Mala and Mantra WHolesale FAQs

What is a mala?

A mala, which is Sanskrit for garland, is a string of beads—typically 108, in addition to one guru bead—which are used as a meditation tool while chanting, reciting or silently repeating a mantra. Malas help the wearer focus their mind and are often used to recite mantras in sets of 108 repetitions. Malas are made from various types of materials, including gemstones, wood, seeds or crystals. When not used for specifically meditation, malas can help wearers carry a sense of peace, calm, mindfulness and focus with them throughout the day.

What is a mantra?

A mantra—Sanskrit for sound, syllable, word or group of words—is a personal “motto” of sorts that is repeated during meditation to help create focus and self-transformation. When repeating a personal mantra, the meditator can calm the mind to allow deeper levels of relaxation and awareness. 

What is the significance of the gemstones? Why do they all have healing properties?

Malas are made using a wide variety of materials, many of which are gemstones. Gemstones have been used for centuries for healing and to reflect energy from the earth. Each gemstone also has a particular meaning and healing properties, and wearers can choose their mala beads based on what they’re seeking from their meditation. Amethyst, for example, promotes spirituality and helps the wearer stay centered, spiritual and serene. Tiger’s Eye, on the other hand, promotes courage and helps the wearer stay powerful, grounded and mindful.

What is the significance of the tassel or Om charm?

Mala and Mantra mala bead necklaces each contain tassels, while some mala bead bracelets include an Om charm. In traditional Buddhist culture, tassels are symbolic of lotus blossoms, which represent and promote enlightenment. Om charms are representative of a common mantra used in meditation and prayer, and are said to bring luck, harmony and peace to the wearer.

How do you use a mala for meditation?

Start by holding your mala beads in your left hand, resting the beads between your index finger and thumb. Begin reciting your chosen mantra, counting each repetition by moving to the next bead. When you complete one set of mantra repetition—108 for mala bead necklaces; 27 for mala bead bracelets—and reach the guru bead, flip the mala around 180 degrees, then continue in the same direction.

What kind of relationship does Mala and Mantra have with the women’s co-op in the Philippines?

For years, Mantra and Mala creator Judith Compton has made it her mission to help those around her. After launching Mala and Mantra, she found a social entrepreneurship in the Philippines to partner with for production. The women’s co-op provides sustainable income, pays fair wages and provides a safe work environment for a group of Filipino women artisans. By purchasing production from the women’s co-op, Mala and Mantra supports these women and their families and ensures them of sustainable income, while expanding their livelihood.

What kind of materials does Mala and Mantra use to make its mala bead jewelry?

At Mala and Mantra, our products aren't just beautiful, but they're also incredibly well made. We use only the highest-quality all-natural, semi-precious gemstones and sustainable wood beads. Each piece is crafted with durable polyester thread to create long-lasting pieces that are more resistant to breakage. Our metal components are made out of lead-free pewter.

Is Mala and Mantra the right brand for me?

While our mission is to spread the messages of mindfulness, wellness + meditation to people all across the globe, we do acknowledge that our products may not be the best fit for every retail partner. Because our products are handcrafted from the finest materials by a fair trade cooperative, the prices do reflect this quality craftsmanship and may not be the appropriate price point for every type of consumer. Through years of experience, we've found that our products resonate best with retailers who cater to clients with a higher disposable income and a passion for mindfulness, wellness, meditation + yoga, as well as well-made products that tell an impactful story. It's also important for us to partner with brands and companies that share our passion for mindfulness and wellness.

How do I become a Mala and Mantra wholesale partner?

To begin, please download and fill out our New Account Registration Form to tell us a little bit more about your brand or retail space. If you are a located within the state of California, you will also need to fill out the California Resale Certificate. Please return the completed forms to alex@malaandmantra.com. We will contact you shortly to tell you more about the next steps. In the meantime, please review our terms + conditions, as well as browse through our linesheets + price lists.

What collection should I start with?

While every client is different, we highly suggest starting out with our Mantra Gemstone CORE collection. This signature collection is our best seller season after season, and is made with an array of 12 all-natural, semi-precious gemstones. Opening orders for the collection start at $575. To see our other collections, please visit our Linesheets + Price Lists page.

How can I see Mala and Mantra jewelry in person?

Throughout the year, Mala and Mantra participates in a number of trade shows and events across the U.S. Check out our Events page to see where we'll be heading soon, and stop by to see us if you'll be at any of the events, too! If you're located in the San Diego area, we'd love to host you in our Carlsbad office and walk you through our collections. To make an appointment, please email Judith Compton at judith@malaandmantra.com.

Can I have a Mala and Mantra trunk show at my hotel or retail space?

At this time Mala and Mantra offers a Trunk Show and Pop-Up Event Program for current wholesale partners who meet a certain criteria. Please contact Judith Compton at judith@malaandmantra.com for details.

What if my items aren't selling?

At Mala and Mantra, it's our mission to build meaningful partnerships and support our retail partners in any and every way possible. While we hope you and your customers love our mala bead jewelry, we understand that sometimes products are hard to move for one reason or another. That's why we're happy to offer complimentary exchanges for products that have been on the selling floor for at least 90 days and have not sold. To initiate an exchange, please contact your Mala and Mantra representative with the item numbers and quantities you would like to exchange. Once we receive your returned items, we'll process the exchange and offer you a credit in that amount toward your next Mala and Mantra order of equal or higher value..