Aurora James: Celebrity Fashionista

    Aurora James

    Quick Facts:

    Reading time: 3 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

    Jacob Morgan - Image 06 (June 19, 2026)

        Redefining leadership and employee experience for a changing world.

        • Futurist Speaker
        Mark Stiving - pricing strategy
        • (4 reviews)
          Pricing strategist and keynote speaker Mark Stiving helps companies capture their true value by transforming how leaders understand buyers, pricing decisions, and profit through practical, proven frameworks.
          • Pricing Strategist
          Alex Weber - Image 03 (April 23, 2026)
          • (2 reviews)

            He energizes events with engaging hosting and seamless audience interaction.

            • Be The Unstoppable You™
            Rachel Mahoney - Image 07 (July 21, 2026)

                Helping people communicate better and build stronger, lasting relationships.

                • Communication Expert
                Jeanne Bliss - Image 06 (June 11, 2026)
                • (3 reviews)

                  Helping organizations earn loyalty through humanity and trust.

                  • Customer Experience
                  Aileen Lee - Image 01 (May 20, 2026)

                      She empowers founders to build innovative companies with lasting global impact.

                      • Business Innovation
                      Jennifer Azzi - Image 01 (March 25, 2026)

                          Helping leaders create championship cultures that drive lasting success.

                          • High Performance Expert
                          Jonas Koffler - Image 08 (May 8, 2026)

                              He helps audiences turn ambition into purposeful action and lasting impact.

                              • Future of Work
                              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.

                              Speakers Inc.

                              Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

                              We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

                              Find the Perfect Speaker

                              Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

                              © 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.