Creating Change Through Fashion: Rosanne Wood and Number 49 Handbags
Sustainability and compassion are becoming essential values, meet Rosanne Wood, Founder and CEO of No 49 Handbags, a brand that epitomizes ethical luxury. With a mission to reduce plastic waste, combat climate change, and create timeless vegan handbags, No 49 is redefining the fashion industry.
Here’s a closer look at Rosanne’s inspiring journey, the values that drive her brand, and her vision for a better future.
The Meaning Behind Number 49
The story of No 49 is deeply personal for Rosanne. Turning 49 marked a turning point in her life—a time for new beginnings, personal growth, and significant change. Drawing inspiration from numerology, Rosanne chose the name to symbolize her mission of finding innovative solutions for a more sustainable fashion industry.
“I wanted the fashion industry to be different,” Rosanne explained. “It’s about giving consumers better options and educating them about being socially responsible.”
From Real Estate to Vegan Fashion
Rosanne’s journey to launching Number 49 was anything but conventional. After a career in real estate appraisal and navigating a difficult personal chapter, she decided to pursue her passion for handbags, sustainability, and cruelty-free products.
“I thought, I’m getting up there in years—I want to do something I love,” she said. “It took about two years of research, trial, and error to create a product that I was proud of.”
Sourcing ethical, sustainable materials such as apple leather, bamboo leather, raffia palm, recycled cotton, and recycled polyurethane became the cornerstone of her brand. Despite challenges like material shortages and supplier changes, Rosanne’s resilience and commitment to her values never wavered.
Crafting Timeless, Sustainable Designs
No 49 handbags stand out for their sleek, minimalist designs that are both modern and timeless. Rosanne intentionally avoids trends, focusing on durability and versatility to encourage long-term use—an essential aspect of sustainability.
“We want to create timeless pieces that people can use year after year,” she said. “Vegan materials can last as long as animal leather if cared for properly, and they require far fewer resources to produce.”
Making an Environmental Impact
At the heart of No 49’s mission is a commitment to the planet. For every handbag sold, two pounds of plastic are collected from the environment, thanks to a partnership with CleanHub. Additionally, the brand has implemented carbon-neutral shipping by donating to mass reforestation projects and grassroots carbon capture initiatives.
Rosanne is acutely aware of the plastic pollution crisis, especially its impact on ocean health. “There are 51 million tons of microplastics in the ocean,” she shared. “I’m not doing everything, but I’m doing something, and that matters.”
Compassionate and Cruelty-Free Fashion
A lifelong advocate for animal rights, Rosanne’s vegan values are deeply ingrained in Number 49’s ethos. The brand uses no animal products and supports organizations dedicated to ending animal cruelty.
“Animals are subjected to horrible conditions, and there’s no need for it,” she said. “It’s not just about food—it’s clothing, too. We need to be kinder.”
The Role of Community and Social Media
For Rosanne, events like the Vegan Women’s Summit provide invaluable opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and promote her brand. She believes in the power of community and face-to-face interactions to inspire consumers and foster change.
However, social media also plays a vital role. Platforms like TikTok and Pinterest allow her to showcase her products in real-world settings, helping customers envision how they’ll use them.
With the holiday season approaching, Rosanne is exploring TikTok’s live-streaming e-commerce capabilities to reach new audiences and drive sales. “TikTok is great for showing our products in real-world scenarios,” she said. “It’s fun and engaging.”
Lessons from the Entrepreneurial Journey
Launching a business from scratch is no small feat, and Rosanne credits her success to authenticity and persistence. “Be authentic and do what you love,” she advised. “If something isn’t working, figure it out and keep going.”
While No is currently self-funded, Rosanne remains optimistic about the future and is open to exploring investor opportunities to scale her business.
“Everything has worked out so far,” she said. “People have been so helpful, and I’ve met incredible women along the way.”
A Vision for Change
For Rosanne, success is about more than profit—it’s about driving change and inspiring other businesses to do better. Through education and innovation, she hopes to empower consumers to make informed, ethical choices.
“Consumers do care,” she said. “Those who don’t just need education. We can all make a difference.”
Where to Find Number 49 Handbags
Interested in supporting a brand that aligns luxury with compassion? Explore the beautiful, timeless designs from No, 49 Handbags. SHOP NOW https://no49handbags.com/
Whether you’re shopping online or attending an event, No 49 is a brand making an impact—one bag at a time.
Rosanne Wood’s journey proves that it’s never too late to follow your passion and create meaningful change. Through her commitment to sustainability, compassion, and education, she’s inspiring a new era of ethical fashion.
