Treating yourself like a business isn’t selling out—it’s growing up.
Join The SpeakEasy Cooperative® and leave the starving artist behind.
The stuff we deal with would make other entrepreneurs quit by lunch.
The SpeakEasy Cooperative® is where musicians and those who support them stop apologizing for wanting to be successful despite the industry’s best efforts to keep us broke and fearful.
This monthly subscription membership gives you Community, Live Business Consulting, Coaching Events, and a Training Library that gets it. It’s your brave space where you:
- get the business backbone to say “no” without feeling guilty about it
- develop financial mastery to kick starving artist narratives to the curb
- bust through the self-talk brain trash that hold you back from trusting yourself and taking risks
- revel in wins with people who applaud your victories instead of passively demanding you tone it down
Ask the messy questions. Share the wild ideas. No one’s keeping score of how “business-y” you sound.
Finally—a place where loving our art and loving profit aren’t mutually exclusive.
Because you’ve already proven you can create magic under impossible conditions. Now let’s make sure you get paid for it.
Make faster decisions. Honor your spicy brain. Ditch the myth that you can’t get it done or are too distractible.
Market and sell like a boss. Share your genius with confidence and sell your offers with zero ick.
Develop self loyalty. Approach time, pricing, policies, and workflows with boundaries that enforce themselves. Kick burnout in the butt.
You want something built for us—music makers, teachers, and business owners with skills, experience, and a hunger for creating something meaningful and unapologetic.
Success Stories Speak Volumes:
Get inspired by the journeys of fellow creatives who have found growth and support within our community
Angela Winter
Intuitive Web Designer,
Awakened Creator
I have a clearer sense of the value I bring to the world through my offerings and deeper trust in myself in putting it out there, plus I had the highest grossing year ever! Healing so much of the rhetoric fed to artists through the cultural and educational systems was pivotal in shifting to a place of greater agency, worthiness, and earning potential.
Keith Eldridge
Chief Strategist,
Keith Dream: digital strategies
Through coaching and guidance, I have completely overhauled my processes, financial setup and goals to gain more confidence than I could have imagined. I know that I’m on the right path now and have laid out a roadmap to success. Now I only work with ideal clients, and I take time off when I want to!
SECO will push you to the edge of your comfort zone without letting you fall off.
Heather Nelson, PhD
Vocologist
I’m investing further this year and going deeper because SECO members have a tendency to know just how to push/nudge/cajole me into taking steps I am not sure I’m ready for. I’m learning to leap before I’m ready, and trust that I can build as I come in for a landing. I want to change my business, and along the way I’ll change my life.
SECO celebrates and encourages the unique niche that each professional holds.
Membership Has Its Privileges
The SpeakEasy Cooperative® was designed to give access to high-quality resources for a fraction of the cost of business consulting & coaching outside of the arts industry. We aren’t dumb. We know the people who need it most aren’t always the ones with the biggest bank accounts (yet).
LIVE Business Training That Responds to YOUR Reality
250+ Trainings Ready to Binge Watch When You Are
Member-Led Sessions and Conversations That Genuinely Add Value
Book Clubs, Office Hours, & CoWorking sessions that Respect Your Time
Sales & Marketing Strategy That Doesn't Make You Feel Gross
Exclusive Programs and In Person Events That Don't Suck Your Life Away
Member's Directory Designed to Help You Find Your People
Email, Policy & Rate Raise Help That Gets Results Without the Fluff
Financial Guidance that Understands Your Distinct Money Mindset
Global Community That Actually Cares About Its Culture
Want details? You got it. Read on…
Your investment of $99 per month gives you access to:
Live Training, Consulting, and Coaching Services
We dig into the nitty-gritty of running a business rather than staying on the surface.
Whether you want to reduce money drama or learn to have sell without the ick, we’ve got you covered.
Real-time business coaching and consulting is included in your membership!
Join one of our Team Lead Training events or catch a recording in the Library.
You could even book a 1:1 session with Michelle or another team member for an especially-for-SECO discounted fee.
Exclusive Access to SECO’s Comprehensive Programs and Experiences
While we love the BeastyBoss Framework™ we provide in SECO, we know that sometimes you need the team to guide you step by step, too.
We have more formal options so you get the right amount of support you need, when you need it.
Stay with the self-guided BeastyBoss Framework™ approach as long as you like.
When it’s time for more structure, members are invited to join one of our high-touch, limited-participant programs for an even higher level of connection, business development, and support.
Our Team Guided Programs Include →
The SpeakEasy Cooperative Slack® Workspace
Sometimes you just need to ask a question to a bunch of folks who are on the same path.
Community is more than membership – it’s knowing your people are here when you need them, and being around when they need you.
We use business software for business sake, not closed social platforms that mimic getting shit done but are just another distraction.
If you don’t know what Slack is, don’t worry—we’ll teach you how to use it!
Bring your GIF’s.
(We also use a private Facebook group. It’s familiar, and hey, old habits die hard.)
A Society of Folks with Buy-In
Sure, we can get advice for free in countless ways.
That advice can be inapplicable at best and dangerous at worst.
SECO members are ready to invest in growing each other and offer up their expertise because they’ve invested in themselves.
We are people who choose to learn to believe the best in you, even when you’re being an asshat. (Because who isn’t at least sometimes?)
We support your goals, share your big hairy situations, and have been around the block enough times to tell you that you’ve got what it takes.
Eliminate Lone Wolf Syndrome; take your place at the watercooler.
The SpeakEasy Cooperative® Membership
$99/mo
Testimonials
The fantastic things our members have to say about us will simply knock your socks right off your feet.
Jerry Elsbernd
Elsbernd Voice Studio
These are MY PEOPLE – smart, funny, supportive, pushy (in a good way), and most of all, in this voice teaching business together…and I mean TOGETHER. I am inspired, awe-struck, better informed on many things learning and business related, and ready to implement the steps toward becoming more specific and intentional with my career and life.
Nicky McGrath
The Singers’ Circle
After less than a month of being part of The Speakeasy Cooperative and working with Michelle, I am feeling a sense of calm and connectedness. It’s been a game-changing decision for my business, and for me. I hadn’t realized just how much I missed having colleagues and BOOM – here they are. Lots of them. With so much collective wisdom.
Natalie Huggins
Miss Natalie’s Piano & Vocal Studio/The Songwriter’s Process
SECO has dramatically changed my life. I can’t even believe the life I am living. I have learned how to balance teaching, boundaries, self-care, and my own art from all the content and coaching you provide. I am forever grateful I joined and the benefits will last a lifetime.
Got Questions? We have answers!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I join?
Easy! Enter your info below and pay your first month’s fee. This sets off our fancy process to get you onboarded so you can access all the resources.
What happens after I join?
You’ll get several emails – check for them in your spam/promo/junk folders if you don’t see them within an hour. These emails will ask you to change your password (do this!) and provide links to join the Slack Workspace and Private Facebook group. (Once you join the FB group, look out for something special ;))
Our Business Manager or Learner Liaison will reach out to you to schedule your complimentary “How do you SECO?” session.
You will be firehosed with love and information – don’t worry! We’ll help you sort it all out!
How much "should" members participate?
We don’t believe in shoulds. There are no expectations about how often you engage or how you take advantage of the provided resources. We LOVE seeing members on Zoom and answering questions in the group — AND we equally love our lurkers and those who are learning behind the scenes.
I need A LOT of support… will I get it here?
Define “A LOT” 😃… The SpeakEasy Cooperative is a community that has a ton of self-guided opportunities. There’s also group support and several opportunities for in real time person-to-person guidance.
If you’re looking for a specific structure, regular coaching, and consistent feedback, then we encourage you to join the How to Run Accelerator or book 1:1 coaching sessions with a team member.
I’m not very tech-savvy, is SECO still right for me?
Maybe, maybe not. Are you willing to learn? Dig around and spend time learning new systems and tools? Then yes, we are here to facilitate that learning as much as we can!
However – if you are a self-proclaimed “Luddite” and have no interest in learning new tech, SECO will be difficult for you to participate in. Basic tech skills are required; a penchant for troubleshooting is even better.
How can I find out more about your core values?
If you are curious to know more about our company values, we invite you to visit the “Our Core Values” page.
What kind of business owners are in SECO?
We became so much more!
Our members include:
- multi-teacher studio owners with a team
- other team-based business owners and founders
- voice teachers / coaches
- public speaking coaches
- active performers/gig life/recording artists
- creativity coaches
- bodyworkers
- therapists
- SLP’s/SLT’s in private practice
- web designers
- accountants
- social media managers
- piano teachers
- guitar teachers
- physics tutors
- teacher trainers
- physical therapists
- music producers
- academics who want a space to learn how to support their own and their students’ careers
- And more!
We take great pride in the fact that our consulting and coaching can be applied to most service-based businesses.
I’d say the through line is the connection to music and the performing arts – whether its a connection of being the artist or having a business that supports artists.
We serve both brick and mortar AND online businesses. Yes, there is a difference.
Do I have to join the community aspects?
No. There is PLENTY to sift through just on the member’s dashboard and library training areas. Still, we highly encourage you to join Slack and/or FB because the resource of conversation is invaluable.
Having a place to discuss (or watch others discuss!) what you are learning and working out is essential for spiral learning and learning growth cycles.
I run a Multi Teacher Studio - do you serve me?
OOOHHHHHH Yes!
We have extensive experience with team based businesses – and we even have special training opportunities for you and your fellow Multi Teacher Studio Owners (MTSO’s).
We do not “teach a system” the way many coaches for MTSO’s do. We help you get OUT of the shitty situation those programs put you in my lying to you about how to classify your workers or manage your team or offers.
Please contact Michelle to discuss any bespoke plans for your entire team.
Is there a long-term commitment?
Not unless you want there to be one! The SpeakEasy Cooperative bills members on a month-to-month basis. Come when you can, leave when you must! You can cancel your membership at any time on the member dashboard.
What is your refund policy?
The SpeakEasy Cooperative monthly membership doesn’t offer refunds – if you cancel, you won’t be refunded, but you will have full access to all resources until the end of your monthly billing cycle.
Who’s in charge of this gin joint? Me.
I’m Michelle Markwart Deveaux.
I’ve owned, grown, and sold businesses since I was 16. I’m a CEO, public speaker, teacher, frequent podcast guest, workshop leader, author, singer, voice teacher, consultant, certified coach, ride-or-die friend, spouse of a REAL HANDSOME DUDE, and perimenopausal mom of two FANTASTIC humans.
When I’m not making big decisions, overseeing programs, supporting the team, and figuring out all the ways we can implement The SpeakEasy Cooperative’s mission and vision, I run SECO’s parent company, FaithCultureKiss Studios for Voice & Acting, LLC, and Key of C(EO) Consulting.
Our team is highly trained, skilled, and knowledgeable about running a business in and around the arts.
They are business owners themselves. We practice what we preach. Daily, in the trenches.
I started The SpeakEasy Cooperative® because I firmly, adamantly, and passionately believe:
A rising tide raises all ships
I chose this community-based business model for SECO to be in alignment with that statement, because it’s a core value.
The SpeakEasy Cooperative®
$99/mo
See you inside!
Testimonials
The fantastic things our members have to say about us will simply knock your socks right off your feet.
M.J. Johnson
Owner, M.J. Johnson Voice Studio
Joining the Speakeasy Cooperative gave me the tools and support that I needed to transform. The group provided a wealth of information and guidance for my voice studio as a business and for me as a person. I’m so grateful to have found this fantastic community!
Georgia Gray
Instructor and Change Management Leader
The international network of like-minded folks is fantastic, the resources for growing your business are phenomenal, and most of all, every interaction feels like a hug from your best friend – except your best friend 100% gets your business.
Joslin Romphf Dennis
Owner, JRD Voice Studio
Being exposed to such a diverse group of people, who are running all kinds of service models in all corners of the globe is such an amazing thing – and it’s also lovely to be able to help others with my own skills that I never knew were of value to anyone else because I’m just…me.