Frequently Asked Questions about Pura Vida:

1. What does "Pura Vida" mean?
2. Which countries do you represent?
3. What does Fair Trade mean?
4. Are all of your products certified Fair Trade?
5. I’m a visual artist and want to exhibit my work there. How do I that?
6. I’m a performing artist. Can I perform at one of your cultural events?
7. Do you rent the space in the Gypsy Lounge?
8. What type of special shopping services do you offer?
9. What is your return policy?
10. How can I get in touch with you?

1. What does "Pura Vida" mean?
Pura vida is a Spanish term literally meaning "pure life". It's also a positive expression commonly used in Costa Rica meaning that things are cool or good; that life is good. Ticos (Costa Ricans) will use “pura vida” to describe their feelings, a person or event; in greeting someone; or in saying goodbye, to wish the other person a good day, or rather, a good life!
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2. Which countries do you represent?
Our hand-picked items span many international lands including Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Spain, India, Indonesia, Japan, China, Thailand, Myanmar, Pakistan, Turkey, Morocco, Nepal and the U.S.A. We do not exclude any country. Instead, we seek products from across the world that are traditional, authentic, unique, fun, and beautiful. We also look for eco-friendly and fair trade products.
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3. What does Fair Trade mean?
Fair Trade means that the farmers or artisans are treated and compensated fairly for the clothing, coffee, art, or other item that they produce. Generally this is accomplished by paying a purchase price that earns them a profit; ensuring prompt or oftentimes prepayment to ensure sufficient funds for raw materials; providing technical support and education, market information, product feedback, and training; and ensuring healthy working conditions for employees of large producers.
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4. Are all of your products certified Fair Trade?
We believe strongly in fair trade and strive to maintain a fair trade relationship with our art and coffee sources. While all of our products do not carry the Certified Fair Trade label, we do seek to provide fairness and respect to our artisans. We not only work with dozens of Certified Fair Trade Organizations and Artisan Co-ops, we also buy directly from artisans both locally and in other countries.
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5. I’m a visual artist and want to exhibit my work there. How do I that?
We enjoy supporting local emerging artists. Send us an email with “visual artist” in the subject heading. The body of the email should include your resume or bio and small jpg samples of your work or a web site where we can see your work. Submissions are reviewed every 6-8 weeks. If we are interested we will contact you to set up an appointment to view your art and discuss other details in person. Please do not drop by with your art on hand as we will not view it without an appointment.
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6. I’m a performing artist. Can I perform at one of your cultural events?
If you are interested in performing, please read our Booking Guidelines and visit the Gypsy Lounge page to see if this would be a fit for you. If so, send us an email with the information we ask for in our Booking Guidelines page. We will contact you if we are also interested.
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7. Do you rent the space in the Gypsy Lounge?
We do not rent the space but if you are a performer and wish to play here please see the question and answer directly above this one.
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8. What type of special shopping services do you offer?
Whether you're eyeing that special, one-of-a-kind item or getting an early start on your holiday shopping, we have a way to help you. If you want an item but can’t purchase it just yet, our lay-a-way plan allows you to place it on hold for up to 60 days with a small down-payment and no fees. Not sure what to buy someone? Our gift card program provides gift cards in whatever denomination you choose. Can’t seem to find what you are looking for? We will be happy to research and see if we can find that special item for you. Keep in mind that due to the hand-crafted nature of our merchandise, some items can take months to arrive.
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9. What is your return policy?
We will gladly exchange merchandise for our customers within 15 days of purchase or issue a store credit.
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10. How can I get in touch with you?
Our address is 1521 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205. Our phone number is 704-335-8587. You can also email us at info@puravidaart.com.
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