Melissa Blatt is the founder and CEO of Phoenix-based indipop, the first marketplace to offer membership or subscription-based healthcare plans. “This is another approach to managing medical needs with a care team to help you navigate a massive healthcare system.” Learn about Melissa Blatt…
Hometown: Presently, Chandler. Born in Brooklyn, NY, but grew up all over the US.
First job: Camp counselor at 13. Made $300 for the entire summer.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: A day trip to Sedona, walking the pup by the canal in Scottsdale, taking advantage of our amazing winters, and sitting outside at one of the world-class resorts.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Launching indipop was my biggest leap in life. I was in my 40s and tackling one of the biggest pain points for self-employed professionals: Healthcare. I knew if I could solve this for myself, I could help an entire population of people. Side note: Physically, doing the Bisbee 1000 was also a big accomplishment. Not only for participating but it’s known for being haunted.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: So many! When you put yourself out there and become uncomfortable, that is when you have the most growth personally and professionally. It started from a young age. My family relocated four times prior to me turning 14; that is a lot of uprooting in life. This experience helped me be more resilient and at a young age understand how to adapt to new people and environments.
Someone who inspires you and why: My father was 56 when he started his own business. I think I followed in his footsteps but started just a little earlier. This also goes back to the above question about obstacles. Through both my parents I learned to not fear the unknown, but embrace change.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: I discovered early on that you need a team to support you and that doesn’t mean to pat you on the back, but to provide honest feedback. Also, know you will make “mistakes” but these are just opportunities to learn, fail fast, pick yourself up and move forward.
Favorite quote: “Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.”–Winston Churchill
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I studied film and TV at NYU and wanted to be the next Spielberg.
What makes someone fabulous: Being true to yourself. There is only one you and we all have unique gifts. Discover your native genius and share it with the world.