Advice Line with Mei Xu of Chesapeake Bay Candle and Blueme

How I Built This · 7 Aug 2025 · 41m

What this episode covers

Mei Xu, founder of Chesapeake Bay Candle and Bloom, joins Guy Raz to advise early-stage founders on scaling physical product businesses. She discusses the transition from novelty items to fragrance-driven sales for Chesapeake Bay Candle and the wellness-focused positioning of her new brand, Bloom. Xu advises Sasha Milstein of Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies on finding operational co-founders rather than equity partners, and suggests Dry Dolly's Tara pursue both D2C and wholesale channels while protecting IP. Finally, she addresses Math Medic's Lindsay Gallas on navigating the systemic barriers of school district procurement.

Mentioned

Companies
Yankee Candle, Newo brands, Y Combinator, Goldman Sachs
Products
Chesapeake Bay Candle, Bloom, Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies, Dry Dolly, Math Medic, QVC

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