After getting fired from her advertising job, Melissa Ben-Ishay was advised by her brother to go home and bake cupcakes, something he knew would make her happy. Fifteen years later, that advice has led to the cupcake empire, Baked by Melissa.

Ben-Ishay was featured on “News All Day” for the Women Wednesday segment to discuss how to turn a setback into success.

She says she looks at every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. And says she baked every single cupcake herself for a long time.

Her advice for entrepreneurs is to get started and then take small steps. It takes “time, hard work, prioritization and consistency.” She also recommends surrounding yourself with people who have skills you don’t have.

Looking forward, Ben-Ishay says the business is focused on e-commerce.

In addition, she’s branching out and focusing a bit more on her cooking. You’ll find her dishes on the Baked by Melissa TikTok and you can see her in person at the upcoming Catskill Cuisine event on May 13.

For more information, go to BakedByMelissa.com.