# How I Built Resilience: Sandra Oh Lin of KiwiCo

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2020-09-05
- Length: 19m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-09-05-how-i-built-resilience-sandra-oh-lin-of-kiwico

## Summary

Sandra Oh Lin, founder and CEO of KiwiCo, discusses how the company navigated the pandemic surge in demand for its monthly STEM and arts subscription boxes for kids. She details the operational scramble to scale supply chain and fulfillment, the shift to remote product testing using 3D printers and video calls, and the launch of free virtual camps and resource hubs to support families. Oh Lin also reflects on the company's origins in her garage, the importance of validating the market through early customer feedback, and KiwiCo's efforts to ensure diversity and accessibility in STEM education.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-09-05-how-i-built-resilience-sandra-oh-lin-of-kiwico#t=0) Introduction: KiwiCo and the Pandemic Surge
- [1:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-09-05-how-i-built-resilience-sandra-oh-lin-of-kiwico#t=67) Product Design: STEM and Arts Crates for Kids
- [2:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-09-05-how-i-built-resilience-sandra-oh-lin-of-kiwico#t=161) Origins: From eBay to Garage Startup
- [4:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-09-05-how-i-built-resilience-sandra-oh-lin-of-kiwico#t=269) Operational Scramble: Supply Chain and Fulfillment
- [6:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-09-05-how-i-built-resilience-sandra-oh-lin-of-kiwico#t=403) Remote Product Testing and Prototyping
- [11:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-09-05-how-i-built-resilience-sandra-oh-lin-of-kiwico#t=712) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM
- [13:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-09-05-how-i-built-resilience-sandra-oh-lin-of-kiwico#t=799) Camp KiwiCo and Community Resources
- [17:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-09-05-how-i-built-resilience-sandra-oh-lin-of-kiwico#t=1032) Advice on Validation and Market Fit

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- KiwiCo (company)
- Kiwi Crate (product)
- eBay (company)
- Proctor and Gamble (company)
- PayPal (company)
- Dreambox (company)
- Khan Academy (company)
- U.S. Bank (company)

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## Citing this page

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