Have you ever been to Costa Rica and seen the many vendors selling cute bracelets and jewelry around the towns and along the beaches? I have and my daughter and I actually came home with a few of the bracelets as souvenirs & gifts. Little did we know that later that same year Griffin & Paul of Pura Vida Bracelets would embark on Costa Rica and travel through the same towns we did only to find what would turn into an amazing business helping to change the lives of the artisans of Costa Rica. As a travel agency owner I try to align with companies that compliment my business of travel, weddings, and events and I am happy to say that we are an affiliate of Pura Vida Bracelets and are looking forward to promoting on their behalf the amazing artisans of Costa Rica. Enjoy their story, it will leave you with a happy, good feeling and the ability to initiate change with your purchases.
Five years ago, a college graduation trip to Costa Rica turned into a life-changing business venture for two Southern California friends, Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman. Between the stunning sunsets and the rolling waves, it was not long before these two friends began to appreciate the simple lifestyle of the people they encountered. This is the story of how it all began…
FRIENDSHIP PACK (10 BRACELETS)
While traveling through Costa Rica, Griffin and Paul crossed paths with two bracelet artisans named Jorge and Joaquin. The colorful handmade bracelets seemed to capture the essence of their journey. At the time, Jorge and Joaquin were living in poverty. They slept with their family in a single crammed room with three beds. After seeing this, Griffin and Paul asked Jorge and Joaquin to make 400 bracelets to take home with them. No one would have expected for this casual encounter to grow into the successful partnership that it is today.
Wave Ring
Upon returning home to San Diego, California, Griffin and Paul placed the bracelets in a bowl at a local boutique. Within days the bracelets sold out and everyone was asking for more. Griffin and Paul soon recognized the significance of these simple string bracelets. It was more than just an ordinary friendship bracelet… it was a movement symbolizing the simple things in life.
“Pura Vida” is Spanish for “pure life”, a Costa Rican philosophy that encourages the appreciation of life’s simple treasures. Slowing things down, celebrating good fortune, and refusing to take anything for granted embodies this laid back lifestyle. “Pura Vida” means choosing to live life to the fullest. It’s more than just a saying… it’s a lifestyle.
Every Pura Vida Bracelet is carefully handcrafted by artisans in Costa Rica. The commitment to their craft is conveyed through the quality of their work. The artisan’s dedication to the “pura vida” way of life is demonstrated in the seemingly endless color combinations and innovative styles. Each bracelet is as unique as the person wearing it.
Founders Griffin and Paul partnered with Jorge and Joaquin in hopes of spreading the “pura vida” spirit with others. Today Jorge, Joaquin, and 100+ of their amigos hold full-time jobs thanks to Pura Vida Bracelets. When Jorge and Joaquin first met Griffin and Paul, they were only selling a few bracelets a week. Now, the bracelets are worn by millions of people around the world and serve as a tangible reminder to slow down and live in the moment.
THEIR CAUSE
Here at Pura Vida Bracelets we dream to do more. That was our inspiration behind the Charity Collection. This collection was created to give back to different causes all over the world. We are partnered with over 190 different charities and have donated more than $935,358 to date. We’re constantly looking to expand our charity line and we try to support as many causes as possible. Thank you for stopping by our site and supporting our cause. Pura Vida!
#XperienceTravelTheTaylorWay in Costa Rica by teaming up with Taylor & Co. Travel for your next travel xperience, destination wedding, corporate incentive event or meeting. Your future memories await!!!