Meet the people who write the Popov Leather blog.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan.webp

Ryan Popoff

Ryan Popoff is the CEO and co-founder of Popov Leather, a seven-figure leather goods manufacturer he built from a dining room workshop in 2013. Featured in Shopify Masters and profiled by multiple business publications, Ryan has transformed his artisanal craftsmanship into a thriving e-commerce success story, scaling to over $1 million in revenue with a team of 12 skilled artisans.

A sought-after e-commerce expert, Ryan frequently shares his entrepreneurial insights through panel discussions at Small Business BC and podcasts including The Unofficial Shopify Podcast and Shopify Masters. His journey from fine arts graduate to successful business owner has been documented by numerous outlets, including MakerViews, The Ecommerce Profits, and Vancouver Scape, while his expertise in international expansion and digital retail has made him a regular speaker on scaling handmade businesses.

Based in Nelson, British Columbia, Ryan continues to lead product innovation and quality standards at Popov Leather, where he's pioneered sustainable manufacturing practices and authentic craftsmanship in the leather goods industry. When not advancing the art of leatherworking or mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, Ryan can be found exploring the Canadian Rockies with his family or sampling Nelson's craft brewery scene.

PUBLICATIONS

MakerViews: "I'm a Maker Because...with Ryan Popoff"

The Ecommerce Profits: "Popov Leather – YouTube tutorials and Etsy experiments"

Shopify: "This Leather Maker's Journey From Basement to Seven Figures"

Columbia Basin Trust: "Handmade Success"

BC Marketplace: "Meet Ryan Popoff"

Export Navigator: "Popov Leather"

Built with Shopify: "Popov Leather: A Shopify Example and Case Study"

Starter Story: "From Handmade Leather Wallets to $900K Revenue"

VancouverScape: "Handcrafted in Nelson, BC: Popov Leather Goods Are Built To Last"

Parkbench: "Meet Ryan Popoff, Owner of Popov Leather in Nelson"

Support Bee: "27 Customer Service Experts Reveal the Best Ways to Deal with a Difficult Customer"

Creston Valley Advance: "Kootenay businesses achieve international success with Export Navigator"

Subkit: "Sewn by hand - Popov Leather"

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Podcasts

Blog posts

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25 Best Leather Anniversary Gifts Guide (2025)

25 Best Leather Anniversary Gifts Guide (2025)

Looking for the perfect third-anniversary gift? Discover 25 unique leather anniversary gifts your partner will treasure forever. From classic to custom, find your ideal match.

EDCThe RFID Blocking Card: Here’s What You Need to Know | Popov Leather

RFID Blocking Card: Stop Thieves Fast

RFID blocking technology  keeps your credit cards secure, by operating on the principle of jamming and interference. Today’s thieves don’t even need to touch ...

Two hands; one holding a cracked leather A5 notebook and the other holding a cracked leather wallet

How to Repair Cracked Leather: A Detailed Guide

Cracked leather has been a major source of distress for leather enthusiasts like you and I. It not only dulls the looks of our cherished leather accessories but also weakens their structure. Fortun...

Two views of Popov Leather wallets showing photo slot

What Are the Ideal Dimensions of a Wallet Size Photo?

Even though there’s no specific standard for wallet sized photo dimensions, the photo production industry primarily uses two sizes: 2 x 3 inches and 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Today, I discuss the specifics...

can leather go in the washing machineA white front-load washing machine

What Happens If My Leather Wallet Goes Through the Washing Machine?

No one plans to put their heritage-quality leather wallet through the washing machine. But sometimes, mistakes happen. As Greg Universe likes to say, “if every pork chop were perfect, we wouldn’t h...

canine careWhy Do Dogs Eat Leather Wallets (and What Can You Do About It?) | Popov Leather

Why Do Dogs Eat Leather Wallets (and What Can You Do About It?)

As a leather company, one common question we receive from our canine-loving customers is "Can dogs eat leather?"Following numerous reports from our dog-loving...