Fired From Her Ad Job, She Launched a Cupcake Empire

After being fired from an advertising job, Melissa started Baked by Melissa with her brother's encouragement. She baked 250 cupcakes, which were well-received, leading to a business opportunity. Without a formal plan, they opened a booth at Union Square, which was a success, prompting the opening of their first store. By 2010, they expanded to nationwide shipping. Today, Baked by Melissa has 14 retail locations and ships nationwide, with plans for further expansion. The company has sold over 100 million cupcakes and celebrates over 50,000 birthdays annually.

What event prompted the narrator to start her cupcake business?

• A book she read

• A dream she had

• A conversation with her brother

• A suggestion from her boss

How did the narrator initially promote her cupcakes?

• By selling them online

• Through a local bakery

• At a farmers' market

• By sending them to a PR agency

What was the first major step in expanding Baked by Melissa?

• Hiring more staff

• Launching a website

• Participating in a holiday market

• Opening a second store

When did Baked by Melissa start shipping nationwide?

• In 2011

• In 2010

• In 2009

• In 2008

How many retail locations does Baked by Melissa have today?

• 12

• 10

• 14

• 16