8 Leather Business Success Stories [2023]
Here are some real life success stories of starting a leather business:
1. JAQET ($12K/year)
Jacques Flynn (from Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada) started JAQET about 11 years ago.
Hello! My name is Jacques Flynn.I am the founder and owner of the leather goods company JAQET.
We now consist of a small team based in Long Beach, California where all our products are hand made under one roof. We currently sell our products in boutiques across the globe as well as through our website.
2. Popov Leather ($900K/year)
Ryan Popoff (from Nelson, Nelson, New Zealand) started Popov Leather about 10 years ago.
My name is Ryan Popoff and I am the owner and maker at Popov Leather. We are a Canadian company that makes and sells small leather goods online. The majority of our sales are focused on direct-to-consumer and almost entirely in the USA.
Our top selling products are (you probably guessed) wallets. People love a great quality wallet backed by our amazing customer service.
Learn more about starting a leather business:
Where to start?
-> How much does it cost to start a leather business?
-> Pros and cons of a leather business
Need inspiration?
-> Examples of established leather business
-> Marketing ideas for a leather business
-> Leather business slogans
-> Leather business names
Other resources
-> Leather business tips
-> Leather business manufacturers
-> Leather business hashtags
-> Leather business calculator
4. The Populess Company ($132K/year)
Brad Gadd (from Alberta, Canada) started The Populess Company about 10 years ago.
My name is Brad Gadd I am the owner and operator of The Populess Co. Handcrafted Leather Goods and Apparel.
We have been growing the business at a gradual sustainable rate of about 25% in revenue year after. And we just launched our first flagship store this April.
5. Galen Leather ($480K/year)
Zeynep Prens (from Istanbul, Turkey) started Galen Leather almost 11 years ago.
Merhaba! (that’s hello in Turkish). My name is Zeynep and along with my brother Yusuf, we run Galen Leather from our workshop in Istanbul. Combining our love for stationery items and skills in leather-making, we design and handcraft our own line of handmade leather travel journals, notebook covers, personal accessories and now, so much more!
In the last year, we’ve broken sales records, experiencing a 138% increase in revenue to hit an average of around $40,000 in sales each month. Most of our products are made to order, and as a small team of four, we believe what we’ve been able to achieve so far is no small feat!
6. Jamie Clawson ($48K/year)
Jamie Clawson (from New York, USA) started Jamie Clawson about 12 years ago.
Hi I’m Jamie Clawson, and I run Jamie Clawson - a small business designing and producing leather products and accessories. I do everything from designing, testing, manufacturing, shipping etc. All operations are done in house.
I started this business with an idea from a friend after I lost my job. A friend of a friend of a friend was working at a shop with a laser cutter and I was able to go in and learn to to use it to make samples. I working out of my girlfriend/now wife’s living room. Things slowly grew and I now own my own laser cutter and work in a really cool shop with other designers/makers.
7. American Bench Craft ($1.2M/year)
Jason Angelini (from Wilmington, MA, USA) started American Bench Craft about 9 years ago.
Hi, my name is Jason Angelini, and I am a co-founder of American Bench Craft. American Bench Craft is a Veteran owned leather goods manufacturer based out of Wilmington, MA. We combine unique designs, sustainable sourcing, sturdy, high-quality materials, and reliable American craftsmanship to offer leather goods and gear that truly stand the test of time.
Our best selling products are our wallets and belts and the majority of our sales come from direct to consumer.
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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