Man’s Passion Speaks to Success

   Antonio Villegas speaks well of his life in America. He also speaks well of his Mexican roots.

   “Where I was born, in Acapulco, I worked in my grandfather’s jewelry shop when I was eight years old. I helped clean the jewelry and I helped clean the shop,” he recalled. “And as I grew up I learned all about making and repairing jewelry. It became my passion.”

   When Antonio was four years old, his parents divorced. They were living in the United States at the time, but his mother took him back to Mexico. At age 18, he decided to return to the states, where he knew there was more opportunity to pursue his passion.

   “When I was 21 I tried to do my passion, my jewelry, but I didn’t have enough money. I was just surviving and was afraid to lose all my money. But I knew in my heart that there would be the right time to do my work,” he said.

   To maintain his survival mode, Antonio worked at Los Arcos restaurant in Norcross.

  “The owner, Kiko, taught me how to give my best work to the customer and how to run a business.”

   After 10 years of saving his money, he felt sure it was time to begin his real work. In 2004 he opened A.V.S. Jeweler and Repair in downtown Norcross. 

   “It was a long time but I came back with more energy and was excited to see what I could do.”

   He reflects on the choices he had in starting his own business in America. “I thought about having a store in a Hispanic mall, but then thought if I am in America, then I should be an American and share my passion with all people.”

   Antonio does not question that it took him 10 years to fulfill his passion. . “I believe God gave me that restaurant work because it gave me experience in running a business. Also, because I met a lot of great people and most of those people are my customers now.”

   Antonio not only feels passion for his work, but also passion for what America is all about. 

   “I study history and when Spaniards came to Mexico, they wanted to change things for themselves. Here, in America, people come to better themselves and also to make better the whole country. Together we can continue to make this the greatest country in the world.”

   “Any other passions?” I asked.

   “I have a passion for worshipping God. I joined Victory World Church. I want to be as American as I can and I worship every Sunday with all people, not just Hispanics. Now my passion is to someday speak perfect English.”

   Well, Antonio, you may have a bit of an accent, but everything you said makes perfect sense to me. 

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