# Chesapeake Bay Candle: Mei Xu (2017)

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2019-06-17
- Length: 42m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-06-17-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu-2017

## Summary

Mei Xu, founder of Chesapeake Bay Candle, explains how she pivoted from importing generic goods to designing scented candles after a disastrous trade show, using Campbell's soup cans as makeshift molds to create a unique 'fossilized' texture. She details the technical challenges of candle formulation, including balancing wax, fragrance, and wicks to prevent tunneling, and her strategic decision to build her own factory in China to control quality. Xu also describes her persistence in securing a massive order from Target, which required scaling production to half a million candles and managing complex logistics to meet holiday deadlines.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-06-17-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu-2017#t=0) Introduction: Mei Xu and Chesapeake Bay Candle
- [2:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-06-17-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu-2017#t=128) Early Life in China and Immigration to the US
- [7:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-06-17-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu-2017#t=423) Inspiration from Bloomingdale's and Initial Product Ideas
- [13:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-06-17-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu-2017#t=794) The Charlotte Trade Show and the Discovery of Candles
- [15:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-06-17-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu-2017#t=935) The New York Gift Show Disaster and Pivot to Scented Candles
- [19:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-06-17-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu-2017#t=1199) Experimenting with Campbell's Soup Cans and Fragrance Blending
- [25:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-06-17-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu-2017#t=1500) Securing Bloomingdale's and Building a Factory in China
- [29:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-06-17-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu-2017#t=1755) The Target Breakthrough and Scaling to 750 Stores
- [33:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-06-17-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu-2017#t=2035) Logistics, Warehouse Operations, and Manufacturing Growth
- [39:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-06-17-chesapeake-bay-candle-mei-xu-2017#t=2359) Postscript: Dan Kurzrock and Jordan Schwartz of ReGrained

## Topics

- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

founders before launch

## Mentioned

- Chesapeake Bay Candle (company)
- Bloomingdale's (company)
- Target (company)
- Newell brands (company)
- Yankee Candle (company)
- ReGrained (company)
- Campbell's Soup (product)

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- [#133 How to Make and Scale Your Product with Jamie Valenti-Jordan, Catapult Commercialization Services Part 1](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2024-03-19-133-how-to-make-and-scale-your-product-with-jamie-valenti-jordan-catapult-commer) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
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