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.

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"

Small Business BC: "Build. Grow. Thrive."

Small Business BC: "How to Make Your E-commerce Business Profitable in the U.S."

The Unofficial Shopify Podcast: "Turning Handmade Wallets into a Million Dollar Business"

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

eCom Ops: "How To Increase Revenue Through Turbulent Times"

eCom Crew: "Is Creativity Enough to Kickstart a Business?"

Ecommerce Leaders: "How To Remove Yourself From The Day-To-Day"

Create and Thrive: "6 years, 12 employees, and $1 mil revenue… the inspirational story of Popov Leather."

KORE Outdoors Podcast: "The E-Commerce Secrets of Popov Leather"