# Chesapeake Bay Candle: Mei Xu

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2017-03-06
- Length: 41m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2017-03-06-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu

## Summary

Mei Xu, founder of Chesapeake Bay Candle, explains how she pivoted from importing goods to manufacturing scented candles after a disastrous trade show experience and an inspiring trip to Frankfurt. She details the technical challenges of candle formulation, the accidental creation of her signature 'snowflake' texture using Campbell's soup cans as molds, and the strategic decision to manufacture in the US to leverage the 'Made in USA' brand. Xu also recounts the high-stakes process of securing Target as a major retailer, including a critical error in complaining about a buyer and the logistical nightmare of fulfilling a massive initial order.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2017-03-06-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu#t=0) Introduction: Mei Xu and Chesapeake Bay Candle
- [1:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2017-03-06-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu#t=94) Early Life, Immigration, and Initial Business Ideas
- [10:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2017-03-06-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu#t=613) The Pivot to Candles and First Trade Show Success
- [17:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2017-03-06-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu#t=1020) Learning Candle Science and Creating the Signature Look
- [24:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2017-03-06-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu#t=1465) Securing Bloomingdale's and Building a Factory
- [28:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2017-03-06-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu#t=1721) Breaking into Target and Fulfilling the Massive Order
- [34:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2017-03-06-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu#t=2088) Scaling Production and the 'Made in USA' Strategy

## Topics

- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Chesapeake Bay Candle (company)
- Bloomingdale's (company)
- Target (company)
- Campbell's Soup (product)
- New York Gift Show (other)
- Frankfurt Ambiente (other)

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## Citing this page

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