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

  • (21)
Mark Noon

Mark Noon is a distinguished speaker, executive coach, and author with over 25 years of expertise in military and civilian healthcare leadership. Renowned for his ability to inspire and empower leaders at every level, Mark has transformed organizations by equipping them with the tools and strategies needed for success. His career, which began as an […]

  • Travels from: Pensacola, FL
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (26)
Lisa Bodell

Lisa Bodell is a globally recognized leader in organizational transformation, known for her groundbreaking work in simplification, collaboration, and innovation. As the founder and CEO of FutureThink, a leading innovation training firm, Lisa has empowered top organizations worldwide to rethink the way they work, replacing complexity with clarity and fostering a culture of innovation. Her […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (16)
Leilani-Munter-4

Leilani Münter is a force of nature—literally and figuratively. An accomplished environmental activist, former professional race car driver, and award-winning documentary filmmaker, she has defied expectations at every turn. With a compelling blend of adrenaline-fueled action and passionate environmental advocacy, Leilani brings a unique voice to the stage—one that energizes audiences and ignites change. Known […]

  • Travels from: Charlotte, NC
  • Environmental
  • (25)

Rachel DeAlto is a Relationship and Communications Expert, Media personality, and Speaker. She is the Author of Relatable: How to Connect with Anyone Anywhere (Even if It Scares You) released on September 2021 via Simon & Schuster. She maintains a law degree, master’s in psychology, as well as an undergraduate degree in communications. Rachel DeAlto is […]

  • Travels from: Spring Lake, NJ
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (49)
Diana Kander

Diana Kander stands at the forefront of innovation, challenging conventional wisdom and sparking curiosity in the hearts of business leaders worldwide. As a New York Times best-selling author, innovation consultant, and captivating keynote speaker, Diana doesn’t just ask big questions; she ignites the imagination of her audiences, encouraging them to rethink the very essence of […]

  • Travels from: Kansas City, MO
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (42)

Dr. Scott Parazynski is a highly decorated physician, astronaut, best-selling author (“The Sky Below”) and tech CEO. He is a widely sought after keynote speaker on innovation, risk management, mentorship and leadership under extreme adversity. Scott has lived and traveled all over the world, spending many of his grade school years in places such as […]

  • Travels from: Houston, TX
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (18)
Justin Forsett

Justin Forsett’s journey in the NFL is one of the most inspiring stories in sports. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2008, Forsett defied the odds to have a successful nine-year career in the league. Despite being considered undersized for a running back, his determination, work ethic, and undeniable talent led him to play for […]

  • Travels from: Dallas, TX
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (20)
Stephanie Battaglino

As the founder and owner of Follow Your Heart, LLC., Stephanie Battaglino is an internationally recognized speaker, workshop presenter, trainer, author, coach, and workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant. A major voice in the LGBTQ+ workplace equality movement with emphasis on transgender and non-binary individuals, Stephanie casts a bright light on all of the pertinent […]

  • Travels from: Palm Desert, CA
  • Diversity 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 2025.  Designed using Voxel