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!
Emily Jaenson is a trailblazer in sports leadership and a nationally recognized expert on confidence building and authentic leadership. As the first female General Manager of a Triple-A Minor League Baseball team in nearly 20 years, Emily shattered long-standing industry barriers and became a voice for change in the world of sports and business. With […]
David Salyers is a visionary leader, author, and marketing expert who played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most beloved brands in America: Chick-fil-A. As one of the original two marketing executives at Chick-fil-A, David spent an impressive 37 years in the company’s marketing department, most recently serving as Vice President. Throughout his […]
Cory Almeida is an electrifying presence in the world of entertainment, known for his unmatched charisma, sharp wit, and ability to connect with diverse audiences. As a seasoned keynote speaker and event host, Cory’s professional expertise spans across television, live events, and corporate engagements, making him a go-to choice for organizations and event planners seeking […]
Nathan Jamail is the author of three bestselling books, The Leadership Playbook, The Sales Leaders Playbook and the The Sales Professionals Playbook although he will tell you he is not a writer, rather a business leader that writes books for business leaders. Nathan spent the last two + decades helping and coaching leaders and organizations […]
Tristan Harris is a globally recognized thought leader and advocate for ethical technology design. As the co-founder and executive director of the Center for Humane Technology, he has dedicated his career to addressing the pervasive influence of technology on human behavior and society. Frequently referred to as the “closest thing Silicon Valley has to a […]
Confidence Staveley is Africa’s most celebrated female Cybersecurity Leader, Talent Developer, Blockchain Security Professional, Global Speaker and Inclusion advocate. She has achieved numerous professional certifications and industry recognitions for her outstanding work. Confidence is an official member of the Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives. Winner of the […]
Jasmine Ellis is a Stand Up Comedian, ,Entertainment Journalist and podcast host from Arlington, Texas. Jasmine tours colleges and clubs nationally and has been featured at over a dozen of the Top comedy festivals including Moontower, 10,000 Laughs, Limestone and Black Girl Giggles.. Her Debut comedy Album Trashbaby went #1 on iTunes and has been […]
Maria Marin is the leading motivational icon among Hispanics worldwide. Her message of motivation, personal growth and success reaches millions through her newspaper columns, best-selling books, international seminars and radio show. As a “life coach” she now reaches thousands of listeners with her national syndicated radio show, “El Show de Maria” on Univision Radio Network. […]
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