Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Christina Ashkarian of Torrance

We recently had the chance to connect with Christina Ashkarian and have shared our conversation below.

Christina, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that has been bringing me immense bliss lately is the book I just wrote. It has been such a powerful and healing process for me, because I allowed myself to be brave enough to tell my truth. I’m deeply proud of myself for stepping into that vulnerability and turning my personal story into something tangible. Writing this book has not only been about reflection, but also about reclaiming my voice and realizing how much strength can come from honesty.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Christina, and I wear a few different hats that are all deeply connected to creativity, resilience, and storytelling. I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 13 years, running my lash extension business, Hye Lash, in Old Torrance. What makes it special is that it’s not just about lashes—it’s about helping people feel confident, cared for, and seen when they walk through my door.

Alongside that, I’m also an artist and the founder of Hye Rising, a brand born from my personal journey of transforming pain into power. It started with writing my book, Hye Rising: From Pain to Power, where I share my truth and experiences bravely and openly. That story is now shaping into a faith-driven apparel and lifestyle line that carries the same message: resilience, hope, and authenticity.

What makes my story unique is that everything I do—whether it’s lashing, writing, creating art, or building apparel—comes from a place of lived experience. I’ve built my businesses and my book around the idea that our hardest battles can become the very thing that inspires others. Right now, I’m working on weaving all of this together into one cohesive vision where beauty, artistry, storytelling, and empowerment meet

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The person who saw me clearly before I could see myself was my grandmother’s partner, Skipper. She wasn’t related to me by blood, but the unconditional love she gave me changed the entire course of my life. At a time when I felt invisible and unsure of my own worth, Skipper made me feel seen, valued, and loved for exactly who I was. Her presence gave me a sense of stability and belonging that I had been searching for, and she helped shape the foundation of the woman I am today.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power when I finally gave myself permission to fall apart as many times as I needed—just as long as I put myself back together. That shift allowed me to stop seeing my breakdowns as weakness and start seeing them as part of the process of rebuilding. Every time I picked myself back up, I discovered new strength, resilience, and clarity. That mindset is what transformed my pain into purpose.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is the act of cooking a nice meal for someone you love. For me, it’s about more than food—it’s about connection, care, and tradition. I’ve made it a point to learn how to make the rice we grew up eating, because those flavors carry memories and identity. In the Armenian culture, we never show up anywhere empty handed, and I think that is such a beautiful expression of love and generosity. It’s a way of saying, I see you, I honor you, and I bring something of myself to share with you.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I am doing what I was born to do—making people feel better about themselves. Whether it’s through my work, my writing, or simply how I show up in people’s lives, I’ve always felt called to lift others up. The people who get to see my real personality often tell me that I’m funny and that I always make them laugh. To me, that’s one of the greatest compliments, because it means I’ve brought light into someone’s day. In those moments, I know I’ve made a difference in the world, and that feels like living my true purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.hyelash.com
• Instagram: @hyelash
• Other: https://Www.honeyritualco.com