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January 28, 2027 - January 29, 2027
The retreat will begin at 9:00am Thursday and conclude 12:30pm Friday.
About
You’ve poured your heart into building something meaningful. A business. A mission. A dream that serves others. But somewhere between Canva tabs, font pairing rabbit holes, and second-guessing every color choice, your brand stopped feeling clear… and started feeling exhausting.
Create to Elevate Visual Branding Retreat is a dedicated space to reconnect with the heart of your brand, rediscover your creativity, and make confident visual decisions alongside a community of women who genuinely want to see you succeed.
Over two inspiring days in Historic Downtown Bryan, you’ll gain practical tools and professional feedback through hands-on workshops focused on brand clarity, visual identity, and marketing design. You’ll have time to think, plan, create, and breathe.
the Visual Branding Retreat
Meet the Retreat Team
Hi, I'm your host, Nicole Holmes.
For over 20 years, I've helped businesses and nonprofits communicate their purpose through thoughtful, strategic design. I've learned that beautiful branding isn't about chasing trends. It's about creating clarity.
When your visual identity reflects who you are and where you're going, marketing becomes easier, confidence grows, and your audience begins to recognize the value you already bring.
Create to Elevate combines everything I love—strategy, creativity, education, and community—into an experience designed to help women entrepreneurs stop second-guessing their brand and start confidently showing up in the world.
Clay Workshop Instructor
Michelle Weaver of That Art Place
With a background in art education and specialty in ceramics, Michelle creates engaging, hands-on clay experiences that make art accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Brand Photographer
Beth Symons of Beth Symons Photography
With a gift for capturing genuine connection and personality, Beth Symons creates brand photography that transforms entrepreneurs' stories into beautiful, meaningful visuals.
Hair and Makeup Artist
Tim Vigus of Vigus Beauty
Known for combining artistry with encouragement, Tim Vigus specializes in hair and makeup services that enhance natural beauty and help every client feel confident on camera.
This Retreat is Designed for Women Who...
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Are growing a business that has outgrown its branding
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Know their work is valuable but struggle to communicate it visually
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Have spent hours in Canva without feeling any closer to a cohesive brand
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Are tired of creating alone
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Crave real, face-to-face connection instead of another virtual meeting
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Want practical guidance, not fluff
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Believe business can be both profitable and purposeful
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Are constantly pouring into clients, teams, families, or communities—and rarely invest that same energy into themselves
What You'll Experience
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Clarify your brand strategy, audience, goals, and messaging
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Identify colors, typography, imagery, and design choices that reflect your business
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Build your own customized Visual Brand Guide
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Receive professional one-on-one feedback on your Brand Guide
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Create and update your marketing materials with your new brand visuals
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Participate in a hands-on clay workshop to awaken your creativity
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Enjoy intentional time to think, create, and work on your business
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Connect with an intimate group of women entrepreneurs who genuinely want to see each other succeed
What's Included
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Curated Welcome Gift featuring items from local women-owned businesses
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Retreat booklet with business planning tools, workshop notes, and tips from other local experts
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Brand Strategy Workshop with worksheets
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Visual Brand Guide Workshop with design guide & Canva Template
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One-on-One Brand Guide Feedback from Nicole of Zeal Design Studio
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Clay Imprint Workshop with That Art Place
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Tasting Experience by Bakalian Family Distilling
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Continental breakfast each morning, catered lunch, and afternoon snacks
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2.5 hour Canva Co-working Session with a professional graphic designer (Me!)
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In-person connections with an incredible community of women entrepreneurs
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Post-retreat accountability check-in with Nicole (virtual or in-person)
An Exclusive Learning Experience
Limited to only 12 attendees, Create to Elevate is an exclusive, high touch retreat offering intimate learning experiences. You'll receive direct, customized feedback throughout from host, Nicole Holmes, and many opportunities to connect and collaborate with other attendees!
OPTIONAL ADD-ON EXPERIENCES
Brand Photography Session
by Beth Symons Photography
Leave the retreat with new brand images full of personality. These are not your banker's headshots. Your images will be delivered in time for our Canva Co-working session on Friday morning. Only 6 spots available!
(20-minute session, 2 outfits, all digital images)
Beauty Session
by Vigus Beauty
Treat yourself to a glow up so you feel confident in front of the camera during your brand shoot. You decide if Tim spends your 20 minute session working his magic on your makeup, your hair or a little bit of both.
Only 6 spots available!
Pre-Retreat Brand Audit
by Zeal Design Studio
Get a full report on what your current brand visuals are communicating, along with practical, actionable recommendations to strengthen your brand identity. You'll receive your custom Brand Audit Report when you arrive at the retreat!
A Creative Visual Branding Getaway in Historic Downtown Bryan
Located in the heart of the Texas Triangle, Historic Downtown Bryan is an easy drive from Houston, Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, and San Antonio, making it the perfect place to step away without the drama of air travel.
Spend your free time exploring charming boutiques, sipping coffee at local cafés, enjoying chef-owned restaurants, and unwinding with handcrafted cocktails—all within a walkable historic downtown filled with Texas charm. With a variety of nearby hotels and local experiences, it's easy to turn your retreat into a memorable getaway.
Why a retreat?
Transformation doesn't happen virtually.
This isn't another conference where you leave inspired but overwhelmed. It's a working retreat.
You'll leave with clarity.
You'll leave with a tool that will save you hours of design time.
You'll leave with a visual brand that's finally moving in the same direction as your business.
Let's do it!
Invest in Your Business at
Create to Elevate Visual Branding Retreat
STANDARD
RETREAT TICKET
$397
VIP RETREAT EXPERIENCE
$757
Includes all 3 add-on services and 10% off your next service from Zeal Design Studio (up to $300 value!)
Optional Add-ons
SAVE $50 with code EARLYBIRD through August 31
BEAUTY
SESSION
+$50
Beauty session courtesy of local HMU, Vigus Beauty
PRE-RETREAT BRAND AUDIT
+$100
Pre-retreat brand audit by Zeal Design Studio
BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY
+$220
Brand photography session by Beth Symons Photography
I LOVE Nonprofits!
Attending the Create to Elevate retreat to strengthen branding for a registered nonprofit organization? SAVE 20% by using code NONPROFIT at checkout!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an established business?
No. Whether you're just getting started or refining an existing brand, you'll leave with greater clarity and a practical roadmap.
Will we be designing logos during the retreat?
No. Logo design is not included in this retreat. If you are outgrowing your current logo or don't have one, this retreat will give you a strong visual foundation to share with your logo designer. Having this clarity will help your designer get it right the first time, saving you time and money.
Is lodging included?
No. This retreat in Historic Downtown Bryan allows you to choose accommodations that fit your budget or commute, if you are local.
What should I bring?
You will need a laptop for both days, a free or pro Canva account (or design software of your choice), a few pens, business cards (if you have them), and your full focus.
Is there a dress code?
Wear whatever makes you feel like YOU. If that's sweats and a t-shirt, great. If that's 5 inch heels and glam makeup, great. I want you to feel comfortable. Keep in mind you will be working with clay, but it is washable. Silk clothing not recommended. If you signed up for the photoshoot, there will be time to change clothes before your session. We will have a hanging rack available to hang your outfits on until it's time.
Do I have to participate in the brand photos?
Not at all. Brand photography, hair & makeup, and brand audits are 100% optional.
If I purchase the pre-retreat Brand Audit, will you tell me I need a new logo, even if I don't?
No. I respect you too much to try to sell you something you don't need. I will give my honest assessment of what your brand visuals are communicating and how they are percieved by the public. Then offer practical suggestions for areas that need improvement. What you do with that information is ultimately your choice.
How many women will attend?
Only 12. We intentionally keep the retreat small to create meaningful conversations and personalized support.