Member Login

How to Run Your Business Without Hating Your Boss Accelerator 2025

Services

Public Speaker

Meet the Team

About Me

Blog

Michelle’s Awesome Interviews

SECO Live 2025

Sign up for Friday Jr. emails

The SpeakEasy Cooperative logo

SECOLive 2025

All the attendees of SECOLive 2023 on stage with hands out in the air.

The Burnout Proof Business

SECOLive 2025

The Burnout Proof Business

A weekend of brave shenanigans curated to bring focus to how you prioritize your life and business so that your imagination can create your best 2026 and beyond.

Register Now to Secure Your Slot

Last day for hotel registration at group rate is Sept 21st

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Registration Closes on October 15th

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

The Burnout Proof Business:
Crafting a Life-First Approach to Time, Money, and Habits

is our 2025 Theme.

We know 2023-24 were weird, and we need renewed purpose, mindful rest, and increased financial security.

And we know you have the bravery to tackle the uncomfortable things.

Because you do hard things.

hand pointing right

Quick Facts

Be sure to read all the details below, though – you’re responsible for the info!

  • Date/Time: Wednesday October 22, 2025 4:00pm-  Sunday, October 26, 2025 1:00pm (VIP Event from 2-5pm on Sunday October 26, 2024)
  • Location: FAME Performing Arts Charleston, South Carolina, USA
  • Cost: $1200 – multiple generous payment plans available
  • Seats Available: 40

This (not-your-typical) shindig offers space, time, and tools to examine how we approach our relationships and actions regarding building our business to support our lives, not the other way around. We’ll talk habits, time management, and financial planning so that we release shame around them all and truly take advantage of why we own our businesses in the first placefreedom! 

Each day features multiple opportunities for processing, masterminding, and brainstorming in affinity groups, along with lots of fun and networking with the most inspiring people on the planet.

The focus of this retreat-meets-mastermind-meets-conference is one of our greatest assets: YOU.

The business owner part of you – the creative, artistic, and FREE part of you – that make you unique and valuable (and maybe sometimes a little worn out.)

SECOLive 2025 is about rejuvenation, leaning into our desire to be secure, and responding to all those “I don’t wanna, but imma do it anyway” parts inside of us with grace, self-loyalty, and hutzpah.

The Schedule

The Subject to Change 2025 Schedule (Hey! It’s a year out; we may get a brilliant idea and want to change things up for the better!)

Wednesday, October 22
Wednesday, October 22
4:00pm-5:00pm
4:00pm-5:00pm

Check in and We Are Happy You are Here Hour

We will provide beverages and light hors d’oeuvres. Come ready to snack!

5:00pm-8:00pm
5:00pm-8:00pm

Opening Remarks

What to Expect this Weekend

8:00pm-8:30pm
8:00pm-8:30pm

Mingling and Connecting

8:30pm
8:30pm

Head to Lodging

Rest up and come ready

Thursday, October 23
Thursday, October 23
9:30am-10:30am
9:30am-10:30am

Session #1

(Something like) Well, Well, Well, if it isn’t my Wellness:


Four Quadrants of Life Wellness that Leads to Business Owner Growth (Temporal, Mental, Financial, and Spacial)

10:30am-12:00pm
10:30am-12:00pm

Masterminding for Implementation

Workbook time

12:00pm-2:00pm
12:00pm-2:00pm

Out and About Lunch

Go explore Mt. Pleasant!

2:00pm-3:00pm
2:00pm-3:00pm

Session #2

(Something like) Exit, Stage Left Even:


Exit Strategy as the Key to Life-First Business Planning

3:00pm-4:30pm
3:00pm-4:30pm

Masterminding for Implementation

4:30pm
4:30pm

Dinner and Evening Out!

Go forth and enjoy Charleston, your friends, and grab some yummy food! See you tomorrow!

Friday, October 24
Friday, October 24
9:30am-10:30am
9:30am-10:30am

Session #3

(Something like) Money and Burnout and stuff Earning to Live over Living to Earn

10:30am-12:00pm
10:30am-12:00pm

Masterminding for Implementation

12:00pm-1:30pm
12:00pm-1:30pm

Working Hard or Hardly Working Lunch

SECO will provide lunch at FAME

1:30pm-2:30pm
1:30pm-2:30pm

Session #4

Less Pain Planning and Implementing
(Something like) Planning Tips and Tricks for People Like Michelle, Who Resist Planning

2:30pm-4:00pm
2:30pm-4:00pm

Masterminding for Implementation

4:00pm-6:30pm
4:00pm-6:30pm

Dinner and Downtime Break

Save room for dessert!

6:30pm-9pm
6:30pm-9pm

Keyboard Karaoke, hosted by Eden Casteel

SECO will provide a catered dessert

9:00pm
9:00pm

Head to Lodging

Saturday, October 25
Saturday, October 25
9:00am-12:00pm
9:00am-12:00pm

Photo Shoot and Group Coaching

Come ready to ask questions, get coached, and get PHOTOGRAPHED! NOTE THE TIME! We meet 30 minutes earlier than the other days!

12:00pm-2:00pm
12:00pm-2:00pm

Out and About Lunch

2:00pm-3:00pm
2:00pm-3:00pm

Session #5:

(Something like) So Easy You Can’t Say No


Building Business Owner Habits That Actually Stick

3:00pm-4:30pm
3:00pm-4:30pm

Masterminding for Implementation

Workbook time!

4:30pm-7pm
4:30pm-7pm

Dinner and Downtime Break

We suggest an early dinner as SECO will be providing catered charcuterie and beverages at our evening event

7:00pm-9:00pm
7:00pm-9:00pm

Chitty Chitty Chat Chat Mocktail/Cocktail Event, catered charcuterie

After-hours Session #6 Panel Discussion


(Something like) Pivot! I said Pivot!


Transitioning from Teaching as a Main Revenue Stream to Address Burnout

8:00pm-9:00 pm
8:00pm-9:00 pm

(Something like) Ask Us Anything

Here’s your chance to go there! Seriously, no topic is off-limits. Ever wonder just HOW the donuts are made? Here’s your chance to learn!

9:00pm
9:00pm

Head to Lodging

Sunday, October 26
Sunday, October 26
9:00am-12:00pm
9:00am-12:00pm

Full Group - Guided 2025 Review and 2026 Planning Session with Michelle

NOTE THE TIME! We meet 30 minutes earlier than the other days!

12:00pm-1:00pm
12:00pm-1:00pm

Closing Ceremony and Raffle

1:00pm
1:00pm

Release!

2pm-4pm
2pm-4pm

SECO Team and VIPers Late Lunch Event

for Current and Alum VIPers at a private home in Charleston (details will be provided to VIP members attending at a later time.)

Come ready to kick off Wednesday afternoon with questions and plans galore, and expect to leave on Sunday with action items and clarity on the Next Right Thing(s) for your life and business.

Limited Slots available – Click here to Secure Your Slot

The Details – Where to Stay, Where to Fly to, How to Get Around.

(The event begins Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 4:00PM and concludes Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 1:00PM.)

Airport:

CHS (Charleston International Airport)

Last day for hotel registration at group rate is Sept 21, 2025.

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Lodging:

Holiday Inn Express 1104 Stockade Lane , Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

Jen Blanton has secured us a fantastic rate for October 21 through October 27, 2025. You will be able to start booking November 1, 2024.

In order to receive the discounted rate, you must have booked by September 21, 2025!!!!

Book Here

Please note: If you would like to share a room, you are responsible for finding your own roommates.

There are also a number of VRBOs (Vacation Rental By Owner – a USA website) and AirBnBs in the area—if you would like to go that route, you’ll want to book ASAP, as they go fast! Additionally, be sure to review cancellation policies for these types of lodging.

Workshop Location:

FAME Performing Arts, Inc. 757 Long Point Rd Suite D Mt Pleasant SC 29464

Phone:

1+ 843-619-SING (7464)

Transportation:

Lyft, car rental (available at the airport), or FAME Van from the hotel.

We hope to provide daily VAN service again from the hotel to FAME, and around town at break times!

  • This will be an additional cost of $200 (an excellent value!) that will be paid directly to FAME.
  • The van will only be provided if six or more people sign up for van service during registration.
  • Van service is first come, first served, based on date of registration of SECOLive 2025.
  • If you choose the FAME VAN option, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the hotel on Wednesday, October 22.

Remember, we’re kicking off at 4:00PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025! Come in through the front entrance at FAME (we’ll have signs!)

Toggle here for a SAMPLE FAME Van Schedule (this will change when we get the schedule solidified):

Friday

3:30pm bus pick up from hotel traveling to studio

8:30pm bus service from studio to hotel

Thursday

9:00am bus pick up from hotel traveling to studio

4:00pm bus service from studio to Mt. Pleasant town center or all agreed upon location

6pm bus service from Mt P Town Center to studio

9pm bus service from studio to hotel

Friday

9:00am bus pick up from hotel traveling to studio

4:00pm bus service from studio to Mt. Pleasant town center or all agreed upon location

6pm bus service from Mt P Town Center to studio

9pm bus service from studio to hotel

Saturday

9:00am bus pick up from hotel traveling to studio

12noon bus pick up from studio to hotel or agreed upon location

1:30pm bus pick up from hotel or agreed upon location to studio

4:30pm bus service from studio to downtown Charleston, Market Street

6:30pm bus service from downtown to studio

9pm bus service from studio to hotel

Sunday

8:30am bus pick up from hotel traveling to studio

12:30pm bus service from studio to airport

this way
The SECO team lined up in front of the "Neon TIger" restaurant. From left to right are, Sara Campbell, Christin Coffee Rondeau, Michelle Markwart Deveaux, Jennifer Blanton, Liz Jackson Hearns and Keith Eldridge.

Investment and Terms & Conditions

We are pleased to announce that we are able to keep the investment for this event at $1200, even though we added an extra day!

With the help of our wonderful Jen Blanton, and many local vendors, we could offer this fee for an event of this size and scope.

What’s more, we are thrilled to be a place where we can offer payment options so people in any cash flow situation have an option.

After you fill out the registration form, you’ll be invited to choose from:

  • One payment of $1200
  • Three payments of $400
  • Six payments of $200
  • TWELVE PAYMENTS of $100

(As you can see, two of the payment plans cost less than one 1:1 session per month with a team member. Score!)

I’m ready to register!

Terms and Conditions can be found here.

Click below to expand and read the terms.

Green hand finger pointing down

Please make sure you read ‘em before registering!

Terms & Conditions
Here is the plain English version of the juicy bits:

~When you visit this site, by any URL associated with it, you are saying “Yes! TOTALLY!” to all the terms and conditions – the ones on the site (opens in a new tab).

~When you pay for stuff you’re paying through a third party payment gateway. We never see your financials. We don’t keep your financial information in any of our systems.

~Don’t be an asshat: My stuff is mine. The team’s stuff is theirs. Your stuff is yours. If you use our stuff to do illegal or even unethical shenanigans, FaithCultureKiss reserves the right to send you away forever and tell our lawyer about you. You can’t charge people for stuff FaithCultureKiss, LLC has created.

~Payments/Refunds: For the SECOLive LIVE EVENTS there are no refunds. Please invest wisely and clear your calendar. If you can’t show up, we will miss you dearly. Please remember that we used your fee to make the thing happen… so your moola is already doled out amongst the team, the vendors, and the location. We budget tight so that we can keep costs as low as possible – and therefore will not offer refunds. However, if you cannot make it, you will be provided with a care package and professionally edited videos from the event at a later date. Your name will be listed as a sponsor of the event in our program. No, we do not offer “video-only registration.” Thank you for understanding.

~If you cancel your membership in The SpeakEasy Cooperative® before SECOLive but have already paid for SECOLive, you will not be refunded. Please still come to SECOLive, though!

~Extreme emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis. (At this point, getting Covid is not an extreme emergency, it’s just shitty.)

~We are not lawyers. We are not CPAs. We are not therapists. Business coaching isn’t a substitute for any of these things. Neither is life coaching. Or wine.

~We are also not fortune tellers. We can’t guarantee you’ll make gazillions of dollars from what we discuss. But you knew that. Talk is the easy part, yeah?

~LIVE EVENTS (like voice lessons, workshops, conferences, etc.): You come at your own risk. If you fall, or find yourself exploring underwater basketweaving, or are unable to find your way back to the venue, that is on you. You agree to watch out for your own food and/or beverage allergies. You agree to release all liability from FaithCultureKiss, LLC and the peeps involved with it and the location in which it’s held. You agree not to sue us. You agree to take care of your own self.

Click here to register & pay now

The primary goals of the weekend are…

  • provide SECO members the opportunity to spend in-person time together and plaaaaaay
  • afford attendees dedicated, focused time and space to clarify and apply their core values
  • facilitate a space for participants to untangle the cognitive dissonances caused by needing to get things done while also needing to rest
  • include plenty of time for implementation and action-taking on delicious and exciting ideas.

(The karaoke night, mini photo-shoot, and delicious Charleston food are some pretty sweet bonuses though!)

Testimonials

seco members posing at SECO Live in 2022.
seco members posing at SECO Live in 2022. A testimonial from JRD Voice Studios reads: Day 1 #secolive2022 photo dump…we are already vibing SUPER HARD…the transformation that is going to come out of this weekend is going to be epic, and I am honoured to be in this unique space with these amazing women. Thank you @thespeakeasycooperative for creating this space. Can’t wait to dive in tomorrow!
seco members posing at SECO Live in 2022.
Sara Campbell coaching on stage at SECO Live 2022.
seco members posing at SECO Live in 2022. A testimonial from JRD Voice Studios reads: Day 1 #secolive2022 photo dump…we are already vibing SUPER HARD…the transformation that is going to come out of this weekend is going to be epic, and I am honoured to be in this unique space with these amazing women. Thank you @thespeakeasycooperative for creating this space. Can’t wait to dive in tomorrow!
This SECO Live testimonial from InstaGragm reads: Just returned from a wonderful weekend in Charleston, SC, with #TheSpeakeasyCooperative, a group of like-minded, #beastyboss independent voice business owners. We talked, danced, sang, laughed, cried, dreamed and planned about our businesses and the upcoming year. For me, personally, it was a very affirming and inspiring time being able to really see and appreciate ALL that I have dreamed and done in the past five years. Y’all, there are some pretty exciting and special things coming for Sonnenberg Voice. We’re growing and expanding in ways that I never really envisioned until now. And I was truly able to see how much I’ve accomplished in the last year alone as a business owner, let alone the five years since I opened the doors! I met and really got to know so many of my friends and colleagues IN PERSON for the first time. It felt so good. Sharing some of my favorite photos.
seco members posing at SECO Live in 2022. A testimonial from JRD Voice Studios reads: Day 1 #secolive2022 photo dump…we are already vibing SUPER HARD…the transformation that is going to come out of this weekend is going to be epic, and I am honoured to be in this unique space with these amazing women. Thank you @thespeakeasycooperative for creating this space. Can’t wait to dive in tomorrow!
Karen Michaels coaching on stage at SECO Live in 2022.
Got back from #secolive2022 conference Monday. Today is Friday and time’s flown by. The conference was planned beautifully, held at the smokin’ facilities 🔥 of Fame Performing Arts, Inc. in Charleston, and we had plenty of time for hugs, the Witch House, laughing, and sharing wisdom.

The Speakeasy presentations were about our #voicebusinesses. Needed, appreciated, and thoughtfully presented by the SECO team. 🤗

The mission/vision work was important and expansive. 🔭 It helped me focus in on what really matters to me about my work; the stuff that gets me out of bed in the morning. It will be nice to have that anchor when I find myself swimming circles in the details.

The work on key messages 🗝 was huge for me! Christin Coffee Rondeau used her brilliant Word Brain to help me narrow done the ideas I believe are most important to share. That helps me speak to the clients I hope to work with, and benefits people I may never meet. 💜 So powerful!

Planning is still scary to me. 😨 I inched ahead with the planning work, though, so I’m giving myself a gold star for that. 🌟 Planning feels like committing to something I may not live up to. (…don’t know why I keep telling myself THAT story!)

Michelle Markwart Deveaux shared so much gold, ⭐️ Two things I really needed to hear re: planning that helped me work through some resistance.
1. Planning is a living thing. It changes and shifts as you move forward.
2. Pencils have erasers. #news 🙄

This week has raced by. In every spare moment I’ve been sketching out Neuro-Vocal Teacher Training 2.0. ✏️ My brain is BUSY with ideas about all the ways I can make this the BEST, most empowering course for voice pros (who also happen to be excitable nerds like me)!

Huge thanks and hugs 🥰 to the team at The Speakeasy Cooperative: Michelle Markwart Deveaux, Christin Coffee Rondeau, Sara Campbell, and Karen Merstik-Michaels. (Also, where have you been all my life?)

– Meredith Colby

This is what #secolive2022 is like — a wonderful blur of activity in the moment, but stuff is getting DONE here. I’ve been part of this group for four great years! SECO is a mass of vibrant voice business leaders moving the industry forward, supporting and challenging each other, arriving confidently into new markets, with COLORFUL ideas and initiatives that empower our clients. #whyiseco @thespeakeasycooperative

– Eden Casteel

Ready to register?

See you in Charleston