Over 300M+ cupcakes sold! Baked by Melissa’s Melissa Ben-Ishay dives into the $ecrets behind turning a passion into a career, staying customer focused, and how being fired lead to her bite-sized cupcake empire

This week, Jason is joined by mother, baker, and founder of Baked by Melissa, Melissa Ben-Ishay!The New York City based entrepreneur’s brand became famous for its signature bite-sized cupcakes and treats starting back in 2008. Previously working in advertising, Melissa was unexpectedly fired and decided to reinvent herself based on her passion for baking after successfully selling her cupcakes through various catering based events. She opened her first retail store in 2009. Fast forward to today and Baked by Melissa now operates 14 total locations and delivers all across the US through her online marketplace. She has also partnered with organizations such as Make A Wish, Weight Watchers, Oatly and several other non-profit organizations all across the country.Melissa gives insight to what makes her bite-size cupcakes such a success in the baking industry, what goes into the product, what her first television spot was, how she was able to finance the company with human capital, where they do all the baking, what goes into the decision to collaborate with another brand, and how COVID impacted the business. Melissa also reveals how she keeps the customer in mind, what time is the busiest for the company, what she did on the day she was fired, why she was given the opportunity to write a cookbook, and why her food philosophy is. What is the core to her business? How did Baked by Melissa get into Madison Square Garden?Melissa reveals all that and so much more in another episode you can’t afford to miss! Host: Jason TartickCo-Host: David ArduinAudio: Declan O’ConnellGuest: Baked by MelissaStay connected with the Trading Secrets Podcast! Instagram: @tradingsecretspodcast Youtube: Trading SecretsFacebook: Join the GroupAll Access: Free 30-Day Trial Abilitie has published The 12-Week MBA, a mini MBA curriculum for aspiring and rising business leaders. Buy the book and enroll in the 12-week program using code TRADINGSECRETS for $200 off your tuition. https://www.abilitie.com/12weekmbaRobinhood: Now through April 30th, Robinhood is even boosting every single dollar you transfer in from other retirement accounts with a 3% Match. Go to Robinhood.com/boost to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices