Pura Vida is an organization that sells carefully handcrafted bracelets made by artisans in Costa Rica. Each bracelet demonstrates the “pura vida” way of life with their color combinations and innovative styles. “Pura Vida” is Spanish for “pure life” and represents a Costa Rican philosophy that encourages choosing to live life to the fullest.
This idea began when Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman went on a college graduation trip to Costa Rica. While traveling throughout the country and taking in the breathtaking views they began to understand the simple lifestyle of the Costa Rican people. As they were walking around one day they ran into two bracelet peddlers named Jorge and Joaquin. These two peddlers where living in poverty and needed anything they could get. Griffin and Paul wanted to do something about it so they asked Jorge and Joaquin to make 400 bracelets that they could take home with them.
When Griffin and Paul returned home they put the bracelets in a bowl at a local boutique and within days they were sold out and people were asking for more of them. These bracelets began to symbolize the simple things in life and Griffin and Paul decided to spread the “pura vida” lifestyle by starting a partnership with Jorge and Joaquin. Not only were they able to help out these two peddlers living in poverty but Pura Vida Bracelets have given over 100 Costa Rican’s full-time jobs. Hundreds of bracelets are now sold and Pura Vida Bracelets even has a Charity Collection that gives back to different causes around the world.
This story is inspirational and shows how two college graduates can take a simple idea and change many lives of those they just met. To read more about Pura Vida Bracelets visit http://www.puravidabracelets.com/.
Two of the things that draw me to this company are 1) the fact that it’s home made, authentic Costa Rican bracelets and 2) that the employeers are providing jobs for locals in Costa Rica. Very cool
This is such a smart idea because people love handmade crafts from other countries. Arts and crafts reveal the culture of that society and people feel like when they buy the bracelets, they are also contributing to that nation’s economy.
I love how this shows that ideas come from the most unexpected places. It is so great to see people bettering life for others. I am a personal fan of anything handmade and with a story, so I love that this company encompasses that.
I lived in Costa Rica for a year and the fact that this has provided over 100 jobs is truly a great thing as the level of poverty there for most is really sad. Thanks for sharing!
I love this idea! I almost bought one for support of Manatees as an endangered species. I was disappointed to find out though that they are an adamantly pro-choice group.