Wildflower

A Memoir

By: Aurora James

Narrated by: Aurora James

Length: 7 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

This “empowering and inspirational” (People) memoir of struggle and perseverance offers new ways of envisioning economic equality for everyone—from a leading activist and fashion pioneer.

“With community and sisterhood at its center, Wildflower teaches us that against all odds, we can overcome.”—Rupi Kaur, New York Times bestselling author of milk and honey

A BLOOMBERG AND HARPER’S BAZAAR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

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.

©2023 Aurora James (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Inspiring. . . . Wildflower is true to its name, sharing a story of someone who bloomed despite obstacles and dedicated herself to beauty inside and out even when doing so wasn’t so simple.”—Town & Country

“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.”—Rupi Kaur, New York Times bestselling author of milk and honey

“Wildflower is a stunning story of grit, grace, and resilience. Aurora James takes us on a vivid journey through a life informed by creativity, vision, and an indefatigable entrepreneurial spirit while always staying grounded in her commitment to the highest principles and values. . . . A must-read!”—Huma Abedin, New York Times bestselling author of Both/And

She's lived so much life!

My first ever audiobook! I think this was a great choice to dip my toe into the waters of this new reading medium. I listened to the book while crafting and driving and it perfectly kept my attention.

I’ve followed Aurora James on Instagram for several years, aware of her because of her fashion work with Brother Vellies, and was so intrigued listening to the introduction of the memoir and realizing just how little I knew of her background.

She has lived so many lives! It’s pretty stunning the amount of ground she covered. She shed light on the good and the bad, from her creative endeavors and building Brother Vellies and The 15 Percent Pledge, to her abuse at the hands of her stepfather and the related fallout with her mother, as well as internal and external tension around her identity as a biracial woman.

It was clear she has a real passion for the world around her, and I appreciated her insights/reflections around consumerism, creating opportunities for craftsmen and women around the world, and properly valuing artisans’ work.

I value that Aurora chose to narrate the audiobook herself; it made the experience more personal, I was able to glean more nuance from the way she delivered certain lines and it also played into the plot of the book, since her voice is something she’s been criticized over/been picked on for over her life.

I really appreciated how transparent and vulnerable she was detailing the struggles she’s experienced with Brother Vellies and how she peeled back the curtain to share what was happening behind the scenes. Oftentimes things were much different from how they appeared on the surface.

Aurora has led such a varied and interesting life and I really valued getting to learn more about her and her journey thus far.

Love her story AND voice

Nothing sleepy about Aurora. Great story telling and the connection between fashion conveying an ethos while simultaneously being consumed by another culture is so empowering. Appreciated her take on Wintour too. What James has done with the pledge and commitment to designing in African nations is inspiring. I am at the stage of life where I am indeed buying one quality piece made with real fabrics instead of supporting unethically made fast fashion. So, I hope to add Brother Vellies to my collection in the near future.

Inspiring!!!!

I enjoyed learning about Aurora James. I am a new fan and will share her book with others! Well done.

Inspiring

As a former business owner I truly understand the pitfalls and successes. The story was well
told.

Amazing Story!

There’s so much to love here. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves memoirs, anyone with a creative career and anyone interested in social justice. Aurora has accomplished so much and is quite the inspiration. Can’t wait to see what she does next!

Her voice was so calm and relaxing.

Loved her voice! I’m going to miss hearing in the mornings or evenings as I drive in this heavy Boston traffic. Her story is very motivating!

Next Level 💗

I cannot emphasize enough the impact of this woman and this book. The influence she has will change lives and communities. Incredible!

Finished in one day!

Aurora James story is an incredible one that made cry, made me angry and hopeful all in one read. A lot of her experiences were parallel to some of my own so the early chapters were so relatable. I admire her fearlessness and how she unapologetically shows up in this world. She is an inspiration!

Must read

This has quickly become one of my favorite books ever. As a person of color, I can’t tell you how powerful, inspiring, sad at times, energizing at others it was to hear this story. Thank you for sharing.

Stuck the landing

So proud of this woman and everything she’s done! Can’t wait to share this with all my friends. Also look forward to becoming a supporter!