Melissa Ben- Ishay

Melissa Ben-Ishay, founder of Baked by Melissa, transitioned from an advertising career into building a multi-million-dollar cupcake company, becoming a CEO and author. After baking 250 cupcakes that led to a pivotal catering connection in 2008, Melissa Ben-Ishay, alongside her brother and three co-founders, launched Baked by Melissa in 2009. Starting as a pop-up window at Cafe Bari in Soho, New York City, the company rapidly gained recognition for its signature bite-sized cupcakes. Ben-Ishay initially served as President and Chief Product Officer, playing a foundational role in establishing the brand’s unique product identity and market presence.

Baked by Melissa quickly expanded its footprint, opening its first walk-in store in Union Square in 2010. The company’s innovative product offering and strategic growth led to significant market penetration, transitioning from a pop-up to a beloved staple. In December 2019, Ben-Ishay stepped into the role of interim CEO, later becoming the full-time CEO, steering the company through a period of sustained success. Under her leadership, Baked by Melissa has sold over 400 million cupcakes and operates 14 brick-and-mortar locations, primarily across the New York City metropolitan area, complemented by a robust nationwide e-commerce operation.

Building on her successful brand expansion, Ben-Ishay released her second cookbook, Come Hungry, in January 2024, which immediately became a New York Times bestseller and sold over 60,000 copies in its release year. Baked by Melissa, under her continued leadership, is estimated by Forbes to have generated over $500 million in sales since its inception 16 years ago, cultivating a team of over 205 employees. Ben-Ishay continues to champion sustainable growth and quality products, cementing her reputation as a formidable entrepreneur and influential voice in the culinary world.