Hi everyone, I'm Hillary Kerr, the co-founder and chief contact officer of Huwa Ware, and

this is Second Life, a podcast spotlighting women who have truly inspiring careers.

We're talking about their work journeys, what they've learned from the process of setting

aside their doubts or fears, and what happens when they embark on their Second Life.

Today on the pod, I'm bringing back a Second Life favorite, the one and only Aurora James.

The last time we had Aurora on the pod, we spoke about her many career pivots that led to

her founding the sustainable shoe and handbag line, Brother Vellies.

With a focus on supporting global artists and communities who hand make each of Aurora's

brilliant designs, the line is changing the definition of a luxury good.

Her shoes and bags have become a symbol of integrity and solidarity as beautifully exemplified

in the movie Queen and Slim.

But with the many hardships this year brought, Aurora found herself pivoting once again.

First, with her something special program, a subscription based model that supports local

economies around the world.

She also started the 15% pledge, a nonprofit organization that is advocating for racial

and economic equality by asking companies to commit 15% of their shelf space to black

own businesses, which will change the retail landscape and ultimately the American economy

for the better.

With all of this in mind, it's no surprise that Aurora is being honored at the Footwear

News Achievement Awards as this year's person of the year.

Oh, and did I mention she's also writing a memoir because that is happening.

It lists to say Aurora is the definition of a visionary and a changemaker and we are

...