Venera Tailakbayeva's entrepreneurial journey embodies the principles of sustainable business and the circular economy. Through the establishment of "Asia Kamysh" LLP in the village of Kaukey, Kazaly District, Venera not only created job opportunities but also harnessed the potential of a local natural resource in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner.
In 2021, Venera's discovery of products made from reed in the Netherlands sparked her realization of the abundance of this natural resource in her own village. With a strong desire to seize this opportunity and promote sustainable practices, she reached out to foreign contacts to inform them about the availability of raw reed materials in her region.
Motivated by the potential economic benefits and guided by her commitment to sustainability, Venera embarked on a journey of negotiations and correspondence with interested parties from Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belarus, and Poland. Her passion for sustainable entrepreneurship attracted a German investor who personally visited the Kazaly District. After inspecting the reed cutting areas and recognizing its suitability for construction purposes, the investor placed a substantial order, appreciating the sustainable value of the product.
With the newfound demand, Venera wasted no time in mobilizing her community's resources. Establishing "Asia Kamysh" LLP as a limited liability company focused on reed procurement and export, she engaged local residents from Kaukei, creating job opportunities and fostering economic growth in a sustainable manner.
The reed cutting process, which takes place from autumn to the end of winter, provided employment for many unemployed villagers during that period. Venera organized and led a team of 30 individuals, paying them fair wages for their labor. This not only stimulated the local economy but also empowered the community members, instilling them with a sense of pride and purpose.
Under Venera's guidance, the villagers worked diligently, cutting reeds on their own plots. Venera collected their harvest, arranged for transportation, and collaborated with logistics companies from Almaty to ensure the sustainable and efficient delivery of the raw material to customers abroad. Through this collaborative effort, Venera not only created economic opportunities but also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable sourcing and responsible supply chain practices.
As the success of "Asia Kamysh" LLP spread, Venera's connections and reputation grew. Her tenacity in establishing relationships led to partnerships with European customers in Denmark, Germany, and Belarus. By contacting the respective embassies and engaging in negotiations, Venera further expanded her sustainable business network and brought valuable funds from Europe into the district's budget, promoting economic sustainability.
While exporting raw reed was a significant achievement, Venera's vision extended beyond that. Recognizing the true prosperity lay in value-added manufacturing, she aimed to establish a production cluster within her village. With the support of investors, Venera envisioned the transformation of reeds into value-added construction materials and roofing products. This shift towards manufacturing would not only maximize the economic potential of the reed resource but also create even more job opportunities, driving the circular economy and fostering local economic resilience.
Venera's journey in sustainable business and circular economy exemplifies the transformative power of entrepreneurship rooted in an environmentally consciousness business model. By harnessing a local natural resource and creating sustainable employment opportunities, she has shown that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
As Venera Tailakbayeva's journey continues, her dedication to sustainable business practices and her vision for a thriving circular economy serve as a testament to the potential of local resources, community-driven entrepreneurship, and the power of sustainable business to create lasting social and environmental impact.
Venera Tailakbayeva
