About Wildflower: A Memoir
This extraordinary memoir of struggle and perseverance offers new ways of envisioning economic equality for everyone–from a leading activist and fashion pioneer.
Aurora James’s story is not a “success story.” Or at least, it shouldn’t be told that way. Having dropped out of high school, struggled with body image, and dabbled in street racing, her eventual arrest might have been her rock bottom. But as a visionary and optimist, that experience became one of many that reshaped her way of thinking about the world. After a brief modeling stint, James discovered the real power in creating for the runway and started her own business in a flea market, a sustainable fashion line showcasing traditional African design that would become an award-winning international brand. Then she founded one of the fastest-growing social justice nonprofits, the Fifteen Percent Pledge. But none of this came from a desire to “succeed.” It came from a desire to forge a new creative path–and to lift others up alongside her.
Already a rising star in fashion and the first Black American female designer to win a CFDA Award, James was inspired by the activism that swept the nation in the summer of 2020 to think bigger about how to empower Black business owners. With an idea and an Instagram post, she founded the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which challenges retailers to commit 15% of their shelf space and spending power to Black businesses. To date, more than two dozen of the world’s most recognized retailers have taken the pledge, redirecting $10 billion in revenue to Black brands.
Empowering and full of heart, Wildflower is the story of how Aurora James got to where she is now and a rallying cry for those eager to make change.
Detail
Complete Title: Wildflower: A Memoir
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Number of Pages: 304
Publication Time: May 9, 2023
Publisher: Crown
ISBN: 0593239458
ISBN13: 9780593239452
About Aurora James
Aurora James
Aurora James is the creative director and founder of luxury accessories brand Brother Vellies and founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, an initiative that urges retail giants to commit 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses by creating clear business strategies and attainable goals. A Toronto native, James lives in Los Angeles and New York City.
Reviews Wildflower: A Memoir
This book feels like two distinct books – one about the immense suffering and trauma of a bi-racial child growing up with a single mother in Canada and Jamaica, and another about a driven single minde…
Beanie
5 stars from me. I usually don’t read memoirs but I loved this one. Aurora James makes me cheer her even more. Loved her story. Thank you for allowing me a copy of her book…
Kimberley Gore
i’ve been following the author for a while because she founded an accessories brand called brothervellies. i thought this book was really interesting, especially the parts about how she started her…
Sarah
My favorite memoir. This book is so good. So interesting to read about sustainable fashion business and nonprofits from a founder of both…
Juliana
Ugh this book. This is going to be a long review because I have so many thoughts and feelings on this one.This book touched on everything. Fashion, feminism, racism, politics, humanity.Honestly, I wan…
Victoria Eastman
As a fan of memoirs I am extremely picky with whose I purchase or give my time to. Aurora James’ was a no brainer, having followed her career from the very first time I stumbled across her newly made…
Farah V
Would have been able to enjoy a bit more if I knew more about the fashion industry, and felt it was difficult keeping up with all of the myriad people introduced over the course of Aurora’s life thus…
Koryn Allen
Wow, what a woman! I am very impressed with this young lady. For that, I want to make sure people read this book. On the other hand, as an audiobook, I found Aurora’s reading got harder to take as the…
Darlene
reading aurora james’ memoir felt like having a conversation with a good friend who not only says she cares about things like treating people well, elevating those with great talent and driving chan…