– Tell us please your story in America. Where did you live and work before Texas?
Before Texas, I lived and built my IT business in Moscow. In 2022, at the beginning of February, my wife and I went on vacation to Thailand, where we were quarantined due to covid and decided to extend our vacation. In March, being in Thailand, we decided to try ourselves in the USA since we already had experience traveling around America. Also, I worked with IT companies in the USA all my professional life. Everything generally worked out, and we went to my friend in Chicago.
– Was Austin your choice, or was it a coincidence?
I heard a lot about Austin because of the scope of my work. So a lot of information began to appear about Austin, but we made the final choice by accident since we were not in Texas, but the state attracted us with its climate, the attitude of people, and culture.
After a month in Chicago, we knew we wanted to live elsewhere. At some point, we began to try to find an apartment for rent in Austin, and one day before departure, we received a preliminary confirmation. We were so happy about this that we immediately dismissed all other options.
– What do you like most about Austin?
I like Austin for its hospitality, and the city warmed us in every sense. You feel safe in Austin. The city is developing, various festivals are held, there are many young and active people, new pleasant cafes are opening, and parks and a river. Public transport is developing in the city. In Texas, we especially felt the free spirit of America. We met wonderful people here.
– Please tell us about your profession and your work.
All my life, I have worked in the field of IT, by education, I am a software engineer. My company has been in Moscow for 15 years, but last year I left the company and handed over everything to my brother.
I met a wonderful friend in Austin while casually sitting at Starbucks and contemplating future plans. We decided that Austin lacks delicious coffee, and we also wanted to implement one trendy idea in Japan and Korea.
So we opened our production (coffee roasting), plus drip box coffee packaging. We also conduct coffee tastings and teach the correct brewing method so that the coffee opens up as brightly as possible.
– What difficulties did you have to face in America?
When we moved to Chicago, our status was tourists, and our cards were already blocked due to sanctions. Even renting a hotel room in Chicago was difficult since a credit card was required for a deposit. Renting a car was also difficult. When they didn’t hand over the car to us before leaving, we realized that the only urgent and possible option was to buy the property, which we did.
On the way to Austin, we had problems, but we met wonderful people every time we were ready to gave up. For example, when the car broke down in Oklahoma, a random driver just pulled up and helped us and didn’t want to take any money and said he was happy to help and glad that we chose Texas since he is from there. We also met wonderful people in Dallas, who became our god family.
– How are your relations with your homeland? Do you miss any aspects of life in your home country?
A full-fledged emigration life has just begun since there is already a green card and all the necessary documents. So I didn’t have time to be bored. Also came the understanding of different values with the people who stayed in Moscow. I have a nostalgia for the city, which I remember before leaving for vacation, for the new apartment where we managed to live for only half a year. We call up relatives via video, so there is no feeling that we have not seen each other for a long time.
– Please tell us about your family.
I moved in with my wife and our young Bengal cat Steven. Julia, my wife, is a very talented clinical psychotherapist, and these are not just my words; the US government confirmed this fact under the EB-1 program.
Interestingly, in January 2020, we were in Hawaii, where I proposed to my future wife, and then I thought I would like to try living in the USA. However, I did not think that the idea would be implemented so quickly.
– What do you do outside of work? What are your interests and hobbies?
I like to travel, once I did around the world, but more like flights than visiting all countries. I want to do the same in the future, but with visiting countries.
I love music and cinema. For me, it is a big part of my hidden life. Although I love festivals and concerts, I’m trying to learn how to play the guitar, but my priorities are different so far.
I love delicious food and wine, and in this regard, I consider myself a gourmet. I need to enjoy the taste. I even had the experience of participating in the opening of two restaurants in Moscow.
– What else would you like to tell about yourself?
I like not to stop there; if an idea suddenly comes up, I try to implement it. I do not stop in the study of the world around me, from psychology and coaching to a healthy lifestyle and travel. I also enjoy meeting new people, learning their stories, and helping those in need.
– What do you think is missing in Austin?
Austin still lacks a variety of delicious cuisine. So we plan to open a coffee shop with our coffee and delicious breakfasts.
There is still a lack of developed transport, but the city is moving in this direction, I think everything is ahead!
– What are your favorite books and films?
Since I’m a movie fan, I can’t single out a particular favorite movie. I like films directed by Nolan, Guillermo Del Torro, Tarantino, Fincher, Zemeckis, and Guy Ritchie. Now I began to list and realized that there are many of them, not only Hollywood ones.
– What would you like to wish the Russian-speaking residents of Austin and Texas?
I want people to be open to new acquaintances, support local entrepreneurs, help new Texas residents, care for their new homes, appreciate loved ones, create cool projects, and tell about their successes.
Contact information:
E-mail: alexey.axsys@gmail.com
Tel: 5129569898