Ethnic entrepreneurship without migration: the cases of Tuva and Kalmykia

The article examines two cases of contemporary ethnic entrepreneurship which do not involve migration – those of Kima and Vyacheslav Dongak from Tuva and Bairta Tostayeva from Kalmykia. While making use of the most recognizable elements of traditional ethnic culture and catering to the specific needs of the local community, their projects appeal to clients outside of the region, too. Our research is based on personal observations and interviews with entrepreneurs, as well as on examining their project’s websites and media reports. One of the most successful examples of ethnic entrepreneurship in Siberia can be found in the succession of ethnocultural projects of various types started by V. and K. Dongaks since the 1990s. Their intention to support and develop Tuvan ethnic culture finds its outcome in expanding the range and geography of their businesses, which are currently active in Tuva, Kalmykia, Moscow and China, to name just a few areas. The projects include the children’s dance ensemble “Edegey”, a theater of fashion, a tailor shop, and ethnocultural centers which serve authentic traditional foods. The case of B. Tostayeva in Kalmykia mainly focuses on the everyday life of the region. Her projects also rely on the same staples of traditional culture – apparel, food and housing. With support from regional authorities, the projects are also dealing with event tourism. Bairta Tostayeva’s business makes use of both ethnic and cosmopolitan overtones. When compared to ethnic entrepreneurs who migrate out of their region, their two counterparts in Tuva and Kalmykia find themselves in a much more advantageous social environment. Their projects follow within the course of ever intensifying national rebirth, but have to grapple with economic difficulties typical for agrarian regions which rely on animal farming. Also important for the success of the business is the personality factor, which comprises a whole host of identities – ethnocultural, gender, local, civic, and others, all of them informing the activity of the person. A drive towards variety is a common feature among ethnic entrepreneurs, which allows them to diversify their businesses. The very ethnicity of an entrepreneur can be seen as an asset, since it can improve their competitiveness