The Story of Popov Leather

High Quality Leather Goods, Made Honestly.

It’s hard to believe that what started as a hobby has blossomed into everything you see here.

In 2013, I picked up a leatherworking kit and bought some scrap leather. Countless late nights hunched over my dining room table were all in pursuit of one goal: To create a simple leather wallet that would fit in my front pocket. I made a few dozen crude prototypes, chiseling away at my design until it was just right.

It was my wife, Jill, who convinced me that I might not be the only person struggling to find the best front-pocket wallet for my needs. I posted my design online, and to my surprise, a lot of other people wanted that same simple wallet.

It has taken weeks of patience, months of practice, and years of learning, but this hobby has grown out of my dining room and turned into a thriving business that supports me, my family, and talented people in my community.

Every day I am fortunate to be in my workshop doing what I love. I’m even more fortunate to have found such an amazing group of hard-working people. We take enormous pride in what we make, and nothing leaves our workshop unless we know you’ll love it.

On behalf of the Popov Leather team, thank you for your support.

Ryan Popoff
Co-Founder and Maker

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A MILESTONE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

100,000 ORDERS AND COUNTING

On July 28th, 2023, Popov Leather reached a significant milestone, surpassing 100,000 orders, a feat acknowledged by Shopify with a special award. This achievement highlights our commitment to delivering quality and craftsmanship, where every order adds to our rich history of creating durable, handcrafted leather goods.

Meet The Team

Ryan

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
The front pocket card holder. It was the first wallet I ever designed and I still carry it to this day.

Favorite leather? 
Natural. It's the original Popov color for all our products.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Working with a team of folks who are just as hard-working and passionate about leather goods as I am.

How do you feel about putting pineapple on pizza? 
Disgusting. I like fresh pineapple, but can't stand it cooked.

Jill

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Front Pocket Cardholder. It's what i use myself daily.

Favorite leather? 
Natural because it's our original leather color.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Watching the business grow and evolve over time.

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why? 
Of course, it's between bread. Therefore it's a sandwich.

What's your worst bug-related story? 
Having a lifetime of dealing with bugs because Ryan won't :P 

Stacy

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
I really love the book covers. They are all so simple, elegant and clean. The item you never knew you needed.

Favorite leather? 
Shell Cordovan.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
I love the small business atmosphere that fosters a great balance for work and life. I love coming to work everyday feeling like I'm going to see friends, have gut-wrenching belly laugh attacks and leave feeling like I helped grow the company.

What's something we'd never guess about you? 
One of my favorite things in the whole world is laying in bed and having the sheets thrown over like a parachute. Takes me back to childhood.

If you could jump into a pool full of something, what would it be? 
Money.

Whitney

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Totes. I use one everyday and it is a great catch-all. It looks so nice with everything.

Favorite leather? 
English Tan <3 It is my favorite because it's such a classic color. Driftwood is a close second.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
We have a great work environment and I enjoy coming to work. I especially enjoy doing QA (Quality Assurance) and making sure everything will be exactly what was ordered.

What's something we'd never guess about you? 
Played roller derby for five years and competed at a national level. 

Bob

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Belts. I love how each of our belt leathers change uniquely depending how they are used. Belts on Jeans, like the denim, gain comfort and character with every experience you take them through. Belts on dress pants age gracefully with a smooth softness. While our standard belts are a strong presence on any kind of pant, I also really like our business casual belts for a lighter feel on shorts in the summer.

Favorite leather? 
English Tan: dynamic patterns and changes over time.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Being part of a great team in a nice workshop.

What's your worst bug-related story? 
Had wasps in my motorcycle helmet while on the highway.

In 40 years, what will people be nostalgic for? 
Re-issues of re-issued vinyl reissues.

Mikaela

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Valet tray! They're so useful for keeping things that I use every day in sight

Favorite leather? 
Heritage Brown

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
The job keeps my hands busy, and everyone here genuinely seems to care about each other. It's a tight knit group :)

What is something everyone looks stupid doing?
Its a little weirdly specific, but trying to get in and out of booth seating at a restaurant

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why?
I think a hotdog deserves to be a sandwich. Its a meat product and condiments between bread, does the shape of the ingredients really matter?

What's your life's theme song?
'Like the Movies' by Laufey

Reese

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
The Card Holder for a sleek front pocket carry and the Apple Watch Strap to make your Apple Watch stand out like no other.

Favorite leather? 
English Tan.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
The people for sure. Nothing is better than coming to work excited to be part of such a great team.

What's your worst bug-related story? 
I played airsoft in a wet field in Manitoba once and got so many mosquito bites that it looked like a had a 17th century disease.

If you could jump into a pool full of something, what would it be? 
Something carbonated would be fun. You'd feel fizzy all around and you have something to drink while floating.

Althea

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
The Tote Bag

Favorite leather? 

Natural.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Working with a team that acknowledges and appreciates efforts that motivates me to help more of our customers.

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
My favorite pizza flavor is Hawaiian. So, yes, I love it!

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why?
Yep, because it's between two slices of bread!

What's your life's theme song?
Rather Be by Clean Bandit. Always get me in the mood and it's a true love song. I'll always believe in love!

Sabine

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Traditional wallets. They’re pretty sleek and fun to sew.

Favorite leather? 
Black for the simple fact that it’s the easiest to cut.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 

I like the fact I can choose to have idle chit chat or quietly work by myself. Everyone is so accommodating of peoples work preferences.

If someone asked to be your apprentice and learn all that you know, what would you teach them?
Embroidery. I know it’s a bit of an old person hobby, but there are so many cool stitches and designs you can make.

What's your life's theme song?Rising Shepard tone.

Jazmyn

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Notebook Cover (A5) or I use our coasters at home on a daily basis! I also love our 5 card wallet.

Favorite leather? 
Natural all the way - sometimes English Tan too!

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 

Working with like-minded people, working with the leather as its something so interesting to work with and learn about continuously. Also creating products that I know will have meaning to our customers.

What is your worst bug-related story?
One time I was in an outhouse in the bush, I found two ticks in my hair and I came running and screaming out of there! I have never left an outhouse so fast.

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza? 
It's good, if I'm in the mood but I don't put it on all pizzas like some people.

If you could jump into a pool full of something, what would it be? 
Dried lavender/flowers.

Meg

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
The Card Holder - it's cute and really fun to make.

Favorite leather? 
English Tan. Awesome patterns and tones.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Learning and perfecting new skills amongst a super creative team where new ideas are always welcomed.

How do you feel about putting pineapple on pizza? 
Yes. It's a majestic fruit and deserves to be on anything it has a chance to be on.

What is something everyone looks stupid doing?
Trying to find their way around in the dark. It's a real shame we can't actually see that. Since it's the dark.

If you could jump into a pool full of something, what would it be? 
Rice. I love rice. I think it would need to be Aborio rice because it's nice and rounded. Basmati might hurt.

Rezel

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
5 Card Wallet - it's cute and compact!

Favorite leather? 
Natural

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Assisting customers, especially helping them decide between items (as an indecisive girly myself, I totally get it!). And of course, being part of such a great, supportive team!

What is something we'd never guess about you?
When I was a kid, I once dreamt of being a WWE wrestler lol

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
Don't hate it, don't love it.

What's your life's theme song?
Not just a song, but the whole folklore album by TS.

Ankush

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Bifold Wallet

Favorite leather? 
Black

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Sewing and Power press

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why?
I don't think hot dog a sandwich, first its bun is different, hot dog only can made with sausage whereas sandwiches can make with any kind of meat whether its breaded or grilled. Although the condiments and sauces could be the same.

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
I am not a really big fan of this combination, I tried to avoid pineapple with pizza

What's your life's theme song?
Go with the flow and create your own happiness.

Angela

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
I'm loving our vertical wallet! It's so great at keeping my cards secure while still giving me easy access to my cash.

Favorite leather? 
Heritage Brown

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 

What really drives me to do my best is working with a team that's kind and supportive, and where everyone's efforts are acknowledged. I love being able to create materials that showcase the amazing quality of our products, because it also feels like a reflection of our hardworking team and our shared passion for leather goods.

What's your worst bug-related story?
I ran outside of our house screaming for my life because of a roach flying towards me :D

What's your life's theme song?
 
Sunny Days by Wave To Earth

Linh

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
I love the design of the Long Wallet. Sleek and sturdy, and you can dress it up or down.

Favorite leather? 
English Tan- there’s so much variety within this colour!

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
I love working at Popov Leather because there are no two days that feel the same. The days go by so fast, so it doesn’t feel like work when you’re being creative amongst like-minded people.

What is something everyone looks stupid doing?
Playing twister with a big group of people!

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why?
No if anything it’s a sub dog. Sandwiches require flat bread slices.

If you could jump into a pool full of something, what would it be? 
I would jump into a pool that is full of mashed potatoes and gravy.

What's your life's theme song?
I like to move it- Reel 2 Real. It gets me up in the morning.

Scott

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Trifold Wallet

Favorite leather? 
English Tan

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Creativity and problem solving is highly encouraged

What is something that everyone looks stupid doing? 
Eating soup with a fork

What's your life's theme song?
 
Rooster - Alice In Chains

Ken

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Hats

Favorite leather? 
Heritage Brown

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Being part of a team that makes high-quality, handmade leather goods.

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
Hold it, eat it, love it!

What's in your pockets right now?
Enough lint to knit a sweater. jk

What's your life's theme song?
Slow Dancing in the Dark by Joji

Arya

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Vanguard Belt

Favorite leather? 
Heritage Brown.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
The teamwork and the continuous effort to improve our workplace environment is a game changer.

What is something we would never guess about you?
I don’t like Crocs lol

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
Loved it. It gave a break in between all the salty and savoury of the other toppings.

What's your life's theme song?
Goodbye Yesterday by Elevation Rhythm

Anastasia

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
The English Tan Everyday Satchel! Caught my eyes immediately from the first tour of the workshop. May have to treat myself to it on my birthday.

Favorite leather? 
It's a tie between English Tan and Heritage Brown. You can't make me choose between the two.

Favorite part about working at Popov Leather? 
Getting to work with such easy-going and cool people! All the conversations at the shop make the work feel like a cozy little arts and crafts get-together with old friends.

Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why? 
The hot dog is *sandwiched* between the two buns. That's a sandwich in my book.

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza? 

Savory and sweet is a classic combo! If you don't like pineapple on pizza: how do you feel about brie apple sandwiches? And why is one *so* much more devisive and controversial than the other?

Sam

Favorite Popov Leather item? 
Everyday Satchel

Favorite leather? 
3/4oz Leather

Favourite part about working at Popov Leather?
Every day, I get to be part of a small, passionate team that truly cares about what they make. There’s something really satisfying about seeing raw materials turn into high-quality leather goods, knowing that each item will be appreciated by someone.

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
I’m all for it—the sweet, juicy pineapple adds a nice contrast to the savory cheese and tomato sauce, making each bite interesting and flavorful.

What's your life's theme song?
Zinda” from the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. (Bollywood)

Our Core Values

Build a Legacy

We want to be famous for our customer experiences. We create life-long customer relationships by being accountable, consistent and loyal. We grow with our customers through listening and learning from their feedback.

Quality Doesn’t Need a Label

We believe our craftsmanship should speak for itself. We are down-to-earth, consistent in our craft and have a strong attention to detail. We stand behind our products and refuse to compromise on quality.

Keep our Tools Sharp

We believe in continuous innovation and evolving to meet modern customer expectations. We are adaptable and never settle because there’s always an opportunity to grow.

Work Shoulder-to-Shoulder

We support each other and our community as we grow and embrace challenges. We have a desire to learn, value creativity, and believe in celebrating hard work and accomplishments. We stick to our commitments, treat everyone with respect, and communicate openly and honestly.

Inside the workshop

A peek inside the day-to-day at Popov Leather. We're currently operating out of a renovated animal kennel measuring just over 1,400 sqft in size.

Every product that's ordered is made to order. That means we create every single order from scratch for our customers. From the time we receive an order, it gets cut from our full grain leather, assembled, sewn, finished, inspected and finally shipped. Each product we craft passes through many hands before it reaches a customer. There is nothing automated or fancy about what we do. The care and dedication to our work comes through in the final product.

Every email you send us, phone call you make, is answered by a member of our team. Someone who knows our products, who makes our products, and who uses our products daily. We wouldn't have it any other way.

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