Joy Expert, Design Influencer & Bestselling Author of "Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life"

Paris, France

Ajiri Aki Biography

Ajiri Aki is an author, tastemaker, and founder of the lifestyle brand Madame de la Maison. Based in Paris for over a decade, she inspires global audiences to embrace French “joie de vivre” through her expertise in entertaining, design, and living beautifully. Her latest book, "Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life," cemented her status as a voice for joy and creativity.

Born in Nigeria and raised in Austin, Texas, Aki began her career in New York City’s fashion industry, styling for top publications and celebrities. In Paris, she co-authored the New York Times bestseller "Where’s Karl?" and launched lifestyle brand Madame de la Maison, which specializes in French antiques and linens. Featured in Vogue, House Beautiful, and The New York Times, Aki's work showcases her passion for storytelling, table design, and building meaningful connections around the table. She has also worked on design and tablescaping projects for LVMH, Christofle, Cire Trudon, Penfolds, St-Germain, and more.

Aki’s message of embracing joie de vivre has also made her a sought-after speaker, guiding audiences on how to discover their own joy and creativity. She was a featured lecturer at the 2024 Antiques & Garden Show Of Nashville, guest speaker at the 2024 Corriere della Sera “Women in Food” Forum in Tuscany, Italy, and a speaker at the Monocle Quality of Life Conference in Paris.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/18/2025.

Ajiri Aki Speaking Topics

  • The Art of Joy: Lessons from French “Joie de Vivre”

    American culture values productivity above pleasure. But moving to France taught lifestyle expert and business owner Ajiri Aki that joy is something to be savored daily, not a “reward” for good work. Through her childhood experiences in Texas’s Nigerian-American community, workaholic past life in New York City’s fashion world, and story of Parisian re-birth, Ajiri shares how we can change our mindset and start prioritizing joy in our lives.

    Ajiri’s speech pulls from the many lessons in her book, "Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life," and is a delightful journey through the essence of the Parisian lifestyle. Full of humor and storytelling, this session shares why embracing joy every day is important, and how the audience can start living a more joyful life today.

    Attendee Results:

    • Learn how to create joy in everyday moments.

    • Understand why the French treat joy as a priority.

    • Experience Ajiri’s journey from workaholic to joy evangelist.

    • Develop a joy mindset that will change your outlook on life.

  • From Passion to Profit: Building a Successful Creative Brand

    Ajiri Aki, founder of the celebrated lifestyle brand Madame de la Maison, shares her entrepreneurial story, woven through with invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of founding a creative brand. Attendees learn how Ajiri built her brand from scratch, in a foreign country no less, by blending creativity, authenticity, and business strategy. This session is perfect for creatives, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who aspire to turn their passion into a purposeful and profitable venture.

    Attendee Results:

    • Hear Ajiri’s journey of turning a passion for culture, beauty, and traditions into a thriving business.

    • Discover the importance of storytelling and crafting a narrative that connects with audiences and reflects your values.

    • Tips on how to balance creative vision with business success.

    • Practical strategies for identifying and refining your creative niche.

    • Valuable lessons on navigating setbacks, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt as a creative entrepreneur.

    • Learn how to build a brand that resonates with a global audience.

Read More +

Ajiri Aki Videos

Ajiri Aki on Finding JOY at the Nashville Antiques & Garden Show

Ajiri Aki on Finding JOY at the Nashville Antiques & Garden Show

  • How do I book Ajiri Aki to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Ajiri Aki for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Ajiri Aki, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Ajiri Aki or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Ajiri Aki

    Speaking fees for Ajiri Aki, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ajiri Aki are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ajiri Aki, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Ajiri Aki speak about?

    Ajiri Aki is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Bestselling Authors, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Family & Parenting, Happiness, Marketing, Mindset, Personal Growth, Work-Life Balance
  • Where does Ajiri Aki travel from?

    Ajiri Aki generally travels from Paris, France, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Ajiri Aki’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Ajiri Aki for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Ajiri Aki for your next private or corporate function.
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Ajiri Aki is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as The Art of Joy: Lessons from French “Joie de Vivre” , From Passion to Profit: Building a Successful Creative Brand, Homemaking Matters: Celebrating the Overlooked Art That Shapes Our Lives, Reclaiming Joy: Work, Life, and the Art of Balance and Fellowship: The Power of Gathering and Joyful Hosting. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ajiri Aki for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Ajiri Aki generally travels from Paris, France and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Kathy Ireland, Erin King, Marco Borges, Terri Britt and Lindsay MacMillan. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ajiri Aki for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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