the name for her and an “L” name allowed us to name her after my husband’s grandfather. I think the biggest change I’ve seen since becoming a mom is in my self confidence (hello, I birthed two children— that’s pretty spectacular!) and also I am never not doing something. Between work, home, getting kids ready for school and daycare, cooking, cleaning, kids activities, there is little time for anything else. Oh, and self care! I do yoga twice a week. That is my “me time.” I took up yoga after becoming a mom and it is the best thing I could have done for myself.
MELISSA BEN-ISHAY |
Tell us how you decided on your kids’ names.
MINI |
For our first, Scottie, we got the idea from watching Suits on USA. There was a female character with the nickname Scottie and we loved it. An “S” name also allowed us to name her after my grandmother. For Lennie, we went back and forth for awhile but both loved
MELISSA BEN-ISHAY |
Let’s switch gears and talk business! Can you tell us how Baked by Melissa came to be?
MINI |
In June 2008, I was working as an assistant media planner at an ad agency. I was not passionate about the work I was doing and it showed. So I was fired. I went right to my brother’s office crying and he said, “Don’t worry, it’s the best thing that ever happened to you. Go home and bake your cupcakes.” At the time, I was baking my tie-dye cupcakes for everyone and anyone. If it was your birthday and I loved you, I baked you tie-dye cupcakes. So it wasn’t completely crazy that he told me to do this. I also love to bake and it makes me happy, so it was a no-brainer to go home and do something that made me happy after being fired. I went home from his office and baked four batches of cupcakes: tie-dye, cookie dough, s’mores, and peanut butter cup (all my faves). I sent the cupcakes into work with my best friend’s little sister the next day. She was interning at Alison Brod PR. I was hoping Alison would try them. She did, and put me in touch with her caterer. The caterer called me in for a tasting THE DAY AF-
MELISSA BEN-ISHAY |