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
No reviews available for this post.
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.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
Amy Vetter is a distinguished speaker renowned for her profound insights into the intersection of technology, accounting, and mindfulness. As a sought-after keynote speaker, she captivates audiences with her unique blend of expertise, warmth, and relatability. With a career spanning over two decades, Amy has established herself as a thought leader in the fields of […]
Allison Massari, an extraordinary inspirational speaker hailing from the scenic town of Belvedere, California. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she not only overcame unimaginable adversity but has dedicated her life to inspiring others through her compelling story and motivational insights. Allison’s life took a drastic turn in […]
Matt Havens is not your typical speaker. His uncanny ability to provide real-world solutions in a relatable and humorous way have made him one of the quickest up-and-coming speakers in the industry. His signature style began in corporate America, where by 25 he pitched the C-suite boardroom of a Fortune 25 company on his plan […]
Dr. Deborah Gilboa, affectionately known as “Dr. G,” stands as a beacon of resilience in today’s chaotic world. As a board-certified family physician, she brings a unique perspective to the table, merging medical expertise with a profound understanding of human psychology. Dr. G’s mission is clear: to empower families, educators, executives, and businesses with the […]
Carolyn Strauss is a powerful, compelling, effervescent, and entertaining presenter who speaks with audiences – not at them. Her programs are based on over 28 years of research and experience as a successful businesswoman in the marketplace. For over twenty years, Carolyn has passionately shared her strategies and business methods with audiences worldwide, teaching people […]
Jeanne Bliss is a transformative force in customer experience, renowned for her ability to guide organizations toward becoming their best selves. With a clear and actionable framework, she helps businesses build lasting, meaningful connections with their customers. Over her decades-long career, Jeanne has pioneered the path of customer loyalty and experience, showing companies how to […]
April Dunford is an entrepreneur, an executive consultant, an angel investor and a board member. She specializes in assisting businesses turn complicated products into something people will love. In fact, April assists entrepreneurs, marketers, and sales teams. She believes that positioning is the key to standing out from the competition. If you want to take your […]
Paralympic gold medalist and former world record holder Nate Tucker delivers powerful keynote speeches that inspire lasting transformation. After surviving a traumatic brain injury at age 10 that left him partially paralyzed, Nate defied the odds to become one of the most dominant middle-distance runners in Paralympic history. His keynotes explore the mindset of a […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel