To realise his vision with a team of talented designers, Dmytro had to first focus on keeping the factory operational. His quick thinking, ability to rise to the challenge and willingness to take risks enabled him to survive at a time when other manufacturing and design projects ground to a halt. The pivotal moment came when he was presented with a make-or-break opportunity by a hotelier in Oslo, who had sourced him through an earlier exhibition. Tasked with producing 50 different units in a very short timescale, he had only one hour to assess the scale of the project, the labour involved, and the production capacity.  At a time when there was no electricity, the exchange of money was difficult and the nation was ‘locked down’ at home, it was a huge gamble. Despite the risks, Dmytro acted fast, quickly realising the order could save the factory from closure. Marshalling resources and ingenuity, he set about implementing strategies to produce and complete the order.

Navigating logistical hurdles and financial constraints imposed by the political situation was a constant battle. Transferring money to the Ukraine was a risk but so too was travelling there in person. Client-supplied fabric made the design stage tricky since it was hard to visualise how the fabric would respond. With the absence of national electricity, the plant employed generators to power the factory. Dmytro acquired a hostel to house the staff, who worked tirelessly to fulfil the order. Aside from keeping the business going, his positive attitude helped many families during difficult times, providing a crucial source of income in addition to a welcome distraction and day-to-day purpose, for which he takes great pride.  Delivering beyond expectations, this initial triumph set the stage for Diza Collective's inspirational journey.