Since her formidable debut in the entertainment industry, Kim Jayde Robinson has been a force to be reckoned with—an icon who moves effortlessly between the worlds of fashion, media, and entrepreneurship. From working with global giants like Nike, Adidas, and Converse to collaborating with visionary South African designers such as Rich Mnisi, Thebe Magugu, and Nao Serati, Kim has carved out a lane entirely her own.
This year, she expanded her horizons with exciting projects like hosting Taste of Homewith Lucky Star, a YouTube series that spotlighted South African icons, and the second season of her sneaker show, Kickin’ It With Kim Jayde, where she travelled to the UK and the United States to interview Phil Lipshutz, the creative force behind Unheardof. She also took centre stage as the host of the prestigious Miss Zimbabwe pageant, marking a triumphant homecoming and a career milestone.
As a Forbes 30 Under 30 alumna and the founder of KJ Productions, Kim is proving that there’s no limit to what African women can achieve when they combine passion, creativity, and business acumen. In this feature, we delve into her journey, her groundbreaking achievements, and how she continues to inspire through her work.
You’ve graced the entertainment industry for many years, captivating audiences and redefining success along the way. Who is Kim Jayde today?
I love this question! I’ve gone from being a model to a TV host, worked in the corporate world for two years, and now I’m taking over a decade of industry experience to grow my own business. KJ Productions is a creative agency that helps brands and businesses with everything from creative strategy to events and experiences, brand campaigns, and production.
There’s a space in our industry for African women who are experienced, educated, and driven. It’s an exciting time to be an entrepreneur in Mzansi.
As a self-proclaimed sneakerhead, you’ve worked with iconic brands like Nike and Converse. What is it about sneakers that captivates you, and do you have a favourite pair in your collection?
At the moment, my favourite pair is Erica’s Poem, a collaboration between Adidas and Unheardof. I had the privilege of interviewing Phil Lipshutz, the founder and owner, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
What captivates me is this global community connected by a shared love and passion for sneaker culture. There’s often a misconception that it’s just excessive consumerism, but for me and many sneaker collectors globally, it’s the opposite.
No matter where in the world you go, we all speak one language. There’s a unique terminology, and we understand the history of the brands, the colourways, and the collaborations. Sneakers are a means of expressing yourself through fashion and sharing that passion with a global community.
Your work spans so many industries—media, fashion, sneakers, and now food as the host of Taste of Home, courtesy of Lucky Star. Tell us more about the exciting YouTube series.
I had the honour of hosting Lucky Star’s TV series The Collab in 2023. This year, we worked together again to produce Taste of Home, a series where I interview South African icons in their homes. We chat about their careers, inspirations, lessons, and even cook in their kitchens with Chef Aya.
The episodes with NaakMusiq and Connie Ferguson are already out, and viewers can look forward to seeing DJ Zinhle, Gert-Johan Coetzee, and Lamiez Holworthy in upcoming episodes. The show airs on YouTube, which makes it easily accessible—something I really appreciate!
As a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, especially in sneakers, how do you ensure your voice is heard? What advice would you give young women looking to make their mark?
Lean into your femininity! Just because it’s a male-dominated industry doesn’t mean we need to compete with men or try to be like them.
I’m a sneakerhead who rocks fabulous dresses and glam on the red carpet. That’s what helped me stand out and carve out my own space in the industry. My advice is to avoid replicating what’s already out there or chasing trends. Be 100% authentically yourself! Our industry craves originality and freshness—so lean into your uniqueness.
Your sneaker show Kickin’ It With Kim Jayde has been a hit! What can fans expect from the upcoming season, and how has the show evolved since its inception?
Kickin’ It With Kim Jayde first aired in 2020. It started as a self-financed passion project that I produced, directed, and cast. Initially, it was about connecting with sneakerheads worldwide via Zoom during Covid to discuss their kicks and careers.
It’s since evolved into in-person interviews in my sneaker closet with South Africa’s biggest stars like DBN Gogo, Blxckie, and the late Costa Titch. These amazing people literally sat in my closet, brought their favourite sneakers, and shared their stories.
This year, I travelled to the US for a Forbes Summit and used the opportunity to interview Phil Lipshutz of Unheardof for two special episodes. As always, we’ll be giving away premium sneakers, but I encourage viewers to tune in for the inspiring and real conversations.
Phil is a visionary who built his brand from the ground up and collaborated with Nike and Adidas on themes like mental health, heritage, and family. These episodes are some of the ones I’m most proud of.
Speaking of sneakers, you’re also a fashionista of note. How would you describe your personal style?
Thank you! Oh, it really depends on the day. My style is feminine, sexy, and swaggy, but it’s always authentically me. I love collaborating with talented young designers who push boundaries, and they inspire me to do the same.
As a Forbes 30 Under 30 alumna, how did it feel to attend the summit in Cincinnati, Ohio, surrounded by other trailblazers? What were some of your key takeaways?
It was humbling to be one of the few African 30 Under 30 listers in an auditorium with hundreds of entrepreneurs from all over the world! The people I met were inventing new technologies, designing apps, creating incredible art, and leading in various industries.
One thing that stood out was how much first-world countries invest in young entrepreneurs. For example, Cincinnati, Ohio, invested $600,000 to host the summit and promote itself as the most affordable city in the US. Their goal was to attract young creatives and entrepreneurs to relocate there.
Where I grew up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, it was impossible to make a living as a creative, which is why I relocated to South Africa. Even here, it took me a decade to build my career. I hope one day, African countries will actively invest in their youth, offering more opportunities and affordable, independent lifestyles.
It’s inspiring to see what’s possible because it proves it can be done.
Being of Zimbabwean heritage, how do your roots influence your creative projects, and how do you stay connected to both cultures?
I’m incredibly proud to be Zimbabwean because it shaped me into the God-fearing, hardworking, and educated person I am today. However, the entertainment and fashion industries in Zimbabwe weren’t developed enough to offer financial independence, so I fell in love with South Africa—the hustlers’ paradise!
I like to think my success here is a positive example of the unity between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Through KJ Productions, I hire both Zimbabwean and South African creatives. Together, we create magic! It’s the merging of my Zimbabwean values and South African opportunities that has driven my career.
There’s no need for us as Africans to fear or hate each other. We can collaborate to create a unified and empowered continent.
KJ Productions has become a major part of your brand. What types of projects are you most passionate about creating through your company?
Kickin’ It With Kim Jayde was the first project under KJ Productions and opened my eyes to what’s possible when you combine experience with an extensive industry network.
We’re currently consulting for brands on culturally relevant, fresh, and exciting creative strategies for campaigns. We’re also working on a special 2025 project that we’ll announce in December—so watch this space!
With your new projects and ever-expanding career, what’s next for Kim Jayde? Are there any dream collaborations or goals you’re aiming to achieve in the near future?
My five-year goal is to grow KJ Productions and continue creating jobs for young creatives. I have an amazing, loyal team, and we don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon!
More shows, more hosting, more content creation, and working with epic global and local brands. I’m all about showcasing African excellence to the world. I really feel like I’m just getting started!
