The Cooperative Difference
At Watershed we believe that many hands make light work — that the most transformative healing happens in the liminal space where individual practice meets collective care. Cooperative ownership is our commitment to that space.
We are a multistakeholder solidarity cooperative. That means workers, clients, and investors all have a voice and a vote. It means the people doing the work own what they are building. It means surplus flows back to the community that generated it — not to distant shareholders or a single owner. We are still operating inside capitalism. We pay taxes, manage legal compliance, and handle the administrative infrastructure that independent practice requires. But we do it together. And that changes everything.
Because we believe that community is the medicine.
The Principles We Practice By
Watershed is a proud member of the international cooperative movement.
We adopt the 7 Cooperative Principles established by the International Cooperative Alliance as the foundation of everything we do:
Voluntary + Open Membership
Open to all persons able to use our services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership — without discrimination.
Democratic Member Control
One member, one vote. Members actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to and democratically control the capital of the cooperative.
Autonomy + Independence
We are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by our members.
Education, Training + Information
We provide education and training for members so they can contribute effectively to the development of the cooperative.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
We strengthen the cooperative movement by working with other cooperatives whenever possible.
Concern for Community
We work for the sustainable development of our community through policies approved by our members.
Learn More
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As a worker & member owned cooperative, collective decision making and democratic economics are at the heart of Watershed Wellness Collective. In accordance with these principles, we have outlined a cooperative structure that provides ownership at different membership levels:
Renter Members
Enjoys access to rent our treatments rooms and spa services while also having access to our growing community and internal referrals.
Works directly with clients or manages some aspect of the collective as directed by the board. In addition to receiving the worker portion of the surplus, worker members are eligible for collective voting.
Worker Members
Managing Members
Leads and manages the collective as a whole. Board members structure and facilitate surplus distribution and collective voting as well as serve the organization according to their specific role.
Lender Members
Provides access to financial resources for establishing and growing the collective via a loan to the business. Lending members receive surplus distributions through the lending portion and are eligible for collective voting for the duration of their loan term in addition to receiving repayment of their principal.
Pathways Into Watershed
A comprehensive breakdown of the member-benefits for each class of membership in Watershed COOP
Renter Member
The Entry Point and the lowest barrier to professional wellness space in Nashville.
$20/hour bodywork room · $50/hour group room $120/year membership
Who this is for: Practitioners at any stage — new to Nashville, building a caseload, or simply needing flexible professional space without a long-term lease or commission split.
What you get: ✦ Access to Room Booking Portal ✦ Professional treatment rooms by the hour ✦ Shared administrative infrastructure ✦ Watershed community and cross-referrals
What you contribute: ✦ $120/year membership ✦ Hourly operation fee at time of booking ✦ Respect for shared space and co-working protocols
Voting rights: None at this stage
Surplus eligibility: Not yet
Path forward: Expressed interest in Worker Member pathway and shown commitment to COOP structure and values
Worker Member
The Foundation, and the first step inside the cooperative model. Minimum 6 months · 1099 independent contractor
Who this is for: Licensed and certified practitioners who want more than a room — who want to practice inside a community, contribute to something being built, and explore the path to ownership.
What you get: ✦ Everything Room Renters receive ✦ Watershed email address ✦ Google Drive access and individual folder ✦ Internal referral network ✦ Biweekly payroll processing ✦ Workers compensation through Gusto ✦ Eligibility for cooperative education ✦ Access to spa when not in client use ✦ Path toward Rising Owner status
Voting rights: Community + Operations at Cooperative tier
Surplus eligibility: Not yet
Path forward: Rising Owner after minimum 6 months