It was five years ago when best friends Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman traveled to Costa Rica for a college trip. While enjoying the paradise of sunshine and palm trees, Thall and Goodman came across two bracelet makers named Jorge and Joaquin.
These bracelets were beautifully handcrafted and two friends wanted to do something about it. They learned that Jorge and Joaquin were living in poverty. Goodman and Thall, wanting to help them out, asked for 400 bracelets to be made. These bracelets made the friends realize that the bracelets represented the simple things in life.
Goodman and Thall brought them back to San Diego to be sold. This is when their partnership was started. The bracelets sold out and everyone was wanting more. As these bracelets turned into a lifestyle, Goodman and Thall thought of a name that would fit the bracelets. This was “Pura Vida” meaning pure life. It is a Costa Rican philosophy that encourages life’s simple treasures.
Now, over 100 artisans handcraft the Pura Vida bracelets in Costa Rica every day. 13 different categories of bracelets are made, providing a variety for a customer to choose from. This gives them full time jobs. Different bracelets now are made for several causes.
Goodman and Thall have partnered with 190 charities such as cancer awareness, animal awareness, women’s causes, and much more. All of these organizations have received more than $670,000. One percent of the annual net revenue to several environmental organizations all around the world.
Goodman and Thall continue to look for charities to donate to. Anyone around the world can get involved in Pura Vida bracelets by fundraising, becoming a rep, or an intern. Check out their website and buy bracelets for a great cause.