While a longer sit-down meal is always enjoyable, the idea of a quick, healthy meal that still offers a welcoming environment and mood is one that I will always opt for. Pura Vida is one of my favorite spots in the South Florida area for fresh, healthy eats (that feels like an extension of a beach vacation home). Founded in 2012 and now with 14 locations across South Florida with the brand’s most recent openings in Doral and Miami Shores this month, and a store that opened in Qatar right before the World Cup, this is an eatery you want to visit.
It is only fitting that when we went to the offices of Pura Vida to meet with Jen (she and her husband founded the company together), I immediately thought that I wanted to move in. The airy, welcoming vibe continued from their stores to their offices, and the idea that the store should feel like home with a menu that can be eaten at any time of the day was evident.
With the “Health is Happiness” tagline and the distinctive ethereal style that keeps me coming back, I had to meet the founder and learn more about her and her bag. Jennifer is warm, personable, driven, inquisitive, and of course, incredibly stylish. Her style goes in line with the stores, one that has an elegant ease to it. Her bags are both quite sentimental for different reasons, and we loved sharing a meal and seeing what she carries in her bag! Also, if anyone is interested, three of my favorite items at Pura Vida are Ginger Tea Latte (this is blue!), avocado smash, and the summer chicken bowl with a mixed greens base.
Name?
Occupation?
Where Can We Find You Online?
Your bags today?
Tell us about Pura Vida, why did you start it?
How do you juggle it all?
If you could only eat one item off your menu for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Do you have any hidden talents?
5 places anyone visiting Miami should check out?
Your unpopular handbag opinion?
Your ideal day?
What’s in your bag and why?
I love so much of this, but it’s a bit weird that every single Miami must-see includes a Pura Vida stop lol. It’s already enough of an ad without that, which is OK it’s her brand, but that part seems weirdly in-your-face. First few mentions made me curious (especially veggie omlette), by the end of the article I’m over it, won’t check it out.
Cute bags and handwriting, though!
She seems quite taken with the laser measure.
When I photographed Jen and realized that the laser measure was part of her EDC (everyday carry), my inner engineering nerd was delighted!
She was showing it to us and it was the most random thing but also made a lot of sense for her to have!
I loved this one!! She seems so cool!
She is super cool! Plus the food at Pura Vida is great!