Aurora James: Celebrity Fashionista
- Highlights:
- Travels from: New York, NY
- **Fee range: On Request
Keynote Topics
Read Full Bio
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
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- 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
- (15)
Liquid Blue Showband is an independent recording and touring act featuring a sensational female trio and a seven-member ensemble which have performed in more than 100 countries on 7 continents, a feat which no other band has accomplished. Liquid Blue dance band has performed over 2000 shows in over 400 cities and has been featured on […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Variety Bands
- (65)
Sloane Stephens, born in Plantation, Florida, seemed destined for athletic achievement from the jump. Her mother, Sybil Smith, was an All-American swimmer at Boston University, while her father, John Stephens, was an NFL running back. Taking up tennis at the age of nine, Sloane quickly progressed in the sport, attending the Saviano High Performance Tennis […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Sporting Speakers
- (33)
- (3)
Mark Black is a renowned resilience expert whose life story is a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and the human spirit. Born with a life-threatening heart defect, Mark faced insurmountable odds from the very beginning. He underwent two open-heart surgeries before his first birthday, setting the stage for a life marked by extraordinary […]
- Travels from: Dieppe, New Brunswick
- Motivational Speakers
- (94)
Barbara Niven has been one of Hollywood’s busiest actresses for over 30 years, and she says she is blessed and grateful to make a living does what she loves. During her career she has appeared in more than 100 film and TV roles, over 2500 TV & radio commercials, and as host in many shows […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Marketing Speakers
- (23)
Redmond Ramos is an extraordinary keynote speaker, veteran, and advocate for resilience and perseverance. His story of overcoming adversity, from his time in the military to becoming a Paralympic athlete and successful entrepreneur, is an inspiration to audiences worldwide. Redmond delivers powerful and motivational talks that resonate with corporate teams, educators, and individuals, instilling a […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (52)
- (3)
Amanda Stevens, the distinguished Consumer Futurist and Customer Experience Speaker, stands out as one of Australia’s most revered female speakers. Renowned for her captivating presentations, she seamlessly blends entertainment, inspiration, humor, and engagement to create an unforgettable experience for her audiences. With her unparalleled ability to tailor each speech to resonate deeply with diverse audiences, […]
- Travels from: Brisbane, QLD
- Futurists Speakers
- (8)
As America’s Hottest Illusionist, Jason Bishop might read your mind one second and make a goldfish appear the next. His performance abilities have led him from LA to NYC and Mexico to Sweden, as well as every state and many countries in between. Bishop’s combination of modern music, fast-paced magic, sleight of hand, and audience […]
- Travels from: Harrisburg, PA
- Magicians
- (30)
Mariana Atencio is a dynamic force in the world of journalism, renowned for her insightful reporting, captivating storytelling, and empowering message of authenticity. As a Peabody award–winning journalist, author, and speaker, Mariana has garnered widespread acclaim for her ability to navigate complex global issues with compassion and clarity. Her unwavering commitment to truth-telling and her […]
- Travels from: Miami, FL
- Event Emcee
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
