In 2012, LOBAS founder Alison Smith began working in Deepak Chopra’s executive offices in Carlsbad, CA. Immersed in the world of modern spirituality, she became a certified meditation instructor, built a conscious community, and encountered countless malas. However, she noticed many malas followed the same pattern—single stone, silk tassel, little variation—and felt called to reimagine them in a way that felt more versatile and expressive.

Determined to create something different, Alison began studying mala-making herself, eventually teaching workshops under the Chopra umbrella and making custom malas for Chopra guests, staff and friends. Today, she continues to reimagine the ancient tradition, blending gemstones with unique energetic properties, one-of-a-kind guru beads, and fresh takes on tassel design.

At LOBAS, our malas honor tradition while offering a modern, intentional edge. Whether used for meditation, grounding, or simply worn as a statement piece, each design reflects our belief that individuality is powerful—and that beauty lives in the details.

It’s all part of our V.I.B.E.