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.

Founded in 2013, Brother Vellies began with the mission of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive. The brand supports artisan communities around the world, creating timeless pieces that celebrate different 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 sold at the Hester Street Fair in New York. Today, Brother Vellies has expanded into handbags and other accessories categories, including a home goods subscription service, Something Special, and continues to support artisan communities around the world. While no longer sold at the Hester Street Fair, Brother Vellies is sold at their flagship store in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, online at BrotherVellies.com, and at retailers such as Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more.