A LOVE of family and Leeton has led Antoinette Cross to a happy life.
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Mrs Cross was born and bred in Leeton and said she wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Many people in Leeton shire would be aware of her warm smile and friendly demeanour through her community work and, of course, the business named after her.
However, her love of jewellery wasn’t always something Mrs Cross thought she would make a career out of. After leaving St Francis College in year 10 in 1985, she went straight into the workforce and hasn't looked back since.
“I was 15 at the time and went to Exclusive Jewellers (in Leeton) … I was there until I was 27,” she said. “I finished school on a Friday, started work on a Monday thinking ‘yeah this will be alright’, and it wasn’t until 11 years later that I left.”
It was then Mrs Cross decided to open her own business, which brings unique stories of its own, particularly when people are searching for that perfect engagement ring, gift for a newborn or other special occasions.
“That’s definitely been one of my favourite parts … the customers,” she said. “I love to chat as people know, so it suits me well.”
Mrs Cross now has a family of her own with husband David and two children Annabelle and Sophie.
She has been on many committees in her time, including Leeton on the Move, the town’s business chamber, various sporting organisations and she is the current president of the St Joseph’s Primary School P&F.
“It can be pretty difficult to juggle sometimes … work life and family, especially now that my parents are getting older,” Mrs Cross said. “But I think that’s the beauty of living in Leeton.
“We’ve got family here, so they are always helping me out and customers never mind if I have to duck out to do something with the kids. We’re so lucky to have that here. Everyone knows you.
“My mum has always said to be ‘treat others how you want to be treated’ and about giving back when you can. That’s what I like to live by.” She said while living in Leeton wasn’t always going to suit everyone, she encouraged residents who had moved away to study or work to come back and try it out. “It’s a great place,” she said.
