Baked by Melissa

December 24, 2019. So many CEOs say to dress for the job you want. I say wear the tie-dye and kick butt while doing it. #ceo #femalefounder #inspiration

Inspiration for your week ?

January 18, 2010. You don’t need fancy sets and props when you have a product you believe in. Today, we’re shooting the Baked by Melissa summer collection at the bakery, which now means we have huge trays of cupcakes, mood boards, props, and shot lists. But our first photoshoots looked a lot like this one, with a point-and-shoot camera and a folded piece of paper as the background. Those were the first pictures we posted to our website—droolworthy images focused on the bite-size cupcakes. Sometimes, all you have to do is start. #ceo #femalefounder #inspiration

I didn’t want to be CEO of Baked by Melissa until I was thrust into the role in 2019. When I look at everything I’ve accomplished since then, it’s totally insane—why wouldn’t I want it? Here’s why—I didn’t have the confidence then to say I wanted to be CEO. It was supposed to be an interim role, but every person I interviewed would say, “You’re the one for this job. Why are you even looking for someone?” I don’t want any woman to not go after their dreams because they don’t have confidence in themselves. Chances are, you’re not giving yourself the credit you deserve. In honor of International Women’s Day, I challenge you to go after something that scares you—and earn your confidence. #ceo #femalefounder #inspiration

17 years ago, I baked the first batch of tie-dye cupcakes to celebrate my coworker's 30th birthday. They were red, white, and blue tie-dye with the Grateful Dead Steal Your Face logo on top because we both love the Grateful Dead. I’m so grateful I chose to bake cupcakes in March 2007 for Michael Kidd’s birthday—and I bet you are too.

I’ve had this quote in my office for 14 years, challenging me to reflect on what I want my life to look like and how I want to grow. If you’re looking for a job, taking a risk, or seeking your next adventure, remember—this is your world. What do you want it to look like? #femalefounder #ceo #inspiration

Adored this sold-out Sushi Night in Denver for our customers and their Sweethearts... ?? Massive thanks to Jillian Ackerly at Wiz for making the collaboration process so enjoyable and supplying these Baked by Melissa cupcakes! Thanks to all who joined us for the evening! Nicky McKenzie Nicole Porter, M.S. Derek Washburn, CISSP Daniel Nickell Brett Smith

My husband and I fell in love icing cupcakes. I met Adi at Cafe Bari the day the first Baked by Melissa opened, as a walk-up window in Soho. He was bartending, and someone asked him who I was. “She’s going to be my wife,” was his response. I’m sure I rolled my eyes—who says that?! I hired him soon after—when you find someone who can ice a cupcake as well as you can, you don’t let them go. He kept me sane in the early days of Baked by Melissa, and gave me someone to share all the exciting moments with. On our first Valentine’s Day, I was so annoyed that he didn’t plan something special. He looked at me and exclaimed, “I just spent 12 hours icing cupcakes and putting little teeny hearts on them!” We’ve spent every Valentine’s Day since creating moments of joy for all of you, together—all in the name of love.

Want more referrals? Don’t underestimate the power of saying “thank you.” ?? Last week, I received this lovely box of mini cupcakes from Baked by Melissa. It had a big thank you across the front and a sweet note from my friend, Stephanie. She sent this gift for referring someone to her who became a new client. It was not expected, but certainly appreciated (especially by my sugar-loving kids)! ?????? Would I still refer people to Stephanie if she hadn’t done this? Probably. But, am I far more likely to do so now? YES. I don’t make referrals for what I get from them. I simply love connecting people with the right resources to help their businesses. ?? But gosh, it feels nice to be acknowledged and appreciated for the effort. We all do. That’s why saying "thank you" is so important. It doesn’t always have to be a gift. A handwritten thank you note can go a long way too. ?? Just make sure acknowledge the time and energy people put in to help you out — especially if you want to encourage more of that behavior. It’s a small thing you can do that has a huge payoff. ?? There’s one more thing that Stephanie did that was really kind and helpful as I made this referral — I’ll add that in the comments. ?? I'm curious — Do you send thank you notes? How do you acknowledge referrals or other ways people help out your business?