Have you ever been on an out of the country vacation and purchased a neat little bracelet as a reminder of your stay? Those bracelets may seem insignificant, but often times they are the only source of income for people living in third world countries. Co founders Griffin and Paul of the company Pura Vida took those bracelets purchased from a local artisan and used them to change lives. It was on their trip to Costa Rica that they got the idea for Pura Vida. They bought a ton of bracelets from the artisans and brought them back to the US in hopes of making some extra money to give to back to them, and the idea really took off. It was at that point that they decided to partner with these artisans to provide them with a steady income and a chance at a better life. Pura Vida now partners with over 800 artisans spread between different countries. “These are more than just friendship bracelets- they are movement that celebrates the little things in life”. In addition to working with local artisans, Pura Vida also partners with a variety of organization to raise money for them and the cause that they serve. On their website each bracelet has a description of what the money is going towards, so you can purchase bracelets that help the organization or country of your interest. Pura Vida has grown tremendously over the course of the past few years and is now a well known brand. It is amazing what helping others and standing up for what you believe in can do.