He came back to New Zealand on holiday, met Jess and decided to stay. He started looking around for a similar job. When he couldn't find anything the couple, who by now were engaged, decided to "just do it themselves".
"I started out on a laptop sitting at the end of the bed with a cutter next to it," Antony said.
Today, Your Decal Shop is fully set up right here in Hawke's Bay and the couple are proud parents of two children.
They have two fulltime staff members and have just hired a third.
"We have the best technology and the best designers," Antony says.
And looking at their work, I have to agree.
Their geometric designs are incredible — think 3D.
It's beautiful. There is a large element of Kiwiana in their designs. I particularly like the native birds.
"We put a lot of time and work into building our credibility. We have featured on The Block NZ several times and that helped get our name out there."
The decals come on reusable backing and can be removed from walls and stored or simply moved to another place. They use water-based ink which is odourless.
"People like to change their decor so we make it nice and easy for them. They don't leave any marks on the wall when removed."
They sell to residential and commercial clients all over the world. "When we are designing we don't put anything up on the website unless we can impress ourselves first."
Staff member Kylie says she loves working in such a creative environment.
"I love thinking about kids staring at our designs at night when they are all tucked up in bed."
Dan says he loves bringing the designs to life and "it's a great environment to work in".
Antony and Jess took a chance and because of their creative flair, attention to detail and courage, they have built up a business that continues to go from strength to strength.
■Check out the designs at www.yourdecalshop.co.nz
