A 24-year-old former FBI investigator traded crime scenes for cookie scenes, opening her dream bakery in New York after leaving federal service.
At a Glance
- 24-year-old Kendall Feighan left FBI to open cookie shop
- Just Chippy’s opened January 13 in North White Plains
- Family-inspired menu honors grandparents and brother
- Why it matters: Shows career pivots can lead to sweet success
Kendall Feighan spent her early career investigating crimes for the FBI in Virginia, but her true passion had always been baking. The 24-year-old White Plains, N.Y. native made the bold decision to leave federal service and pursue her childhood dream of opening a cookie business.
From Federal Agent to Cookie Entrepreneur
After leaving the FBI, Feighan returned home and enrolled at the International Culinary Center while working multiple jobs to support herself. She waitressed and worked at a bagel shop while attending classes, building the foundation for her future business.
Her cookie venture began modestly from her apartment in March, with Feighan selling her ultra-soft, locally-sourced cookies at a local farmer’s market. The response was immediate and overwhelming.
“Opening Just Chippy’s is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a little girl – and even in my wildest dreams, I never imagined it could be this sweet,” Feighan told News Of Los Angeles exclusively.
Family Ties Drive Success
The success of her farmer’s market sales convinced Feighan to take the leap into a physical location. She opened Just Chippy’s in North White Plains on January 13, partnering with her brother Colman Feighan to build the business from the ground up.
Every aspect of the shop reflects family influence. The cheerful purple aesthetic includes a floor stencil reading: “Life’s too short to be anything other than Just Chippy’s.”
The cookie menu itself tells the family’s story:
- Sparky’s Sprinkles honors her grandfather who taught her to run a farm stand
- Nan’s Blueberry Best remembers her grandmother who taught her to bake
- Col’s Chocolate Craze celebrates her brother who handles operations
The shop exterior features illustrations of her grandparents along with vintage photos of Feighan baking as a child.
FBI Lessons Apply to Baking
Feighan credits her FBI background with providing crucial business skills. Her investigation work “reinforced discipline and precision – values my parents and grandparents instilled in me from a very young age,” she explains.
“Working there pushed me to operate with intention, strengthened my work ethic and taught me that every single detail matters, and that mindset carries directly into Just Chippy’s,” she tells News Of Los Angeles.
This attention to detail shows in her small-batch cookies made with high-quality ingredients. Feighan approaches each cookie as more than just a treat – it’s an experience meant to spread comfort and joy.
“Every step, every ingredient and every interaction matters. My hope is that each cookie feels like a warm hug – something that spreads comfort, smiles and a little bit of sweetness beyond the bite,” she says.
Dreams Require Hard Work
The transition from federal agent to entrepreneur hasn’t been easy. Feighan works 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, acknowledging she traded a 9-to-5 job for much longer hours.
“I opened my own business because I didn’t want to work 9 to 5, so now instead, I work 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is not always going to be easy, but if you can dream it, then you can do it,” she advises others considering major career changes.
Her family’s support has been crucial throughout the journey. Feighan’s mother always told her: “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
“Because of that, my loved ones have been nothing but supportive throughout this journey. Family is at the core of everything I do – both personally and professionally – and I’m incredibly grateful for the support system that surrounds me,” she says.
Sweet Success from Day One
The shop’s opening exceeded expectations immediately. Customers line up daily, often returning for seconds before reaching their cars.
“From the moment we open to the moment we close, the line has been out the door. Watching people buy cookies, take a few steps toward their car while eating them, then turn right back around to grab more before they even make it there has been surreal,” Feighan describes.
The overwhelming response validates her decision to leave the security of federal employment for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways
- Follow passion over security: Feighan left a stable FBI career for her baking dream
- Family support matters: Her relatives’ encouragement helped make the transition possible
- Hard work pays off: Success requires discipline, consistency and long hours
- Skills transfer: FBI training in attention to detail directly applies to baking
- Start small, dream big: From apartment baking to successful storefront in under a year
