# Melissa Mash

> Melissa Mash is the New York-based co-founder and CEO of Dagne Dover. After working in wholesale and store operations at Coach, she developed the organized bag brand with Deepa Gandhi and Jessy Dover, launching in 2013. Her approach connects customer research, complementary co-founders, product investment, and patient growth.

- **Role:** Co-founder & CEO at Dagne Dover
- **Organizations:** Dagne Dover, Coach
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Undergraduate degree in Metropolitan Studies, New York University, MBA, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
- **Known for:** Co-founded Dagne Dover in 2013., Helped build a brand carried in more than 250 retail locations by July 2026., Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40 honoree, 2023.

## Career timeline

- **2006** — Graduated from NYU; began her early career at Coach.
- **2008** — Managed Coach wholesale e-commerce accounts during the financial crisis.
- **2009** — Developed the idea for Dagne Dover while working for Coach’s UK distributor at Heathrow Airport.
- **2011** — Began working on the business while at Wharton and sought a design partner.
- **2012** — Completed her Wharton MBA.
- **2013** — Launched Dagne Dover with Deepa Gandhi and Jessy Dover.
- **2023** — Named to Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40.
- **2024** — Discussed the launch of Dagne Dover’s Travel Edit, including rolling luggage.
- **2026** — Discussed word-of-mouth growth and retail expansion on Shopify Masters.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Dagne Dover in 2013.
- Helped build a brand carried in more than 250 retail locations by July 2026.
- Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40 honoree, 2023.
- Dagne Dover received a Wharton Venture Award and early Dorm Room Fund investment.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — On Shopify Masters, discussed reducing Google and Meta spending, word of mouth, and personally training wholesale retail teams.
- **2026-04** — Appeared on High Stakes Growth to discuss international expansion and the brand’s long-running founder partnership.
- **2026-03** — Dagne Dover announced a League One Volleyball partnership.
- **2026-02** — NYU Entrepreneurship published a profile reflecting on her Heathrow experience and company-building approach.

## Links

- Website: https://www.dagnedover.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissashinmash/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissashinmash/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/melissa-mash
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-15