Chris Hatzilias and his family immigrated from Greece to New York City in the early 1970s, and worked in the Diamond District. He met Anna, who would become his wife, at a polka dance, and they moved to Florida and opened Century Jewelersin downtown St. Petersburg. A few years later they moved their business to 6801 Gulfport Blvd in South Pasadena, where it’s been there for more than 40 years.
Their son, Pete, started working at the store when he was only 12, and now he’s keeping the business going and growing, along with Tara Richter, director of sales and marketing. They’re honoring the family’s tradition, focusing on the community, and adding their own unique touches. Including a mural of an octopus …
What makes your business different than other businesses in the same category?
We specialize in silver, gold, diamonds, pearls and have a unique collection of high-end purses. We are Florida’s most unique jewelry shopping experience! We have items like football purses and rhinestone gun clutches. Items you’ve never seen before! Our experience of over 40 years in the jewelry industry will allow our family of jewelers to make the perfect piece to fit your style.
What do you love most about living, working and playing in the Tampa Bay region?
The sun, sand and palm trees, of course, but also the diverse types of people living here.
What do you love most about your job?
Seeing people’s reactions when they come to pick up a custom piece of jewelry we have made for them and how much they love it.
What part of the job do you not love so much?
Clients’ unreasonable expectations, like thinking they can get custom work done in gold for $100. The labor alone will be triple that, if not more. It takes hours of computer work, casting, molding — and that’s if it event turns out right the first time, so the customer likes it. This is a labor of love. If we charged per hour, nobody could afford it.
Tell us something unique about YOU (not related to your current business)
Pete and his family built the plaza where the store is now in Pasadena, along with the owners of (neighboring) Spiro’s Deli. They are both Greek families, but didn’t know each other until moving to Florida. Spiro has since passed away, but his son Mike still runs to deli and the families are very close. Mike is Pete’s godson.
Share the love: List 3 of your favorite local businesses (besides your own!)
- Richter Publishing(that’s Tara’s business!)
- Spiro’s Pasadena Produce & Deli
- LocalShops1 (thanks, Tara and Pete!)
Anything else you want the world to know about you or your business?
Come check out our 24-foot mural, created by local artist Alyssa Marie! Ollie the octopus! The first full-size one in South Pasadena. He’s on the digital pixel tour. You can download the app to find him.