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
- (102)
Peter Vidmar stands as a testament to the heights that can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and excellence. As the highest-scoring American gymnast in Olympic history, Peter’s journey from a young enthusiast to a celebrated Olympic champion serves as an inspiring narrative for audiences worldwide. His core message emphasizes the principles of Risk, Originality, and […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Summer Olympians
- (15)
Nidhi Tewari is a dynamic and influential figure in the realm of workplace culture and wellbeing. With a unique blend of clinical expertise and a decade-long immersion in therapy, she stands at the intersection of mental health advocacy and organizational development. Nidhi brings a wealth of experience garnered from her specialized work with high-performing leaders, […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Culture Speakers
- (58)
Simone Biles has an astounding tally of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, she is not just a dominant force in her sport but also a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and grace. Her journey from a young girl with a dream to a global icon is a testament to her dedication and unyielding spirit. Beyond […]
- Travels from: Houston, TX
- Sporting Speakers
- (28)
- (3)
Omar Johnson is a marketing visionary and brand strategist whose innovative approach transformed Beats by Dre from a niche audio brand into a global cultural phenomenon. As the former Chief Marketing Officer of Beats by Dre, he played a pivotal role in growing the company’s revenue from $20 million to over $2 billion, ultimately leading […]
- Travels from: Santa Monica, CA
- Business Speakers
- (22)
Kudzi Chikumbu, a dynamic force in the realms of lifestyle influence and digital creativity. As the Global Head of Creator Marketing at TikTok, Kudzi is at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of social media and empowering creators worldwide. With a wealth of expertise, a passion for storytelling, and a commitment to driving positive […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Digital Speakers
- (31)
Lt Col Bo Guvner McGowan is a Certified Speaker with Wingman Enterprises who draws extensively on his experience as an Air Force fighter pilot, instructor, international airline pilot, and leadership consultant. Bo has flown 6,400 hours in the F-16 and T-37, including 42 combat missions in Iraq and Kuwait while enforcing the “No Fly Zone” […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Leadership Speakers
- (31)
- (3)
Jim O Neill is a distinguished economist and former Commercial Secretary to the UK Treasury, recognized globally for his significant contributions to economic research and policy. Serving in the UK Treasury from 2015 to 2016, O’Neill played a pivotal role in shaping economic strategy during a critical period for the UK. His deep understanding of […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Finance Speakers
- (21)
David Horsager, MA, CSP, CPAE, is an internationally recognized authority on trust, CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute, and national bestselling author of The Trust Edge. He is the inventor of the Enterprise Trust Index™ and serves as the director of one of the nation’s foremost trust studies: The Trust Outlook™. Horsager has dedicated his […]
- Travels from: Saint Paul, MN
- Leadership 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.
