Feature: No. 49 Handbags

No.49 Handbags is a premium brand of vegan and sustainable handbags. What’s it like to provide compassionate options and drive a more compassionate future in fashion? We interviewed founder Rosanne Wood to learn more about their journey, mission, and what it takes to be a responsible fashion brand.

1. What is your organizations mission/goals? What small steps are taken to achieve these goals?

No. 49 Handbags mission is to stand out in the fashion industry by combining style, sustainability, and social responsibility. We are using materials that are cruelty-free and minimize environmental impact.

We are dedicated to combating plastic pollution and preventing it from entering our oceans. For every handbag we sell, we collect 2 pounds of plastic through our partnership with Clean Hub. The environment is very important to me. We also prioritize using sustainable, vegan materials like apple leather, bamboo leather, raffia, recycled cotton, and recycled materials. Ending animal exploitation is also important to me. I believe that animals deserve compassion and respect, which is why we exclusively use cruelty-free materials. By choosing vegan fabrics instead of traditional leather, we significantly lower our carbon footprint, conserving vital energy and resources in the process.

We also are proud to offer carbon-neutral shipping on all orders. A portion of our sales goes to organizations like Mast Reforestation, which helps landowners restore forest areas devastated by wildfires, and Grass Roots Carbon, which supports ranchers in replenishing carbon in their soil. With the support of our incredible customers, we aim to drive meaningful change in restoring ocean health, reducing carbon emissions, and tackling the climate crisis. At No. 49, we believe that every small action contributes to a larger movement towards a more sustainable and compassionate future. In the world of fashion, the choices we make truly matter.

2. What is your favourite task/job to do for your organization? If you don’t have a favourite what is your least favourite?

It is definitely fun and exciting to design new handbags. But by far, connecting with new customers and like-minded entrepreneurs who share my passion for sustainability and compassion. Others enthusiasm has fuelled me and reinforces No.49’s mission, as we collectively strive to make a positive impact on the planet and promote cruelty-free fashion. It’s exciting to be part a community dedicated to driving meaningful change.

3. What challenges does your organization face?

Spreading awareness and start-ups in general are challenging. We are new and trying to get the word about how there are choices in products you buy such as businesses that support sustainable practices and cruelty-free materials. It has been slow but positive steps and there is definitely a collective movement towards a more sustainable future.

4. Reflect on a recent challenge or setback. Did it bring a hidden blessing? Teach you/your organization resilience?

There have been many small ones such as a corn leather prototype that weighed 10 pounds which is much too heavy for a handbag. So material development has been a challenge and caused delays but also fun at the same time.

The biggest challenge overall is the scarcity of handbag manufacturers in North America which increases our carbon footprint due to longer shipping distances from overseas manufacturers. Ideally, I’d love to eventually secure sufficient funding to shift all of our small manufacturing operation to Canada, which would allow us to support local economies, create jobs, and minimize our environmental impact. It would also help to maintain a closer oversight of our supply chain.  But ultimately, it’s important to me that local manufacturing would reduce transportation emissions.

5. What keeps you and your organization motivated?

I absolutely love this. I find joy in knowing that each handbag contributes to a larger purpose—promoting sustainability and compassion in fashion. Seeing the growing awareness and demand for sustainable fashion motivates me to continue experimenting with new materials, and finding creative solutions that resonate with conscious consumers. This is what truly inspires me to keep going.

6. If you could have given yourself advice before you started or got involved with this organization, what would it be?

I’d tell myself the same things I say to myself now. To be patient and keep taking small steps. I have come a long way in a year and it’s important to remember that. I’m passionate about raising awareness for sustainable and ethical fashion, and though it may be a gradual journey, I can see positive change unfolding little by little. It’s exciting to be part of a movement that’s gaining momentum.

7. What past experiences prepared you to start or get involved with this organization?

I’ve always felt a deep passion for protecting our planet. My journey began in childhood with David Suzuki and his show, “The Nature of Things,” which sparked my love for the earth and it’s amazing animals. As I’ve grown, so has my commitment to environmental advocacy, fuelled by my ongoing education and exploration of sustainability.

8. Who are your mentors or those who you learn the most from?

The incredible women in my life serve as my mentors, guiding and inspiring me with their wisdom, strength, and support.

9. What milestones or traction have you achieved so far?

Launch of No. 49 – Partnership with Clean Hub. They have developed recycling facilities in vulnerable locations where there were not adequate waste management facilities and create fair wage jobs in these locations too. A lot of these jobs are for women who otherwise wouldn’t have access to fair wages. They collect 2 pounds of plastic for each handbag sold and the process is all monitored and audited by a third party for transparency.
– B-Corp  certification. We are trying to finalize this and can’t wait for this certification.
– Growing Online Presence: It’s been a learning curve and we are slowly building strong online community through social media and e-commerce, increasing brand awareness and connecting with a wider audience passionate about sustainable fashion.
– Participation in The Vegan Fashion Show and Vegan Women’s Summit. I truly have loved these events and am grateful that they allowed us to showcase No. 49 and get the word out about vegan and sustainable fashion.

10. What are 5 things you love about your personality?

• • Determination and Persistence: I have a strong drive to overcome challenges and achieve my goals, never shying away from hard work.
  • Positivity: I strive to maintain a positive outlook, always looking for the silver lining in every situation. 3. Strong Work Ethic: I take pride in my dedication and commitment to my work, ensuring that I give my best effort in everything I do.
  • Prioritizing Relationships: I value my family and friends deeply and always put their needs and well-being before anything else.
  • Belief in Kindness: I firmly believe in the power of kindness and make it a point to treat others and all beings with compassion and respect.

11. What are 5 “imperfect” or “imperfectly perfect” things about your organization?

• • New and Growing: We are still in the process of establishing our identity and presence as a reputable vegan handbag line
  • Learning as We Go: As No. 49 is new, I am embracing continuous learning, recognizing that each step helps us refine our strategies and goals.
  • Marketing and Social Media Journey: Navigating the world of marketing and social media has been a significant learning curve for me, but it has also sparked creativity and helped us gain new connections.
  • Room for Growth: There is always potential for improvement, particularly in our sustainability efforts and make a greater positive impact.
  • Community-Centric Focus: While No. 49 may not be well-established yet, we prioritize building strong relationships with our community and our customers, valuing their feedback and involvement as we shape our future together.

12. What’s something the organization plans for its future that people can be excited for?

Hoping to develop a few new designs for fall 2025!

13. What do you give and receive from the community/public?

I am dedicated to providing value to our community through transparency and education. We share insights about sustainable and ethical fashion practices, empowering our audience to make informed choices. Our commitment to giving back is not limited to our products; it extends to contributing to ending plastic pollution, carbon capture and tree planting and promoting causes that matter to us, such as environmental conservation and cruelty-free fashion.

I have gained invaluable support and feedback from customers and followers, which helps with growing as a new brand. It has been wonderfully overwhelming to receive the encouragement and enthusiasm we receive about our bags.

14. What advice would you give others in your role (or other organizations)?

Be authentic and follow your dreams.

15. What is something you would change about your organization or role (ie. location, leadership style, etc)?

It would definitely be to have the ability to sprinkle a little more sustainable -enthusiasm around! I mean, I wish everyone cared about the earth as much as I do!

16. Share a fun/interesting fact about your organization!

You can find us at the Planted Expo in Toronto in May 2025! Plus, other events in the future – drop by to say hi if you see us anywhere!

Follow No. 49 Handbags on Instagram here @no.49handbags to see more vegan, sustainable, ethical, fashion.

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