A visionary for modern living with global inspirations, Mei Xu is the Co-Founder and President of Chesapeake Bay Candle and the Creator & CEO of Blissliving Home.
Established in 1994, Chesapeake Bay Candle is the home fragrance brand synonymous with stylish design and unique, nature-inspired fragrances. The brand draws inspiration from the serene beauty of Maryland’s idyllic shoreline and provides style, fragrance, and ambiance to millions of families around the world. Having established partnerships with America’s most renowned retailers, including Target, Kohl’s, and Pier 1 Imports, Chesapeake Bay Candle is today one of the most popular candle brands in the country and around the world.
The brand’s reputation for leadership in design, fragrance development and product innovation has resulted in many unique partnerships and collaborations. In 2010, The White House invited Mei to create a candle exclusively for First Lady Michelle Obama. Designed as a special gift for foreign dignitaries, the Chesapeake Bay Candle – While House Candle was included in a gift basket presented to the guests of First Lady Michelle Obama’s farm-to-table event held on September 24, 2010 on the occasion of the 65th United Nations General Assembly.
In 2007, Mei launched Blissliving Home, a premium interior lifestyle brand for the stylish consumer seeking modern design with a global influence. Blissliving Home was inspired by Mei’s passion for global travel, contemporary art, fashion and design. The brand is a social enterprise and partners with local and national organizations working effortlessly towards making a difference in the world. Blissliving Home is available to consumers and the trade, and has earned the reputation as a trend leader in the home lifestyle industry.
Mei is frequently invited to speak and share her insight at venues such as the Wharton Business School, the Robert S. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, the Department of Commerce, and Women in Flavor & Fragrance in Commerce (WFFC) events. Presentation topics and areas of expertise include entrepreneurship, women in business leadership, consumer lifestyle trends, and China business development.
In addition to fulfilling her business functions, Mei is actively involved in supporting numerous social causes. Her passion and training in diplomacy has led her to work with the US State Department on initiatives such as the Partnership for Global Development program and the Diplomats, Leaders and the Next Generation of Women Leaders project.
Mei is also a member of the US-China Business Council, the Young Presidents Organization, C200 (an invitation only membership organization of the world’s most successful women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders), and the Society of Fellows at the Aspen Institute (an international organization dedicated to fostering enlightened leadership, the appreciation of timeless ideas and values, and open-minded dialogue on contemporary issues).
Mei’s entrepreneurial achievements have repeatedly been recognized by prominent organizations. Amongst others, she has received the Entrepreneurial Leadership Award from the Asian Women In Business organization in October 2007, and the Philip Merrill College of Journalism Distinguished Alumnus Award 2009 from her Alma Mater, the University of Maryland.
Interview with Sabrina Braham – Woman Entrepreneur Reveals How to Build Your Dream Business
