Aurora James: Celebrity Fashionista

  • Highlights:
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • **Fee range: On Request

Keynote Topics

Aurora James, Creative Director and Founder of luxury accessories brand Brother Vellies and founder of the non-profit advocacy organization, Fifteen Percent Pledge, has long worked to make the global economy a more equitable place for historically excluded groups.

Brother Vellies was founded in 2013 with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive. The brand supports artisan communities around the world, creating timeless pieces that celebrate various cultural histories and honor the individuals that make them through fair labor practices and job creation.

The first Brother Vellies collection was a single style of vellies that Aurora James sold at the Hester Street Fair in New York. Today, Brother Vellies is handmade across the globe and has expanded into handbags and other accessories categories, including a home goods subscription service, Something Special.

In June 2020, Aurora founded the Fifteen Percent Pledge, a non-profit advocacy organization that is closing the racial wealth gap by partnering with retailers to diversify their shelves and commit 15 percent of their purchasing power to Black-owned businesses.

Under Aurora James leadership, what initially began as an Instagram post has now expanded to a full-fledged organization with ten full-time staff members. To date, the Pledge has partnered with nearly 30 major companies across industries, including Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta Beauty and more.

By 2030, the organization aims to drive $1.4 trillion of wealth generation by Black entrepreneurs and increase Black business representation by 14.6 percent.

As a result of her advocacy work, Aurora has been awarded the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Founders Award, and named to the 2021 TIME100 and the 2020 Bloomberg 50.

Aurora currently splits her time between New York City and Los Angeles with her dog, Mr. Chow.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Aurora James | Celebrity Fashionista

 

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

View further speakers

  • (3)
Focus in Five Podcast

Curt Steinhorst is an acclaimed keynote speaker, author, and thought leader specializing in workplace productivity, focus, and generational communication. In a world increasingly dominated by technology and distractions, Curt has dedicated his career to helping leaders and teams foster environments where focus thrives, and intergenerational understanding becomes a strength rather than a barrier. With over […]

  • Travels from: Frisco, TX
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (13)
  • Featured
Sam Rad - Image 01 (January 23, 2026)

Sam Rad (Samantha Radocchia) is a lifelong student of humanity – futurist, anthropologist, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Radical Next, a meta-media studio creating transformative stories, experiences, and media productions that shape a positive future. Her upcoming book by the same name, Radical Next: Thriving in Times of Radical Change explores how “radical next ideas” and […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (54)
Bobby Flay

Bobby Flay, a celebrated culinary figure, restaurateur, and television personality, has been a cornerstone of the food industry for over three decades. Known for his charismatic presence and profound culinary skill, Flay has transformed American cuisine, creating dynamic dishes that celebrate flavors from around the world while remaining rooted in his signature Southwestern style. Bobby […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Chefs Speakers
  • (38)
Dr. Dambisa Moyo

Dr. Dambisa Moyo is a globally celebrated economist, author, and thought leader renowned for her incisive analysis of macroeconomics, geopolitics, and global affairs. With a unique ability to distill complex economic principles into actionable insights, Dr. Moyo empowers organizations, governments, and individuals to navigate an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global landscape. Her groundbreaking work bridges […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Finance Speakers
  • (21)
Seth Mattison

Seth Mattison is a renowned business strategist and keynote speaker who has dedicated nearly two decades to studying business performance, transformation, and leadership within some of the world’s most renowned brands. With a profound understanding of the evolving landscape of work, Seth is on a mission to shape the future of work, making it more […]

  • Travels from: Charlotte, NC
  • Business Speakers
  • (5)
Katie Greer

Katie Greer is a leading expert in internet safety, with a mission to educate and empower audiences on navigating the digital world safely and responsibly. With over a decade of experience in the field, Katie has become a trusted voice for schools, parents, corporations, and law enforcement agencies. Her engaging and informative presentations have made […]

  • Travels from: Boston, MA
  • Security Speakers
  • (8)
DJ Syrena

Dubbed as one of “electronica’s shining lights” in 2007 by KARMA Magazine, DJ Syrena has been rocking dancefloors’ in the U.S. and internationally since late 1999. A consummate beat mixer who cut her own groove in the pulsating energy of the Los Angeles nightlife scene, Syrena’s sound is bold, sexy and confident. She is a […]

  • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
  • Mobile DJ
  • (73)
Dena Takruri

Dena Takruri stands as a remarkable business innovation expert and a trusted event moderator and emcee with over a decade of experience in the field. Having facilitated panels, moderated keynotes, and hosted corporate events around the globe, Dena brings a wealth of practical experience in delivering seamless and engaging event experiences. Her work as a […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Event Emcee
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.