How to Start a Food Business

Melissa Ben-Ishay is the founder and CEO of the bite-sized-cupcake empire Baked by Melissa. Since Ben-Ishay and her partners founded the company in 2008, Baked by Melissa has sold over 250 million cupcakes, opened 14 brick-and-mortar stores, and created a thriving e-commerce business. Though Ben-Ishay always loved baking, she actually started her career in advertising, and after being let go from her role as an assistant media buyer, she went to her brother for advice. “Don’t worry. It’s the best thing that ever happened to you. … Go home. Bake your cupcakes. We’ll start a business together,” he told her. From there, Baked by Melissa was born. Tune in to hear how Ben-Ishay continues to evolve her career, including stepping into the role of CEO of the multimillion-dollar company and her most recent pivot to TikTok sensation.