Aurora James: Celebrity Fashionista

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 […]

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • **Fee range: On Request

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 […]

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

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

View further speakers

  • (25)
David Dye

Author and international keynote speaker David Dye gives leaders the roadmap they need to transform results. David Dye works with leaders around the world who want to achieve breakthrough results without losing their soul (or mind) in the process. He gets it because he’s been there: a former executive and elected official, David Dye has over two […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (32)
  • (2)
Matt Eversmann

First Sergeant Matt Eversmann’s harrowing experience during the Battle of Mogadishu, famously depicted in “Black Hawk Down,” has become a testament to courage and leadership under fire. His story not only highlights the chaos of combat but also underscores the profound lessons of duty and resilience that are essential in both military and civilian life. […]

  • Travels from: West Palm Beach, FL
  • Military Speakers
  • (53)
  • (1)

As a humanitarian, Mallory Brown uses empathy and a focus the person, rather than the problem, to create the positive change. Her current documentary series, “Walk A Mile”, embarks on a global marathon for women’s empowerment. As a keynote speaker, Mallory shares the humanitarian mindset, with real-life stories of human connection, to provide tools to help […]

  • Travels from: Michigan City, IN
  • Adventure Speakers
  • (23)
Chef Stephanie Izard

Chef Stephanie Izard is a culinary force to be reckoned with in the culinary world. With her innovative approach to cooking and an impressive list of accolades, she has earned a well-deserved reputation as a talented and influential chef. Her journey in the world of gastronomy has been marked by creativity, hard work, and a […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Chefs Speakers
  • (60)
  • (1)
April Hernandez Castillo

April Hernandez Castillo’s journey from aspiring actress to influential keynote speaker is a testament to her resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication. Her career took a defining turn with her breakthrough role as the “Yo girl” in the Visa Check Card commercial featuring Yao Ming and Yogi Berra. This moment marked the beginning of a remarkable […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • GBV Speakers
  • (17)
Doc Hendley

Doc Hendley is a name synonymous with hope, compassion, and global change. As the founder and president of Wine to Water, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing clean water to communities in need around the world, Doc has transformed the lives of countless individuals. His journey from a small-town bartender to a global humanitarian leader […]

  • Travels from: Boone, NC
  • Humanitarian Speakers
  • (20)
Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., is a cultural icon and a multifaceted entertainer whose influence spans across music, film, television, and business. With a career that has flourished for over three decades, Snoop Dogg has become synonymous with innovation and versatility. As a speaker, he captivates audiences with his unique perspectives on creativity, […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Celebrity Speakers
  • (91)
DJ MoniKa Starling

DJ MoniKa Starling, named the ‘hottest DJ in LA by Maxim Magazine, is a multi-genre Singer and DJ who’s Dance/Pop single ‘Breathe’ debuted at #1 on iTunes’ top song charts – Asia.“It’s amazing to see my name on top of some of my favorite artists of all time – especially Pink Floyd!”, she says. She […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Mobile DJ
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 2025.  Designed using Voxel