Our Story
Good Karmal was born in 2002 with the hope of creating a gift that might sweeten the world.
From our very first batch, we believed that it was not enough to create the best buttery caramels to delight the senses — we wanted to spark imaginations and inspire our customers and ourselves to, as Mahatma Gandhi said, “be the change we wish to see in the world.” So we wrapped each handcrafted caramel with words of wisdom, and sent them out into the world.
The response was overwhelming. From our early start in a tiny Hollywood apartment, we quickly received national attention when Oprah Winfrey featured Good Karmal on her annual “Oprah’s Favorite Things” episode, sending our message out farther than we could ever have imagined.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."Inspired by lives lived with bravery, compassion, and in harmony with nature, we invest our passion and integrity into every part of our business. Our caramels are made fresh from the finest all natural ingredients, without any additives or preservatives.
- Mahatma Ghandi
Believing that giving back to the Earth is the ultimate good karma, we donate a portion of all sales to environmental charities. In addition, we strive for earth-friendly packaging, choosing either recyclable or reusable containers produced from renewable resources.
From a little idea to a thriving business, Good Karmal has grown steadily each year, earning accolades, awards, and customer loyalty for our unwavering commitment to excellence and our unique and inspiring gifts. With operations now located beneath the big sky of Bozeman, Montana, we’re more dedicated than ever to creating a better and sweeter world, one bite at a time.
Good Karmal Founders
Patty Triplett West was a publicity executive at Warner Bros. and wanted to create a meaningful holiday gift for friends and colleagues. In a conversation about possible ideas such as homemade caramel and the idea of gift giving as good karma, her brother Stephen Triplett threw out the pun Good Karmal and an idea was born.
Looking to convey a deeper message beyond simply a decadent sweet, Patty envisioned a “fortune” wrapped around each piece printed with a positive quotation. Close friend and award-winning graphic artist Debra Matlock created a logo and designed the fortune. Then, combining the best elements of several recipes, Patty concocted a homemade caramel with the perfect blend of gooey texture and rich flavor.
When did a simple holiday gift become a business? The next day, when people wanted to know where to buy more of the buttery soft caramels with an inspirational message. Patty enlisted long-time friend Heather Blasch to partner on the seemingly impossible mission to take this little idea to a large-scale business.
Currently, Patty, her husband Ryan West, and Stephen manage the operations and strategic vision, while founding partners Heather and Debra still contribute greatly to the company’s direction and success.