Q+A with Pura Vida Bracelets Founders: Bikini Edition + Bracelet GIVEAWAY!
Hello, my lovely lil gypsies! I am BEYOND stoked to share this exclusive Q+A with you, and I am not going to downplay it. Pura Vida Bracelets has meant so much to me since I first encountered the brand at Wanderlust in 2014. Initially, it was the bright colors and simple design that caught my eye, but then it was the story that captivated me and made me fall in love. The story is why I've kept coming back.
Every bracelet purchased helps to provide full-time jobs for artisans in Costa Rica.
...And more reasons to love them: Since they began 5 years ago, Pura Vida has raised $877,058 in charity donations.
As I learned more about Pura Vida, the desire to share it with others was so imminent. I was no longer buying bracelets just for myself, I was buying it for my comrades and sharing the story behind it. I've since noticed a ripple effect amongst my friends who are now gifting it to their friends... and the cycle continues. It's amazing to see the love spread, and to see Pura Vida reach the ends of the earth with incredible momentum.
Since the launch of their bracelets five years ago, they've grown into a complete beach lifestyle brand. From cool tees and shorts to vibrant bikinis [shop it here] and beach towels, they've got you covered.
Thanks so much to the Pura Vida team for these super rad bikinis. Read the inspiring words from Founders Griffin and Paul below:
Q: Pura Vida changed your lives, but it is also changing the lives of others. How incredible does that feel?Griffin: I truly love the feeling of how much impact we've had on our amazing team of artisans in Costa Rica. Every week they are recruiting more and more people to join their team to make bracelets. I have been all over the world and have seen people wearing Pura Vida. It honestly blows me away every time I see fans in real life. Paul: Being able to affect the lives of 100+ Costa Rican artisans and their families is an incredible feeling. When starting in 2010 with only 2 Costa Rican artisans, I would have never thought this would be possible. It is so fulfilling to see that we are able to provide them with consistent work while they pursue their passion of making bracelets. Every day gets better as they are able to hire more artisans and scale the operations in Costa Rica.
Q: Describe the Pura Vida fans in three words.Griffin: Loyal, Giving, Supportive Paul: Loyal, Dedicated, Ecstatic
Q: Quote you live by?Griffin: "Live Free, Pura Vida." Paul: "When you scale its like climbing up a mountain that has flat parts on the trail. Sometimes its smooth sailing, sometimes you think you're gonna puke."
Live Free, Pura Vida
Q: What were you wanting to do post graduation before Pura Vida came into the picture?Griffin: Before Pura Vida, I wanted to own a digital marketing and branding agency. Paul: I wanted to become a Financial Advisor and help athletes manage their money.
Q: Biggest challenge faced and overcome with Pura Vida?Griffin: Our biggest challenge to date was how to deal with scaling the business. Starting as a close circle of friends, to creating structure and a management structure has been very difficult for us. Hiring the right people is key to scaling a business we have learned. Paul: Our biggest challenge is scaling the business in a 3rd world country and putting systems in place that enable the business to get to the next level.
Q: Favorite place in the world to travel?Griffin: My favorite place in the world to travel is Costa Rica. Paul: Italy.
Q: Tips for overcoming fear and going after your passionsGriffin: I would say this... Put your head down and go to work. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. Paul: The quicker you learn to accept failure, the quicker you will be able to grow your business.
Q: What's next for Pura Vida?Griffin: Next for Pura Vida is... expanding our women's swimwear line. Paul: To become a fully encompassed beach lifestyle brand.
Q: How can people follow you?Griffin: People can follow me personally on Instagram at @griffinthall or Pura Vida at @puravidabracelets. Paul: You can follow me @paulgoodman11.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?Griffin: Buy a camera and go travel the world. You will be shocked of what comes of it. Paul: If you don't like what you're doing everyday, make a change and find what makes you happy.
Thank you so much to Griffin & Paul, and to the incredible team at Pura Vida! I can't wait to see what the future holds for Pura Vida. You will always have my love and support.
Pura Vida Bracelet Giveaway!
Head over to Instagram & enter to win a color poppin' stack of bracelets like the ones I'm sporting above.
All you need to do is: - Follow @omandthecity & @puravidabracelets. - Tag 2 friends who inspire you. - BONUS: Tell me what is your biggest passion in life? *Pura Vida is also graciously offering 20% off your online purchase with the use of the code JULESHUNT20 at checkout.
You guys know I love hearing from you, so please feel free to share in the comments below or on my insta! Winner will be announced Friday 5/17.
All photography by Natalie Girsberger // @NatGirsberger Bikinis C/O Pura Vida Bracelets
Sending love to you all,