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!
Blake Morgan is renowned for her insightful perspectives, strategic acumen, and visionary approach. As a keynote speaker, author, and board member, she leverages her profound expertise to guide organizations toward excellence in customer engagement and business growth. With a deep understanding of emerging technologies and consumer trends, Blake is at the forefront of shaping the […]
Alex Goryachev is a globally recognized technology operations executive, a Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of “Fearless Innovation,” and an expert in advancing innovation culture and monetizing new technology. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he has successfully commercialized emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and […]
DJ Halo, a.k.a Danielle Tambellini, is an L.A. based female DJ, producer and vocalist, making a name for herself as a triple threat in the music industry.Her sound is both melodically alluring and pop oriented, with angelic vocals that accent her stage name. Her background in music began at age 7, where she first began […]
Connie Podesta is a game-changing, idea-generating ball of fire whose rare blend of humor, substance, style and personality have made her one of the most memorable, in-demand speakers in the world today. 25 years. Two million people. 1000 organizations. Hall of Fame speaker. Award-winning author. Nine books. Former radio/TV personality. Human relations expert. Therapist for 30 years. […]
Brittany Hodak is not just a speaker; she’s a force of nature in the world of business and entrepreneurship. With a remarkable track record of inspiring audiences worldwide, she stands as a beacon of insight, innovation, and inspiration. An international keynote speaker and an award-winning business leader, Brittany has left an indelible mark on the […]
Ryan Estis understands the pulse of modern business like few others can. With 15 years of experience as an ad agency executive, he’s been at the helm of steering companies towards unparalleled success. His journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurial innovation has equipped him with a unique perspective that resonates powerfully with audiences worldwide. Drawing […]
Maggie Nichols joined the Eureka! Ranch in 1999 after graduating from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business. After reading an article about the Ranch during an Entrepreneurship class, she decided that the Eureka! Ranch was the place where she was going to work. Months and dozens of pestering visits later, Founder, Doug Hall, finally acquiesced […]
Shadia Bseiso is a TV presenter and trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete from Jordan. Bseiso’s professionalism, natural charisma, and athletic ability earned her a developmental contract as the first Arab woman from the Middle East to be signed to WWE. Shadia Bseiso’s unique blend of talents has made her one of the most sought-after event moderators […]
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