Oscar Ryndziewicz’s journey from job loss to business success exemplifies the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic. After being made redundant from his digital marketing position at a publishing company in 2020, Ryndziewicz decided to launch his own activewear brand, DFYNE, which now reports an annual turnover of £67 million.

At 33, Ryndziewicz found the job market particularly difficult amid pandemic restrictions and began claiming Job-seeker’s Allowance, receiving approximately £620 per month. With limited alternative employment options, he opted to pursue entrepreneurship. Ryndziewicz asked his girlfriend, Eilidh, for permission to use £6,000 on her credit card to purchase initial clothing stock. This move marked the foundation of DFYNE.

Although the decision to finance a start-up through personal credit is generally discouraged by financial advisors, in this case the strategy paid off. Laura Pomfret, affiliated with the financial advice platform Financielle, cautioned against using personal debt for business ventures, noting the risk of long-term financial strain for partners. However, Ryndziewicz was able to repay the borrowed amount within a 30-day interest-free period, mitigating potential financial burdens.

Following the successful initial stock sales, Ryndziewicz reinvested profits to expand inventory and develop the brand further. By January 2023, DFYNE’s growth enabled him to pay himself a salary. The business has leveraged social media platforms and customer feedback to drive continued expansion and brand recognition.

DFYNE’s rise highlights how some entrepreneurs have managed to convert pandemic-related adversity into opportunity, capitalizing on innovative marketing and focused reinvestment to establish a viable and growing enterprise in the competitive activewear market.