Meet Melissa Blatt, Entrepreneur and Founder of indipop
Tell us about yourself and the work that you do?
I launched indipop after I struggled to find healthcare when I went out on my own and left the corporate world. I was part of the 57 million people in the workforce paying 3x’s the rates or going without insurance. I did find a solution and now sharing it with what I call the "Independent Population" of self-employed professionals and small business owners. Healthshares save people money by tailoring to the needs of the community they serve, but with dozens of options to research, it can be overwhelming and stressful. Indipop does the work for you. We curated high value plans and match members with excellent options for care at an affordable price.
Can you tell us about some success stories you've had with your business/product or anything of which you are extremely proud?
I launched indipop right in the middle of the pandemic. I started to do webinars for people who were just laid off and couldn't afford their COBRA. From that webinar I enrolled two young women, who had both lost their jobs, and for $250 a month, gave them some comfort knowing they have something in place for the "what if" medical moments in life. Right after that webinar a family enrolled and shared with me they are now saving over $700 a month. I realized that indipop was not just about healthcare, but about taking away stress, fear and, in many cases, a savings that could help reach financial goals.
What is one motivational quote that has inspired you in your journey? Do you have any advice for other women who are working towards starting their own business?
If you have visited my Linkedin page you probably have seen this quote from Winston Churchill. "Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it. I think from a young age I realized you need to take risks and sometimes go against the norm to pursue something important to you. My family relocated four times before the age of 14. That's a lot of adjustment, but what came from the challenge of making new friends, starting at a new school and being tossed into the unknown is the "why" we moved lesson. My father was offered an opportunity in his career and that meant leaving stability and comfort for a potential failure. He took a risk to try a new role and a new area and forgo safety, he challenged himself. I took this lesson with me and always looked for the opportunity, and yes at times made mistakes, but those were also lessons to help me to get to this moment, right here and right now. I can look back and see that every role and experience has provided me with the skills and insight to wear multiple hats of a founder.
Why do you think it is important for women to support each other, especially in your field of work? How do you or your company help combat systems and policies that exist to keep women marginalized?
Indipop has provided me with the opportunity to meet so many amazing women who are going after their dreams. Each month I spotlight an indipop member and highlight the diversity of a freelancer, solopreneur or contractor on the website and through social. Hoping it empowers other women who may be considering going out on their own and digging into some of the challenges we face when starting a new endeavor.
What are some ways you practice self care and how does it help you in your life and career? Do you have any tips for other women to stay balanced?
Sleep is a big deal to me. I am not one of these "I only need 4 hours and I'm good" type of person. I need sleep and I tend to work really late into the night, that is my rhythm. When I am well rested I can think clearer and less moody :-). I have been practicing yoga for 20 years and now adding Peloton into the mix as it is so easy to hop on the bike at any time of the day. Also my Italian Greyhound, Sadie, helps distract me and keep me from long hours staring at a computer screen. Yes I am a dog person.
What are some long term goals you have for yourself or your business?
Expanding services that are needed for the self employed professional, the Partners and Perks page on indipop is growing and we are seeing more and more of this population interested in healthshares as an alternative to traditional healthcare. We are committed to bringing high value options to this audience.
How can people find you or your business on social media and online?
