Espouse magazine rekindles wedding memories
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Friday November 11, 2016 15:26
During an interview with Arts & Culture, Gabatlhaolwe said Espouse, which means to marry somebody, is a magazine dedicated to bringing brides pages of stunning fashion, beauty, inspiration and planning ideas.
“We provide in-depth wedding coverage at an affordable fee, to get the nation to see, embrace and celebrate the very best of the marriage tradition. Weddings today are not just people but brands, so we are running page spreads of photos of weddings, couples and new born babies,” he said.
He added that Espouse photos are better organised and clearer to be kept as memory for many years. He emphasised that through Espouse wedding stories would not die, as loved ones who missed the occasion would not miss out on their friends or family member’s weddings, newborn or bridal parties as the magazine would bring those special moments to them.
Gabatlhaolwe also added that even though magazines were usually stacked up, kept and handed down, his magazine was a good break from all the online information. He explained that Batswana readers could learn of contemporary ideas and issues surrounding the wedding industry from Espouse.
“I have also realised that there is shortage or no wedding magazines in the country. This magazine would give Batswana women a chance to go to the newsstand and buy a local bridal magazine, which has been lacking. The existing ones are foreign and are not adapted to suit the local context,” he said.
He said Espouse, would afford the women an opportunity to go over the pages and tear out eye catching ones. He added that the bridal magazine would be used as a planning tool that no blog could replicate. He confidently said people could pick Espouse and feel the uniqueness they could not get anywhere else.
The young publisher said his magazine would create jobs for unemployed writers, photographers, marketers and designers to showcase their talent.
“This country needs new jobs. Everybody has an idea but the sad thing is people don’t take action to make that idea alive. I have assembled a team of writers, photographers and editors to create entertaining, informative and newsworthy articles that appeal to our target audience. Currently, our offices are located in Tshweneng (Broadhurst) but we are looking forward to moving into the town centre,” he said.
Gabatlhaolwe explained that Espouse was dedicated to bringing the latest in wedding and lifestyle to couples in Botswana. He said the magazine had sections and segments dedicated to everyone because Batswana believe so much in marriages where most marriages start off with dating and later children are born to strengthen the marriage. He promised thatthe magazine would from time to time carry segments to share these special moments of couples and babies. However, he pointed out that the core buyers of the magazine were brides-to-be who want and expect everything to be just right on their big day. He added that brides are mostly prepared to invest time and effort to the right purchasing decisions than the grooms.
“We want to appeal to affluent or leisure readers and attract advertising revenue from retailers of luxury wedding goods. We have a segment on high-end wedding fashion. Espouse welcomes editorials as a great way for government or companies to tell our readers about their business without the hard sell. Our firm beliefs that editorials should aim to educate and inform our readers whilst also promoting the client,” he added.
He said even though they are new in the industry, they are doing exceptionally well. However, he pointed out that they were still facing a challenge when it comes to luring advertisers, as their business is still new. He further said he hoped to earn trust amongst the potential advertisers in future promising to give them value for their money.
Espouse magazine is sold at Botslink, Total filling station and street vendors at a cost of P19.95. Gaotlhaolwe said he hopes to expand the magazines retail market countrywide so that everyone can be able to buy it.