Burn

Learn the fascinating story of one of America’s most successful entrepreneurs

The American Dream continues to resonate with immigrants from around the world. Millions of people hope to come to the United States to build a better life for themselves and their families, often by creating and growing new ventures and companies. While not everyone succeeds, many do. Mei Xu is one of those successes. In Burn, entrepreneur and international business­woman Mei Xu tells her story of ingenuity, determination, and luck. Spanning three decades, from 1991 when she arrived at Washington’s Dulles Airport, to today, Xu’s story is one of stunning success. She built a multi-million dollar company, met and counseled thousands of entrepreneurs and businesspeople, and even advised President of the United States Barack Obama on the topic of job creation.

In Burn, you’ll learn:

• About the creation of Mei Xu’s international lifestyle business and the success stories of other female leaders who triumphed over adversity to achieve their dreams
• Why the American Dream is still within your grasp, and how to reach for it
• How creators like Xu think differently about innovation and how you can harness her insights to build something new and exciting for yourself

Burn explains how Xu’s embrace of design-driven entrepreneurship and thoughtful manufacturing powered her growth and prosperity in a truly international company. Design leadership remains vital to a robust and global economy. Burn will inspire you to follow your vision and have an impact on the world around you. Perfect for anyone seeking an engrossing and inspirational tale of success, Burn belongs on the bookshelves of professionals and entrepreneurs everywhere.

Prologue vii

1 A Tale of Two Chinas 1

2 American Odyssey 33

3 American Entrepreneurs 57

4 Fragrance Forward 93

5 Made in America 119

Conclusion 145

About the Author 149

Acknowledgments 153

Index 157

MEI XU is the Founder of Chesapeake Bay Candle and Blissliving Home. She is a Trustee of the University of Maryland in Baltimore and a member of Fortune's Most Powerful Women. She recently launched Yes She May, an online e-commerce site to support women-owned business around the world. The American Dream continues to resonate with immigrants from around the world. Millions of people hope to come to the United States to build a better life for themselves and their families, often by creating and growing new ventures and companies. While not everyone succeeds, many do.

Mei Xu is one of those successes. In Burn: How Grit, Innovation, and a Dash of Luck Ignited a Multi-Million Dollar Success Story, entrepreneur and international businesswoman Mei Xu tells her story of ingenuity, determination, and luck. Spanning three decades, from 1991 when she arrived at Washington's Dulles Airport, to today, Xu's story is one of stunning success. She built a multi-million dollar company, met and counseled thousands of entrepreneurs and businesspeople, and even advised President of the United States Barack Obama on the topic of job creation.

You'll learn about the creation of Mei Xu's international lifestyle business and the success stories of other female leaders who triumphed over adversity to achieve their dreams. You'll also discover why the American Dream is still within your grasp, and how to reach for it. Finally, you'll find out how creators like Xu think differently about innovation and how you can harness her insights to build something new and exciting for yourself.

Burn explains how Xu's embrace of design-driven entrepreneurship and thoughtful manufacturing powered her growth and prosperity in a truly international company. Design leadership remains vital to a robust and global economy. Burn will inspire you to follow your vision and have an impact on the world around you.

Perfect for anyone seeking an engrossing and inspirational tale of success, Burn belongs on the bookshelves of professionals and entrepreneurs everywhere. Praise for BURN

"Mei Xu's story inspired me from the moment I first heard it. Her journey as an immigrant―penniless and without any contacts―to founding her own multi-million dollar business empire is one that will make anyone who reads this book want to leap into action and seize the day!"
―GUY RAZ, Journalist, Correspondent, Radio and Podcast Host, How I Built This, NPR

"A book for anyone who's lost faith in the American Dream. This is an inspiring story of grit, determination, and entrepreneurial stardom―a must-read for those who think innovation is about solar panels and smart-phone apps."
―LARRY LIDING, Executive VP, Head of China Operations, CBS Corporation

"Throughout history, pioneers have inspired us with their courage to tread the unworn path. Mei Xu's story tracks one of those rare trails. This is a fascinating and authentic account of a journey with many chapters still to be written. Be humbled, be inspired, and be excited to set your own path. A book to make you thnk and perhaps to make you act."
―MARK TARCHETTI, former President, Newell Brand; founder, Alchemy-Rx

"Mei Xu is one of America's finest women entrepreneurs and has built a legacy that makes all of us proud. This book shares the story from her upbringing in China to her journey building Chesapeake Bay―realizing the American Dream."
―MONICA SMILEY, Editor & Publisher, Enterprising Women magazine

"Mei's fashion sense is just like her business philosophy―both on-trend and timeless. Powerful and riveting."
―MARLA BECK, Chief Executive Officer, Atmosphere Ventures, LLC and Bluemercury, Inc.

"A fresh new perspective on how the power of product innovation―and one woman's determination―can transform an industry."
―ANDY SEIG, President, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, a member of Bank of America Corporation's executive management team

"Through candles, Mei provides a guidebook on creativity and conscious capitalism. A must-read for anyone committed to America's ongoing national competitiveness and prosperity."
―CANDACE DUNCAN, Retired Managing Partner, KPMG