The media house is independent publishers of JZA (its jewellery magazine), South Africa's first and only dedicated jewellery consumer-retail magazine and South African Jewellery News, published on behalf of the Jewellery Council of South Africa.

"The mentorship is a result of an extremely close and highly successful triad collaboration our publications have enjoyed with CoNNect Agency since late 2020," says Jason Aarons, editor-in-chief of JZA and Isikhova's Media's publishing director.

"The idea was presented to us by Nina Dzhokhadze, founder of CoNNect Agency, which works with emerging jewellery designers from all over the world and helps them develop brand awareness and growth. The aim is to give a South African jewellery designer the same opportunity and experience," adds Aarons.

"We have adapted and created our own unique way to promote and digitally manage brands," concludes Dzhokhadze. "Our mission is to help independent designers engage with their customers' lives and to assist innovative and upcoming talented designers in raising their international profile."

CoNNect Agency's focus and expertise lie in wholesale distribution, while its aim is to introduce brands to new markets, buyers and maximise their presence in a worldwide retail sector.

The mentorship will run for three months from August through to October 2021 and will include:
  • developing a digital brand strategy
  • online marketing
  • aspects to consider for growth
  • showroom exposure to CoNNect Agency's international buyer database
  • digital experience / presence at Paris Fashion Week (Monday, 27 September to Tuesday, 5 October). International press presence at the show is huge as is social media tagging and posts. All have the potential to afford the candidate a major brand boost
  • editorial coverage in SA Jewellery News and JZA magazines and via their social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram
  • updates in Jewellery Biz News, SA Jewellery News' weekly newsletter, and
  • mentions in Isikhova Media's soon-to-launch monthly newsletter.
Criteria for candidate entries include:
  • All candidates must be South African jewellery designers.
  • All candidates must have a website and Instagram account. Follower numbers for the latter are not a high priority.
  • Designers must specialise in fine jewellery (gold, irrespective of karat used) and silver.
  • 10 images of a collection of minimum of 10 pieces must be supplied in a low-res PDF or JPG format. The successful candidate will have to supply the same 10 pieces in high-resolution format.
The closing date for candidates is Wednesday,30 June. The successful candidate will be contacted telephonically and also announced on social media (Facebook and Instagram). The entry form can be found here. 

For more information, visit www.isikhova.co.za. You can also follow Isikhova Media on Facebook.