Janie’s Life-Changing Bakeshop: Where Cookies Create Second Chances
At Janie’s Life-Changing Bakeshop, every cookie tells a story of resilience, empowerment, and second chances. Founder Janie Deegan turned her passion for baking into a thriving business after overcoming addiction and homelessness. Today, she’s using her success to lift others up.
Photo Credit: CNBC
From Self-Care to Success
Janie started baking as a form of self-care during recovery, selling pies and cakes at small markets. When a friend challenged her to turn the best part of a pie—the crust—into a cookie, she got to work. The result? The Pie Crust Cookie, a buttery, flaky treat that quickly became a sensation.
Her big break came when she won a Stacy’s Pita Chips scholarship, allowing her to refine her craft. She then joined Columbia University’s Harlem Local Vendor Program (HLVP), which helped her scale her business and land her cookies in Columbia Dining’s Uris Deli—a full-circle moment for a woman who grew up just 10 blocks away.
Photo Credit: Fox News
A Bakery That Gives Back
At Janie’s, baking is about more than cookies—it’s about changing lives. She prioritizes hiring individuals who have faced barriers to employment, offering:
✅ Hands-on training in a supportive, judgment-free environment
✅ Mentorship and career development opportunities
✅ A community that believes in their potential
She also partners with local organizations to provide job training, baking workshops, and food donations, extending her impact far beyond the bakery.
Photo Credit: Janiebakes.com
Visit Janie’s Life-Changing Bakeshop
At Like A Local Tours, we’re honored to showcase Janie’s inspiring story and delicious creations on our Private Greenwich Village Food Tour & Happy Hour Tours.
✨ Join us to taste the magic and support a mission that changes lives! 🍪