Meet Antonio Lobato | Salon Owner, Reiki Master, Shamanic Practitioner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Antonio Lobato and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antonio, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My journey to developing/creating Sutra Salon has been deeply rooted in three decades of professional and personal growth. For 20 years, I worked as a stylist, helping clients discover their unique beauty and boost their confidence through creative and thoughtful transformations. During this time, I developed an intimate understanding of how physical appearance and self-expression are tied to one’s sense of identity and well-being.

My immersion in the practices of Reiki and Shamanic healing opened my eyes to the profound connection between inner energy, emotional balance, and overall wellness. They taught me that true beauty radiates from within, and when the mind, body, and spirit are in harmony, it creates a powerful and lasting impact on how we navigate the world.

The idea of Sutra Salon emerged from this intersection of experiences. Loosely translated, “Sutra” means “a thread that binds”. I wanted to create a space that tied beauty with wellness—a sanctuary where people could not only refine their outer appearance but also nurture their inner selves. I envisioned a place where styling and self-care worked hand in hand, helping individuals feel whole, balanced, and empowered. By incorporating holistic practices alongside traditional beauty services, I sought to redefine what it means to “look good” and “feel good,” making both accessible and transformative.

Ultimately, Sutra Salon is a reflection of my belief that beauty and wellness are inseparable. We offer a unique, integrative experience that honors the connection between how we present ourselves to the world and how we feel within ourselves. Each client’s journey is deeply personal, and this space is my way of ensuring they have the tools and support to flourish both inside and out.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My shamanic and Reiki practice has allowed me to hone my intuitive abilities to form a deeper connection with my clients. Whether it’s through their spoken desires or the emotions they project, I’ve developed a sensitivity that enables me to truly understand and respond to what they seek—not just on a surface level but within their deeper sense of self. This connection is the foundation of every transformation, ensuring that each client leaves Sutra Salon not only looking their best but feeling seen, supported, and uplifted.

Another defining quality of my work is an innate curiosity for knowledge and an unrelenting quest to expand my understanding. Whether I’m learning about new styling techniques, exploring holistic practices, or delving into the emotional and spiritual dimensions of healing, I bring an eagerness to grow and adapt to everything I do. This passion for learning fuels the creativity and innovation that breathe life into my salon and its services.

The journey to establishing Sutra Salon has been challenging. It has involved overcoming moments of doubt, financial obstacles, and the difficulty of balancing creative vision with practical considerations. Each challenge has presented an opportunity for growth. A recent diagnosis of Adult Autism with ADHD (AUDHD) has given me a better understanding of my thought process, how I make decisions, challenges with communication, and how I process information differently.

The lessons I have learned along the way are countless, but a few stand out. I’ve come to cherish the importance of connection—whether it’s with clients, colleagues, or loved ones—as the root of creativity and purpose. While I have learned to trust my intuition and to allow myself the grace to adapt and evolve, I am still learning to find space for my own personal development and creative whims. Success doesn’t always come from being busy, but from also taking time for self reflection and self care. Most importantly, I discovered that the most transformative experiences often come from a place of vulnerability and openness.

Sutra Salon is a reflection of my journey—a space where beauty and wellness coexist, where outward transformations are paired with inner healing. My story is one of connection, empowerment, and a belief in the profound impact of aligning appearance with well-being. To the world, I want to say that Sutra Salon is more than a salon; it’s a sanctuary, a community, and a testament to the idea that when we feel balanced and whole, we can step into the world with confidence and authenticity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1.
Avid cyclist
LA River bike trail to Griffith Park – Spoke Bicycle Cafe (Breakfast tacos!) on the way back

Day 2.
Shopping for fabric and other fun items in the Fashion District/Flower/Arts District. Ice cream at Salt & Straw in the Arts District and dinner at Pizzeria Bianco at The Row

Day 3.
Disneyland – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, Rise of the Resistance. Plaza Inn Fried Chicken, Docking Bay 7 Cold Brew.
DCA – Incredicoaster, Radiator Racers. Espresso martinis and lettuce wraps at Carthay Circle.

Day 4
Pool day lounging at PE Lofts rooftop pool. Philz Coffee – Oatmeal cookie cold brew, Tacos from Sonora Town

Day 5
Broad Museum, followed by a late lunch at Bottega Louie – Heirloom tomato and burrata salad, with a glass of rose

Day 6
Dinner at Little Door, followed by a show at the Hollywood Bowl – would love to see Orville Peck there!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
What an incredibly tough question! I am so grateful for the love and support of my partner, family, friends, and clients. Their encouragement and belief in me have been the steady foundation upon which my dreams have been built. Every kind word, candid conversation, and shared moment of joy has shaped my vision and strengthened my resolve.

I owe so much to my teachers and mentors, including Alberto Amura (Reiki Master teacher), don Oscar Miro-Quesada (Kamasqa curandero and altomisayoq adept), and Maestro Xavier Quijas Yxayotl (Indigenous Shamanic practitioner), who have guided me along the way, helping me shape my healing journey and spiritual practice. Their lessons have been far more profound than simply imparting knowledge; they’ve offered me tools to see the connection between our inner emotional and spiritual well-being. Through their wisdom, I’ve come to realize that beauty is not just skin-deep; it is an intricate dance of confidence, harmony, and authenticity.

Walking my own path has been a journey of shared experiences—of joy, sorrow, failure, and success—that has granted me a wide-angle lens of life’s complexities. I believe we all need those people and places that allow us to nurture our desires, heal our wounds, and emerge stronger and more balanced. My inner circle—the family, friends, colleagues, and clients who have surrounded me—has been this sanctuary for me, a place of openness and growth.

It is from these moments of connection that Sutra Salon has drawn its essence. The salon embodies the spirit of healing and empowerment that I’ve encountered in my relationships and experiences. Here, I seek not only to share outward transformations but also to create a space where each person’s inner self is honored, nurtured, and celebrated.

In reflection, there is no single individual or organization to credit—there is instead a tapestry of influences, woven together by the threads of shared humanity. To everyone who has been a part of my story, whose love and support have lifted me during my darkest hours and celebrated me during my brightest ones, I extend my deepest gratitude. Sutra Salon exists as a testament to these connections, and I hope to carry forward the spirit of healing and beauty that they have instilled in me.

Website: https://sutrasalon.com

Instagram: @sutrasalon @thehairshaman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-lobato-26432611

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SALONSUTRA/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sutra-salon-torrance