Melissa Ben-Ishay

Melissa Ben-Ishay is the co-founder and President of Baked by Melissa, a prominent New York-based dessert company renowned for its signature handcrafted, bite-sized cupcakes. [1][5][6][7][8][9] She launched the venture in 2008 after being fired from her role as an assistant media planner in advertising. [10] This pivotal moment led her to turn a lifelong passion for baking into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. [8] Under her leadership, the brand has sold over 500 million cupcakes and expanded to include retail locations across the New York metropolitan area alongside a robust nationwide e-commerce business. [6] In March 2026, Ben-Ishay transitioned from CEO to President to focus on product innovation, brand partnerships, and content creation. [6] Beyond her business achievements, she has built a digital community of over five million followers. [6] She gained viral fame for her nutritious recipes, such as the Green Goddess salad, and her food philosophy of balancing nourishment with indulgence. [8] A New York Times bestselling author, she has published several cookbooks, including the 2024 hit Come Hungry and her 2026 release Come Eat. [6] Her influence has been recognized by Inc. Magazine and the Webby Awards.