At Pura Vida, giving back has always been at the core of what we do. Every purchase you make helps us to provide sustainable employment to artisan communities, give back to charities, and help protect our planet. Here’s a quick look at what we’ve accomplished together so far.

In the summer of 2010, 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… 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. 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” means “pure life” in Spanish, 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 living life to the fullest. It’s more than just a saying... it’s a lifestyle. Every Pura Vida product is carefully handcrafted by artisans around the world. 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 150+ 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.