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

Our Story

YOU CAN DO ANYTHING.

Archive entry: 2008. Melissa Ben-Ishay was working as an assistant media planner when she was fired. Her brother answered with encouragement to bake cupcakes at home and convert that skill into a business. The resulting company was Baked by Melissa, and Melissa Ben-Ishay is recorded 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.

Archive entry: format, flavors and first retail point

The product record lists a bite-size, mini cupcake format and early inspirations from peanut butter cup, s’mores, cookie dough, and tie-dye. It also identifies New York City as the origin and a SoHo pickup window as the first Baked by Melissa retail location.

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

Archive entry: influences and collaborators

The context record notes that Baked by Melissa is female-founded and that New York City influenced its early creative energy. The collaborator record names family, friends, and team as contributors to a group vision.

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

MAKE LIFE SWEETER.

The archive closes with founder Melissa Ben-Ishay without erasing the surrounding contributors. Baked by Melissa's own group vision preserves the place of family members, friends, and teammates in the story.