Fashion designer, 30, whose bags are beloved by Shanina Shaik and Vanessa Hudgens, reveals the secret to her six-figure business success
- Emma Rosenhain, 30, is the brains behind leather handbag label Bobby Universe
- The Melbourne-based designer founded the brand as an antidote to fast fashion
- The business is now worth six figures and donates four percent to charity
- Model Shanina Shaik and actress Vanessa Hudgens are fans of the brand
A young fashion designer who launched an ethical handbag brand four years ago has revealed the secret to her six-figure success.
Emma Rosenhain, 30, from Melbourne, studied fashion at RMIT University before launching Bobby Universe, a 100 percent leather accessories label beloved by celebrities like Victoria’s Secret model Shanina Shaik and actress Vanessa Hudgens.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Ms Rosenhain revealed how her commitment to ‘making something that lasts’ and a keen sense of social responsibility are the drivers behind her booming business.
Bobby Universe is beloved by A-list celebrities including former Disney star Vanessa Hudgens (pictured), who is often photographed toting the $649 No. 3 Backpack (seen here)
Accessories designer Emma Rosenhain (pictured) is the brains behind the brand, citing commitment to making quality products that last as the secret to her six-figure success
Four years ago, Ms Rosenhain developed the idea for her brand as an antidote to fast fashion.
‘When I started Bobby Universe, I didn’t want to create “just another” accessories label, but one aligned with the slow fast fashion movement,’ she told FEMAIL.
‘I wanted to make pieces you could have forever, 100 percent leather accessories that would stand the test of time.’
Quality is at the core of Ms Rosenhain’s designs, as is social responsibility.
The brand donates four percent of its annual profit to Australian mental health charities including Beyond Blue, which is something Ms Rosenhain is passionate about.
Ms Rosenhain created Bobby Universe as an antidote to fast fashion, focusing her efforts on making accessories that stand the test of time
The No. 2 Hexagon (pictured) retails at $599 and has long been Bobby Universe’s best seller
‘I think it’s really important for major players in the fashion world to position themselves as something positive for young people to aspire to,’ she said.
‘Every financial year we work with a different charity, and next year we’re hoping to expand beyond Australia to include international organisations.
‘It really matters to me that Bobby Universe creates a positive impact.’
Ms Rosenhain’s best-seller has long been the No. 2 Hexagon, which retails at $599.
The trendy $749 No. 15 is starting to surpass it in popularity, while the $649 No. 3 Backpack is another standout style.
Former Disney star Vanessa Hudgens has been spotted toting designs from the brand in Los Angeles, including the No. 3 Backpack.
Melbourne-born Victoria’s Secret model Shanina Shaik is also a fan of Bobby Universe, toting designs from the brand on US reality TV show Make Me a Model.
Melbourne-born Victoria’s Secret model Shanina Shaik (pictured) is another devotee of the brand
In the future, Ms Rosenhain sees the brand expanding into footwear.
‘Footwear is my original design skill, so one day I’d love to do that too.
‘I’ve always been in accessories, so it will stay in that space as opposed to ready-to-wear clothing, but definitely footwear is in the long term plan,’ she said.
Asked what advice she would give to other young women aspiring to launch their own business, Ms Rosenhain said it’s important to understand failure for what it is.
‘I think learning from failure is the biggest thing – your mistakes are going to help you, because it’s not what happens, it’s how you deal with it that matters,’ she said.
‘Make time to create a balanced life for yourself, too. I think it’s so important to step back from work to live a healthy lifestyle!’