When Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman traveled to Costa Rica in 2009 after graduating from San Diego State University, they were just looking for a fun trip to celebrate their accomplishments and unwind before starting the job hunt.

They never imagined that a finding in a small beach community would be the catalyst for their own successful business, one which not only generates profits, but also provides jobs and contributes to local and national charities.

Their La Jolla-based company, Pura Vida Bracelets, now in its second year, sells string bracelets that are produced by Costa Rica artisans. To date, the venture has created a nationwide fashion statement, funneled profits to hundreds of charities and helped more than 35 Costa Ricans find full time work.

While surfing in Costa Rica, the founders met two homeless men who were selling the bracelets on the beach.

They bought 400 to sell to friends and family. “Within two weeks, we sold 400 bracelets,” said Goodman, so they decided to buy 1,000 more. “We sold those and kept going with it,” he said.

Twenty percent of the sale price of many of the bracelets goes to charity.

The company is known to donate thousands of dollars to charity groups. Every bracelet purchased helps provides jobs for people in Costa Rica.

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