Deana Karim

Deana Karim is the CEO and Founder of Good Dee’s - they offer baking mixes, from brownies to pancakes to cookies, all that are gluten free, with no added sugar, and keto/diabetic friendly.

For years Deana searched high and low for the perfect cookie. A lifelong struggle with weight gain and a family history of diabetes limited her to low-fat options, which lacked the full flavor of traditional baked goods while hiding some undesirable ingredients of their own. Unable to find an alternative that could satisfy sweet cravings and help maintain a healthy lifestyle, she set out to create her own.

Deana was tired of depriving herself, and instead she chose to embrace a low-carb and sugar-free lifestyle, and started looking up alternative sweeteners. Through months of trial and error, she made a cookie that, after numerous taste tests, got a giant thumbs up. With overwhelming approval by eaters of all different diets and lifestyles, Deana knew she had something special. After the birth of her second child, Deana set to work launching Good Dee’s. The company features a variety of baking mixes, from brownies to pancakes to cookies. A first-generation Middle Eastern immigrant who grew up watching her father start and run a successful business, Deana immediately took to entrepreneurship. Now with an expanded collection offering everything from cracker biscuit and grain-free cornbread to blondies and chocolate chip cookie one-bag mixes, Good Dee’s proves that a healthy lifestyle and good eats really do mix.

Deana loves to cook and be in the kitchen, and gone are those sugar filled, high carb treats. Cookies she whipped up in her kitchen have transformed into mixes that she shares around the world. Deana has made her dreams a reality, and I’m so excited for you guys to connect with her, check out her products, and follow along!

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

Hello! I’m Deana Karim, the founder and CEO of Good Dee’s. We are a low carb food company with baking mixes, sprinkles, and syrup and expanding into other sugar free items. I am currently finalizing sugar free frosting.

How did you get started?

I started the low carb diet in 2013 after the birth of my first son. By 2014 I was testing out what would become my first low carb mix-chocolate chip cookie mix. I launched in 2015 and haven’t looked back! We now have over 15 mixes.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

I wanted to be healthy for my 2 boys. My whole life I struggled with eating well and I always went up and down with my weight. I needed that food freedom especially since diabetes runs in my family. I love food and I loved how I felt eliminating sugar and voila!

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

I love food-I love to make it, smell it, shop for it and create it. Having my company is hands down me living my passion. It honestly makes so much sense that I’ve had my whole life that revolved around food-even when I was restricting it. My grandmother, rest her soul, was the best cook ever. She passed it down to her kids, including my mom. I remember my mom from a very young age experimenting with cooking and baking and I just fell in love with being in the kitchen like her. I get real joy from doing what I do and I just could not be more grateful.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

Besides my kids and family which are my number one priority, making a new product really lights me up. The thrill of working on a new product and it working out-I really can’t describe it. It is like a combination of joy and endorphins.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

Yes! In the morning I say what I’m grateful for and I think of what a great life I have especially in comparison to those in countries with no opportunities. My parents immigrated to the USA 50 years ago and I appreciate the hardship they went through was for me and my sisters. At night, my sons and I say what the best part of our day and our worst part of the day and it just reminds me that we all have peaks and lows on a daily basis. My 3 year old also gives us the giggles because he usually says the same thing for both-he doesn’t quite understand 100%!

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

Oh I think about this often. She would be so proud. To have overcome insecurity, finding my confidence, and doing something I love.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

Yes! “I have a really great life. I’m so grateful.”

What is your biggest dream?

I would love to expand my line in a major food retailer. The thought of going into a major grocery store and seeing my line gives me goosebumps.

To learn more about Deanna and her products you can connect with her on her website www.gooddees.com and on Instagram @gooddeesmix and Facebook @gooddeesmix

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Deana Karim - Good Dee's