Based on an analysis of brands with intense ethnic digital self-presentation, this qualitative study introduces a notion of brand identity work. Four contributions are made: theorizing brand identity work as an identity-building process that involves brand construction and brand presentation; unpacking the tensions between brand construction and brand presentation specific to ethnic marketing; suggesting a dynamic vision of authenticity; and uncovering presentation strategies that address these conflicts. We find that behind the tensions between brand construction and brand presentation lies a brand preoccupation with authenticity.