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

  • (46)
  • (4)
Jay Baer, Standing Ovation Podcast

Jay Baer is a Hall of Fame speaker who illuminates pathways to business growth through the twin pillars of customer experience and marketing innovation. With a career spanning decades, Jay has not only achieved acclaim as a speaker but has also carved out a reputation as an accomplished emcee and host, effortlessly guiding large events […]

  • Travels from: Bloomington, IN
  • Customer Experience
  • (7)
speakers inc

Mango and Dango, based in sunny San Diego, are a world-class duo of stilt walkers, clowns, and corporate entertainers who have been captivating audiences across the globe for over a decade. Known for their high-energy performances, colorful costumes, and unforgettable characters, Mango and Dango have become a sought-after name in the corporate entertainment industry. Mango […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Stilt Walkers
  • (43)
Lisa Tanzer

Lisa Tanzer journey to President of the $100 million optimistic lifestyle brand, Life is Good, started in 1990 when she joined the board of “Project Joy”, a small play therapy program for kids facing early childhood trauma in Boston. Today that little play group has evolved into The Life is Good Kids Foundation which positively […]

  • Travels from: Boston, MA
  • Marketing Speakers
  • (36)
Adam Christing Emcee

Adam Christing has earned his place among the elite in the realm of after-dinner and corporate speaking, consistently ranking within the top 5 in America. As highlighted by SUCCESS magazine, his entrepreneurial prowess has been recognized, cementing his status as one of the nation’s most successful young entrepreneurs. What sets Adam apart is his unparalleled […]

  • Travels from: Brevard, NC
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (29)
Dr. Paula Stone Williams - Image 08 (January 19, 2026)

Dr. Paula Stone Williams is an advocate and renowned globally for her tireless work in championing gender equity, LGBTQ rights, and religious tolerance. As a transgender woman, Paula brings a unique and invaluable perspective to her endeavors, shedding light on the profound disparities inherent in societal structures. A dynamic keynote speaker, Paula’s story of transition […]

  • Travels from: Denver, CO
  • LGBTQ Speakers
  • (5)
heidi hanna

Dr. Heidi Hanna is the Chief Energy Officer of Synergy Brain Fitness, a company providing brain-based health and performance programs to individuals and organizations, a Senior Researcher with the Brain Health Initiative, and a Fellow and Advisory Board Member for the American Institute of Stress. Dr. Heidi is also an instructor at Harvard and a […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Peak Performance
  • (27)
Chef Sean Sherman - Image 04 (January 28, 2026)

Chef Sean Sherman has dedicated his career to supporting and promoting Indigenous food systems and Native food sovereignty. Sean’s cooking style is based on pre-colonial Indigenous food systems, using only ingredients that are native to North America. His menus are inspired by the seasons and the land, featuring traditional ingredients like bison, hand-harvested wild rice, […]

  • Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
  • Chefs Speakers
  • (81)
The Habits Academy - James Clear

James Clear is a name synonymous with transformative change and personal growth. As a personal development keynote speaker and the New York Times bestselling author of “Atomic Habits,” Clear has inspired millions with his practical and insightful approach to building better habits and achieving long-term success. His work transcends the typical self-help genre, offering actionable […]

  • Travels from: Columbus, OH
  • Motivational Speakers
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.