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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.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2023
86 people are currently reading
7632 people want to read
About the author
Aurora James
1 book79 followersAurora 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
May 16, 2023
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 minded fashion designer determined to break down barriers and make a significant change for black people, not only in America but across Africa. It is mind boggling to believe that this is the same person. We bear witness to her successes and failures, her disappointments and triumphs, all relayed in a very matter of fact way; with sincerity and humility. Aurora James- I had never heard of her before I read this book but everyone must know her name. She is testament to the fact that “the world is our oyster” - we can achieve our dreams through sheer grit and determination, through building a community around us, and by immense humility. A fascinating memoir - I look forward to seeing what she will do next.
April 8, 2024
“Let’s stay wild and bloom wherever we want to, unapologetically.”
How can I not adore this woman!?!?!?! I enjoyed this book and I’m excitedly-anxious to receive my first (but I’m sure not the last) pair of Brother Vellies + socks!!! Her story is not only relatable but also inspiring. Shout out to you for getting that leech off your back and out of your money!! Some might say that I have went down a Brother Vellies/Aurora James rabbit hole that I refuse to emerge from, so let me explore as much as I can while I’m here, dang it! The way she speaks about Africa makes me want to go even more and the way that her heart is so measured in her approach is simply unmatched & unequivocally genuine. Overall, I wish AJ great successes both now and always!! I mean, what a story, what a life!!
p.s. shout out to mom and grandma; it’s amazing the places that love will take us if we let it. 💚💚💚
How can I not adore this woman!?!?!?! I enjoyed this book and I’m excitedly-anxious to receive my first (but I’m sure not the last) pair of Brother Vellies + socks!!! Her story is not only relatable but also inspiring. Shout out to you for getting that leech off your back and out of your money!! Some might say that I have went down a Brother Vellies/Aurora James rabbit hole that I refuse to emerge from, so let me explore as much as I can while I’m here, dang it! The way she speaks about Africa makes me want to go even more and the way that her heart is so measured in her approach is simply unmatched & unequivocally genuine. Overall, I wish AJ great successes both now and always!! I mean, what a story, what a life!!
p.s. shout out to mom and grandma; it’s amazing the places that love will take us if we let it. 💚💚💚
February 23, 2023
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!!!!
June 11, 2023
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 business working with artisans in africa and her idea of making luxury products made in africa. i think she’s still getting started and has a lot more story to tell in years to come, so seems a little premature to write a “memoir,” but i really enjoyed it— and i don’t know if thats because i’ve been following her for years and while she shares a lot on social, it’s interesting to see how she got started.
November 3, 2023
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 wanted so much more of her story with so many more details because her story is so rich. It was an emotional rollarcoaster - I cried several times reading it because of the injustices she faced and that exist in the world but also because of the moments that give you hope, the moments that women showed up and uplifted each other.
This book felt very personal to me. I also loved fashion and always dreamed of being a part of this industry until I realized the nightmare behind all the pretty things. Aurora James so easily holds space for both truths in this book - that this industry is so harmful but also has the potential to create such a meaningful positive impact in the world.
I appreciated the way that she told her story, showing it honestly for what it was. Remembering her winning a prestigious award or being highlighted in Vogue in the same paragraph that she admits that her account was in the negative or that she was racking up mountains of debt.
This book touched on everything. Fashion, feminism, racism, politics, humanity.
Honestly, I wanted so much more of her story with so many more details because her story is so rich. It was an emotional rollarcoaster - I cried several times reading it because of the injustices she faced and that exist in the world but also because of the moments that give you hope, the moments that women showed up and uplifted each other.
This book felt very personal to me. I also loved fashion and always dreamed of being a part of this industry until I realized the nightmare behind all the pretty things. Aurora James so easily holds space for both truths in this book - that this industry is so harmful but also has the potential to create such a meaningful positive impact in the world.
I appreciated the way that she told her story, showing it honestly for what it was. Remembering her winning a prestigious award or being highlighted in Vogue in the same paragraph that she admits that her account was in the negative or that she was racking up mountains of debt.
June 24, 2024
2024 Read Harder Challenge - history book by a BIPOC author.
This is fairly recent history. I didn't know who she was, but I knew about the AOC Met Gala dress. The shoemaker descriptions were especially interesting to me.
This is fairly recent history. I didn't know who she was, but I knew about the AOC Met Gala dress. The shoemaker descriptions were especially interesting to me.
August 10, 2024
This book was so well written! In the beginning we learn about her childhood and traumatic experiences and memories that take her places, all before getting to the beginning of her purpose in life. This was so encouraging and inspiring to read, especially as a black woman in the creative entrepreneurial space.
February 11, 2025
A solid story of perseverance , grit and creativity. I admire her ability to hold empathy for her mother despite the difficult history between them. I was impressed by her steely resolve when it came to confronting failure , setbacks and racism in its many forms. The writing did feel like a college application essay at times but there isn’t any doubt that she is a courageous woman.
August 5, 2023
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 Instagram page.
Her biggest strength is how grounded she is. Through every hardship which she has expressed, in a raw yet not scathing manner, emotional, yet no venom drips for those who wronged her, even though you feel an axe to your heart- her focus never shifted from her story, her experience and more importantly, her vision.
As a born and bred (brown) girl from Nairobi, this memoir made me weep, laugh, gasp and more importantly appreciate the recognition of a continent that is a gem. From the people (trust me, we are taught courtesy, sharing and love before we can talk), crafts, food, natural beauty of everything, gift, creativity -right down to the richness of the red soil, it is an honour to know the craftsmanship is honoured by a brand and recognition is given not just to a tiny dot in East Africa that I am praising, but to the North in Morocco, right down to the South in Cape Town (& more in between: Namibia, et al)
No detail from any particular year she describes, is missed. Thugs in Namibia, Al Shabab's shooting at Westgate mall (a very scary time as I sat oceans away trying to track my father who was set to be a judge on a Koroga cook off - a dish i would gladly devour even though I dont eat poultry any more), functional issues and lockdowns and State shutdowns.
She takes you through it all, the hardship (dealing with the worst ilk of men in business, horrible relationships, a tough childhood), the greatest moments (ie a relationship with Anna Wintour, Mia Moretti, Solange, having Kanye West sing praises of your designs etc) - that kept her grounded. It kept her humble. It made her strong for an entire continent to make Brother Vellies happen. Brotherhood. In your brand name? I told you, she's an inclusive visionary.
My personal favourite, aside from the Stella Mule is what I got from the Brother Vellies 'Something Special' subscription: the Oaxacan clay mug, which I'd seen her mix her coffee daily in 2020. I now mix my tea in that daily.
Aurora is a prime example of what it means to have a 'Seat At The Table' - believe me its not what you think. Developing an initiative called the 15% pledge, which if you follow her Instagram was born in front of us, to give space to black businesses on major platforms. An initiative that should inspire us all.
I still remember when she posted that on Instagram and how I got goosebumps. She had planted a very important seed, which is now blooming.
She is a reminder of what a person who can, could do. Of what you and I, should do.
Perhaps this review is in turn, my love letter back, from a (brown) African, with love.
Aurora James' was a no brainer, having followed her career from the very first time I stumbled across her newly made Instagram page.
Her biggest strength is how grounded she is. Through every hardship which she has expressed, in a raw yet not scathing manner, emotional, yet no venom drips for those who wronged her, even though you feel an axe to your heart- her focus never shifted from her story, her experience and more importantly, her vision.
As a born and bred (brown) girl from Nairobi, this memoir made me weep, laugh, gasp and more importantly appreciate the recognition of a continent that is a gem. From the people (trust me, we are taught courtesy, sharing and love before we can talk), crafts, food, natural beauty of everything, gift, creativity -right down to the richness of the red soil, it is an honour to know the craftsmanship is honoured by a brand and recognition is given not just to a tiny dot in East Africa that I am praising, but to the North in Morocco, right down to the South in Cape Town (& more in between: Namibia, et al)
No detail from any particular year she describes, is missed. Thugs in Namibia, Al Shabab's shooting at Westgate mall (a very scary time as I sat oceans away trying to track my father who was set to be a judge on a Koroga cook off - a dish i would gladly devour even though I dont eat poultry any more), functional issues and lockdowns and State shutdowns.
She takes you through it all, the hardship (dealing with the worst ilk of men in business, horrible relationships, a tough childhood), the greatest moments (ie a relationship with Anna Wintour, Mia Moretti, Solange, having Kanye West sing praises of your designs etc) - that kept her grounded. It kept her humble. It made her strong for an entire continent to make Brother Vellies happen. Brotherhood. In your brand name? I told you, she's an inclusive visionary.
My personal favourite, aside from the Stella Mule is what I got from the Brother Vellies 'Something Special' subscription: the Oaxacan clay mug, which I'd seen her mix her coffee daily in 2020. I now mix my tea in that daily.
Aurora is a prime example of what it means to have a 'Seat At The Table' - believe me its not what you think. Developing an initiative called the 15% pledge, which if you follow her Instagram was born in front of us, to give space to black businesses on major platforms. An initiative that should inspire us all.
I still remember when she posted that on Instagram and how I got goosebumps. She had planted a very important seed, which is now blooming.
She is a reminder of what a person who can, could do. Of what you and I, should do.
Perhaps this review is in turn, my love letter back, from a (brown) African, with love.
October 21, 2023
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 far. Still enjoyed overall, particularly her perspective on her childhood and complicated relationships with her family.
June 29, 2023
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 more excited she was about what had happened lately, the faster she read. Toward the end of the book, I could barely understand her. Here is the blurb that pulled me to the read. Maybe it reads better in book form or with Kindle text-to-speech.
Aurora James’s life is a great American “success story”—precisely because it looks so different from others we’ve seen. Born in Canada to a counterculture mother, James was raised to question everything—specifically the very institutions that have shaped so many of us. When James was seven, her mother married a man who would move them to Jamaica, where James would learn harsh lessons about control, power, abuse, and belonging. Eventually she would find her way back home to Toronto, where her blue-eyed and fair-haired grandmother welcomed her with unconditional love—and inadvertently showed her that racism is the water in which we are all submerged.
Scouted as a model in eighth grade, James struggled with body image and became disenchanted by the industry’s objectification of women and commodification of race and culture. After she dropped out of high school, a flirtation with street racing led to her eventual arrest. She’d hit rock bottom, but as a visionary and optimist, she allowed that experience to become one of many that reshaped her way of thinking about the world. A slew of fashion-related jobs led James to discover the real power in creating for the runway, and she started her own business in a flea market: a sustainable fashion line showcasing traditional African designs that would become an award-winning international brand. But none of this came from a drive 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 female designer to win a Council of Fashion Designers of America Award, James posted a revolutionary idea in the wake of George Floyd’s murder that connected economics to racial justice in a way that has forever changed the American economic landscape. With that Instagram post, she founded the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which challenges retailers to commit 15 percent of their shelf space and spending power to Black businesses and is one of the fastest-growing social justice nonprofits. To date, more than two dozen of the world’s most recognized retailers have taken the pledge, redirecting $10 billion in annual revenue to Black and BIPOC brands.
Empowering and full of heart, Wildflower is the riveting story of how Aurora James made an indelible mark the American economic system, and a rallying cry for those eager to make change.
On the other hand, as an audiobook, I found Aurora's reading got harder to take as the more excited she was about what had happened lately, the faster she read. Toward the end of the book, I could barely understand her. Here is the blurb that pulled me to the read. Maybe it reads better in book form or with Kindle text-to-speech.
Aurora James’s life is a great American “success story”—precisely because it looks so different from others we’ve seen. Born in Canada to a counterculture mother, James was raised to question everything—specifically the very institutions that have shaped so many of us. When James was seven, her mother married a man who would move them to Jamaica, where James would learn harsh lessons about control, power, abuse, and belonging. Eventually she would find her way back home to Toronto, where her blue-eyed and fair-haired grandmother welcomed her with unconditional love—and inadvertently showed her that racism is the water in which we are all submerged.
Scouted as a model in eighth grade, James struggled with body image and became disenchanted by the industry’s objectification of women and commodification of race and culture. After she dropped out of high school, a flirtation with street racing led to her eventual arrest. She’d hit rock bottom, but as a visionary and optimist, she allowed that experience to become one of many that reshaped her way of thinking about the world. A slew of fashion-related jobs led James to discover the real power in creating for the runway, and she started her own business in a flea market: a sustainable fashion line showcasing traditional African designs that would become an award-winning international brand. But none of this came from a drive 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 female designer to win a Council of Fashion Designers of America Award, James posted a revolutionary idea in the wake of George Floyd’s murder that connected economics to racial justice in a way that has forever changed the American economic landscape. With that Instagram post, she founded the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which challenges retailers to commit 15 percent of their shelf space and spending power to Black businesses and is one of the fastest-growing social justice nonprofits. To date, more than two dozen of the world’s most recognized retailers have taken the pledge, redirecting $10 billion in annual revenue to Black and BIPOC brands.
Empowering and full of heart, Wildflower is the riveting story of how Aurora James made an indelible mark the American economic system, and a rallying cry for those eager to make change.
May 2, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4
This book is split into two distinct stories -
Her childhood and her founding of Brother Vellies and the Fifteen Percent Pledge. Personally I loved the childhood part of the book way more; was very raw, deep, and gave insight into why she became who she is today.
The career part of her book was truly inspirational and something everyone should read as they think about how to be more inclusive in their every day lives. One thing that rubbed me the wrong way was her disparaging of other people and brands (ie Target, over and over and over again) in order to boost herself. Aurora James is an incredible person who has done incredible things and just felt like there was a certain arrogance to the way she spoke about others.
Overall I recommend.
This book is split into two distinct stories -
Her childhood and her founding of Brother Vellies and the Fifteen Percent Pledge. Personally I loved the childhood part of the book way more; was very raw, deep, and gave insight into why she became who she is today.
The career part of her book was truly inspirational and something everyone should read as they think about how to be more inclusive in their every day lives. One thing that rubbed me the wrong way was her disparaging of other people and brands (ie Target, over and over and over again) in order to boost herself. Aurora James is an incredible person who has done incredible things and just felt like there was a certain arrogance to the way she spoke about others.
Overall I recommend.
November 13, 2023
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 change through respectful honesty but truly takes action to live those values through her personal and professional lives. i absolutely love her response to people who offer to put her in contact with businesses that they think should take the pledge (“no!”) and her take on letting those that don’t keep up with changing consumer preferences fall into irrelevance. i really enjoyed this very quick read.
4.5 stars.
4.5 stars.
May 4, 2025
In the book's first half, James's early life seems to be almost a separate story. Seeing her mother change before her eyes, and the grace she still affords her was a unique perspective to her story. It made me wonder how she had so much perspective so young. Her discourse on how the fashion industry, while run by men, perpetuates eating disorders and unhealthy body image in women, echoed in a way I had not considered before.
James' international adventures and accomplishments in fashion design seemed to come almost overnight, which she laid out in a similar pace and tone in the book. Found the story of Brother Vellies and dressing AOC for the Met with a moment's notice the heart of the story.
James' international adventures and accomplishments in fashion design seemed to come almost overnight, which she laid out in a similar pace and tone in the book. Found the story of Brother Vellies and dressing AOC for the Met with a moment's notice the heart of the story.
July 11, 2023
Aurora delivers a BIG message for Consumer Economic JUSTICE in her small "squeaky voce". A great "listen" from her uprooted childhood, through her many poor decisions, to her determination and courage to correct a wrong in the economics of the fashion world. It is a message we can ALL learn from! I know I did! Thanks to Scott Simon's NPR Saturday interview for leading me to this great read.
May 22, 2023
This should be required reading for anyone in fashion or who gives a shit about the world and how consumerism impacts it. A very powerful book.
January 13, 2024
This was a great and very thought provoking read. Challenges the reader to deeply consider the impact you have on the choices you make when you spend money… who are you supporting? I appreciated the authors honesty and bravery as she shared the challenges of her upbringing and the power of taking responsibility for your own life and your own choices. It is a must read if you want insight into fashion, the high cost of low prices (fast fashion) the power of aligning your life’s work with your values. I will be thinking about this book al lot … and will likely read again!
September 7, 2024
I started reading this having no idea who the author was at all. Just a random Goodreads win and I wanted to check it out. Wow was i impressed. Every woman should read this book (and how about the men too!)
May 20, 2025
I’m so inspired by Aurora’s story, her integrity, and commitment to changing systems. A reminder to consciously put your money alongside your values no matter what.
February 6, 2024
Ce livre m’a fortement été recommandé, et le review de Rupi Kaur m’a convaincu: « This is a story of a woman who can do anything she sets her mind to, and, in telling her story, shows us that we can too. With community and sisterhood at its center, Wildflower teaches us that against all odds, we can overcome. »
Je suis normalement pas la plus grande fan des mémoires, BUT THIS ONE WAS SOMETHING ELSEEEEEEE. Une lecture nécessaire qui me donne ben du fuel.
Je suis normalement pas la plus grande fan des mémoires, BUT THIS ONE WAS SOMETHING ELSEEEEEEE. Une lecture nécessaire qui me donne ben du fuel.
June 30, 2024
unreal. what a brain. one of my biggest idols and inspirations
October 30, 2023
Essential reading for all, equal amounts validating and inspiring
January 21, 2024
This was a really great book, depicting someone that has overcome adversity in her home life, but also is courageous, and smart. It has influenced my life. Kudos to Aurora James.
August 16, 2025
Aurora’s story is truly inspiring. Her book started strong but hit a plateau for me. Overall, I loved her story and was in awe by her ability to build businesses that centered impact, wellness, and legacy.
October 19, 2023
Impressive accomplishments, thoughtful and well written memoir
May 9, 2023
Absolutely incredible! Aurora's voice is so powerful and her story is very honest & vulnerable; a gift that we sometimes lack from leaders but very much need. Super inspiring and an overall enjoyable and pleasant read.
March 27, 2023
I was gifted with an ARC of this book that a colleague received at a library conference. To be honest, I had not heard of Aurora James. But when I started to read her memoir I had a hard time putting it down. She writes about growing up biracial and witnessing her mother's abuse by her stepfather. As she grows through her teens and early twenties, she loves fashion and does some modeling and other work in the field. However, she hates the marketing aspect of fashion which exacerbates unrealistic and unhealthy body image issues and leads to environmental waste and wage exploitation. She eventually finds her own way towards designing fashion items while mitigating some of the downsides of the business.
James' shoes and fashion accessories are handmade in Africa using traditional designs she modified for American markets. The book got slower for me in the middle as she spent a lot of time on the details of her design methods and the process of applying for awards and becoming recognized. Her career at that point is a strange mix of working with local artisans in Africa and trying not to exploit their labor while climbing the ladder of the high fashion world in New York & Los Angeles.
The book got more interesting to me again as she hit upon the idea of the 15% Pledge after George Floyd was killed and the BLM movement had a resurgence. The idea is to get major retailers to commit to having Black-owned businesses fill 15% of their shelf space since Black Americans are 15% of the US population. The plan to hold retailers accountable while emphasizing the benefits they would gain from the program was impressively conceived. Overall, a fresh readable memoir, especially for those interested in fashion.
James' shoes and fashion accessories are handmade in Africa using traditional designs she modified for American markets. The book got slower for me in the middle as she spent a lot of time on the details of her design methods and the process of applying for awards and becoming recognized. Her career at that point is a strange mix of working with local artisans in Africa and trying not to exploit their labor while climbing the ladder of the high fashion world in New York & Los Angeles.
The book got more interesting to me again as she hit upon the idea of the 15% Pledge after George Floyd was killed and the BLM movement had a resurgence. The idea is to get major retailers to commit to having Black-owned businesses fill 15% of their shelf space since Black Americans are 15% of the US population. The plan to hold retailers accountable while emphasizing the benefits they would gain from the program was impressively conceived. Overall, a fresh readable memoir, especially for those interested in fashion.
June 11, 2023
This memoir is about Aurora James when she was a child growing up in Jamaica and Canada. When she was a young teen she gets recruited as a model. Being optimistic and exposed to the modeling world, she changed her thinking to create shoes, sandals, boots etc. called Brother Vellies. She wanted employees who made her shoes to get a good wage working with artists in Africa. She became a fashion Icon winning many awards in the fashion world. Aurora James is the founder of Fifteen Percent Pledge. An amazing read.
March 4, 2023
WOW. I AM SO IMPRESSSED.. with her story, her survivorship and Thrivership, her perspectives. There's so much about her and her writing that the best I can say is GET HER BOOk, GET INSPIRED!! Aurora James is an innovative, persevering, woman that I am nominating for Wonderful Warrior Woman Membership. Her story begins with the love of her grandmother who helped give her the core of being for joy in her life, being loved. She went through molestation and abuse by her mother's husband as an 8 year old. She left high school while doing adult jobs, persevered, kept on working and creating. She struggled financially to establish her community of artisanship. In Africa, she met real artisans who were her inspiration for establishing a company which valued them, paid them for their artistry. I love that. I also love how she put American Consumerism into perspective: Style , fashion stolen by companies to produce mass market knockoff goods produced in China with slave labor. I perhaps should not have been taken aback when I learned that Slave labor Chinese knockoff lace was displacing Nigerian art in Nigeria. Aurora takes on some industrial giants in this book, but NOT just from a 'disclosure' or protest view. She had an epiphany during the George Floyd riots: That ONE voice, specifically asking and stating what was needed, would be heard. She's the innovator and founder of The Fifteen Percent Pledge. Although we see companies advertising with a Person of Color or Even a Family of Color--- if we look at CEO's,Stockholders, actual products made by the Black owned companies --- we see a total absence of Black representation. For example, cosmetic shelves that have products for Black women, but not MADE by a corporation/company that is Black owned... The 15% challenge is for companies to assign 15% of the products they are buying to purchasing them from small Black owned businesses. This challenge is meant for ALL businesses-- all industries. It's also a challenge to the American consumer buying ethically, diversely. Her words at the end of her book summarize the challenge she gives us: "It will take community. It will take all hands on deck. All stars in alignment. And All birds flying together to that final destination of parity"... Please read her book for an understanding of that allusion of birds flying together, AND for a powerful inspiration. Thanks You Good Reads for one of the most exciting reads of this year in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2023
Wildflower was so so so lovely! I’m not going to lie. I bought this book while taking an impromptu trip to Barnes and Noble…I had no intention of buying anything, and then I saw the beautiful hardback cover and was like, “SOLD!”. ☺️
I had initially heard of Aurora James during COVID-19 from all the press she was getting from The Fifteen Percent Pledge. And a magazine (I can’t remember which one) did a spread on her and Brother Vellies, and ever since reading it, I have been deeply inspired by this woman. Her story is remarkable, particularly her troublesome early years and building her business, Brother Vellies. I have to admit the beginning was trying - not in terms of the writing style but just in the content. The first five or so chapters surround her childhood and how she grew up with her white grandmother and white mother (Note: She is biracial. Her father is Ghanaian).
Trigger warning: There are descriptions of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault, and (borderline) child negligence in these parts of the book. Please be mindful of this and your triggers as you read. Sidebar: I think Aurora’s mother was a villain…but she’s not my momma, so…it’s not my business.
But it is the chapters that focus on her business-building years that are the true staples of the book and…that genuinely show her utter brilliance. Her vision from BV’s inception was clear: sustainable fashion that benefits the customer and yields monetary benefit to the makers of said fashion. Creating and managing BV while amid so many other personal and professional wins and losses showcased as admirable as much as it was daunting…and there are so many times I was cringing like, “How is this going to end? I’m scared.”
The book is also thought-provoking, forcing the readers to reconcile how they choose and buy fashion, to think about who made the product as much as they think about the style of the product. It also begs the question of how BIG small actions can be. Aurora James’ story, at its core, is a testament to the power of taking these small leaps again and again to the point where you look up and BAM! You’ve created change, made an impact, created a product that has changed how people think about fast fashion, and how you can stay grounded in your values and commitments while doing so.
Add this to your TBR!
I had initially heard of Aurora James during COVID-19 from all the press she was getting from The Fifteen Percent Pledge. And a magazine (I can’t remember which one) did a spread on her and Brother Vellies, and ever since reading it, I have been deeply inspired by this woman. Her story is remarkable, particularly her troublesome early years and building her business, Brother Vellies. I have to admit the beginning was trying - not in terms of the writing style but just in the content. The first five or so chapters surround her childhood and how she grew up with her white grandmother and white mother (Note: She is biracial. Her father is Ghanaian).
Trigger warning: There are descriptions of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault, and (borderline) child negligence in these parts of the book. Please be mindful of this and your triggers as you read. Sidebar: I think Aurora’s mother was a villain…but she’s not my momma, so…it’s not my business.
But it is the chapters that focus on her business-building years that are the true staples of the book and…that genuinely show her utter brilliance. Her vision from BV’s inception was clear: sustainable fashion that benefits the customer and yields monetary benefit to the makers of said fashion. Creating and managing BV while amid so many other personal and professional wins and losses showcased as admirable as much as it was daunting…and there are so many times I was cringing like, “How is this going to end? I’m scared.”
The book is also thought-provoking, forcing the readers to reconcile how they choose and buy fashion, to think about who made the product as much as they think about the style of the product. It also begs the question of how BIG small actions can be. Aurora James’ story, at its core, is a testament to the power of taking these small leaps again and again to the point where you look up and BAM! You’ve created change, made an impact, created a product that has changed how people think about fast fashion, and how you can stay grounded in your values and commitments while doing so.
Add this to your TBR!
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