with Melissa Ben-Ishay as a founder.

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 product branch built around choice

Choice also shaped the assortment. Early ideas included cookie dough, tie-dye, s’mores, and peanut butter cup, offered through a mini, bite-size cupcake format. The business began in New York City; its first retail branch was the Baked by Melissa pickup window in SoHo.

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

Many branches feed the same vision

Baked by Melissa presents the female-founded company's growth as converging contributions. New York City brought an influence of pace and creativity, while family, friends, and team helped form the shared vision.

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

MAKE LIFE SWEETER.

One branch names Melissa Ben-Ishay as a founder of Baked by Melissa; another names the group vision. Together they keep relatives, friends, and teammates visible in the final account of the company's progress.