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
- (23)
- (4)
Drum As One, formerly known as 1st Project, is a globally renowned drumming entertainment act that has captivated audiences with their electrifying performances and unique approach to rhythm. Established as pioneers in the field of percussion entertainment, Drum As One has seamlessly blended the power of drumming with innovative visual and auditory experiences, creating an […]
- Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
- Drummers
- (10)
Jon Dorenbos played 14 seasons in the NFL, notably making the Pro Bowl twice as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2016, Jon competed on America’s Got Talent where he showcased his skills as a sleight-of-hand magician, making it to the finals and placing third overall in the competition amongst tens of thousands of […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (37)
Dr. Kate Darling stands at the forefront of the rapidly evolving field of Robot Ethics, wielding her expertise as a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab. With a keen focus on human-robot interaction, she delves into the intricate dynamics of social robotics, unraveling the complexities of our emotional connection with […]
- Travels from: Boston, MA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (8)
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 […]
- Travels from: Saint Paul, MN
- Sales Speakers
- (18)
Ken Blanchard is a luminary in the field of leadership and management, known globally for his profound impact on the way organizations operate. With over four decades of experience, Ken has dedicated his career to helping leaders at all levels achieve greatness through effective leadership principles. His approachable style and compelling storytelling have made him […]
- Travels from: Escondido, CA
- Leadership Speakers
- (12)
Rohit Talwar is a global futurist, award-winning and thought-provoking speaker, strategic advisor, author, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Fast Future. He delivers keynote speeches, executive education, consultancy, research, and future-focused leadership mentoring to clients internationally. He works with major corporations, governments, professional services, investors, associations, business schools, and NGOs to help them anticipate, prepare for […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Futurists Speakers
- (18)
After 20 years in the personal and professional development space, Kevin L McCrudden is better known as “Mr. Motivation and America’s CMO – Chief Motivation Officer.” Kevin L McCrudden is an international author, speaker and the only motivational and leadership speaker in American history to ever have a day of recognition passed by The United […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Motivational Speakers
- (31)
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
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.
