Meet Tro Khayalian of J and G Automotive Service

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tro Khayalian.

Hi Tro, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From a very young age, I’ve had a deep love for art—it’s always been a part of who I am. Over time, that passion evolved as I began exploring new mediums, eventually finding my voice in sculpture. I create metal sculptures using welding techniques I learned firsthand in my family’s auto repair business. Growing up in the shop, I became familiar with tools like the torch and welding machines, which naturally led me to experiment with scrap metal and recycled car parts. Today, my work is a reflection of that journey—blending creativity with the industrial, transforming discarded materials into something expressive and meaningful.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Growing up with dyslexia, I faced challenges early on when it came to learning and understanding in a traditional school setting. It was a difficult journey at times, but art quickly became my outlet—a way to express myself when words felt limiting. I found comfort and freedom in painting, and over time, that evolved into a deep connection with abstract art. It became not just a passion, but a way for me to navigate the world and communicate in my own unique language.

As you know, we’re big fans of J and G Automotive Service. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our family business, located in the heart of Pasadena, was founded by my father in 1977. It’s more than just a mechanic shop—it’s where I grew up, spending my summers learning the trade and forming the foundation of both my technical and artistic journey. Today, we proudly continue serving the community with the same dedication my father instilled from the very beginning.

We work on all types of vehicles, with a particular specialization in custom exhaust systems, which is my personal area of expertise. What truly sets us apart is the loyalty and trust we’ve built with our customers over the years. As a family-owned business, we treat our customers like family—many of whom have been with us for generations.

This environment also sparked my creativity. Seeing car parts through an artistic lens, I began repurposing scrap and recycled materials to create metal sculptures. It’s a blend of craftsmanship, heritage, and vision that I’m proud to carry forward—not just in our mechanical work, but also in the art I create from it.

How do you think about happiness?
I’m truly grateful for the love and support of my family—it’s a constant source of strength in my life. That support has been essential to my growth, both personally and creatively. As an artist, what brings me the greatest happiness is the ability to create. It’s not just a passion; it’s a part of who I am. Having a strong foundation at home allows me the freedom to fully explore my creativity, and for that, I feel incredibly blessed.

Contact Info:

• Website: artbytro.com
• Instagram: @abstract_tro
• Facebook: Art work by Tro Khayalian
• Youtube: @abstract_tro