Create to Elevate: A Canva Visual Branding Retreat for Women

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 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.

Is this retreat for you?

This retreat was designed for women who...

• are growing a business that has outgrown its branding.

• know their work is valuable but struggle to communicate it visually.

• have spent hours in Canva without feeling any closer to a cohesive brand.

• are tired of creating alone.

• crave real, face-to-face connection instead of another virtual meeting.

• are constantly pouring into clients, teams, families, or communities—and rarely invest that same energy into themselves.

• want practical guidance, not fluff.

• believe business can be both profitable and purposeful.

Whether you're building a nonprofit, launching a consulting business, growing a creative service, or developing a personal brand, this retreat is designed to help you show up with greater clarity and confidence.

Why a retreat?

Because 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.

What You'll Experience

Over two inspiring days, you'll:

• Clarify your brand strategy, audience, goals, and messaging

• Identify colors, typography, imagery, and design choices that reflect your business

• Build your own customized Visual Brand Guide

• Receive professional one-on-one feedback on your Brand Guide

• Create and update your marketing materials with your new brand visuals

• Participate in a hands-on clay workshop to awaken your creativity

• Enjoy intentional time to think, create, and work on your business

• Connect with an intimate group of women entrepreneurs who genuinely want to see each other succeed

  
  

A Retreat Designed for Real Connection

With only 12 attendees, Create to Elevate is intentionally small.

• No getting lost in a crowd.

• No waiting in line to ask a question.

• No surface-level networking.

Instead, you'll experience meaningful conversations, personalized feedback, collaborative brainstorming, and friendships that continue long after the retreat ends.

Because community isn't just part of this retreat.

It's the heart of it.

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.

Michelle Weaver, That Art Place

Tim Vigas, Vigus Beauty

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 step confidently in front of the camera.

Tasting Experience

Rebecca Bakalian of Bakalian Family Distilling

Bakalian Family Distilling is run by Brazos County locals, crafting premium whiskey, bourbon and vodka with heart and heritage. Their journey began with a passion for small-batch distillation and a commitment to our community.

What's Included

• Curated Welcome Gift featuring items from local women owned businesses

• Retreat booklet with business planning tools, workshop notes, and tips from other local experts

• Brand Strategy Workshop with worksheets

• Visual Brand Guide Workshop with design guide & Canva Template

• One-on-One Brand Guide Feedback from Nicole of Zeal Design Studio

• Clay Imprint Workshop by That Art Place

• Tasting Experience by Bakalian Family Distilling

• Catered Lunch, afternoon snacks and continental breakfast each morning

• 2.5 hour Canva Co-working Session with a professional graphic designer (Me!)

• In-person connections with an incredible community of women entrepreneurs

• Post-retreat accountability check-in with Nicole (virtual or in-person)

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 about what your current brand visuals are communicating and practical recommendations for improvement. You'll receive your custom Brand Audit Report when you arrive at the retreat.

The Investment

Create to Elevate Retreat Ticket: $397

Optional Retreat add-ons include:

• Beauty session by Vigus Beauty (+$50)

• Brand photography session by Beth Symons Photography (+$220)

• Pre-retreat Brand Audit by Zeal Design Studio (+$100)

VIP Retreat Experience: $757

Includes

• Retreat Ticket

• All 3 add-on services

• 10% off your next service from Zeal Design Studio (up to a $300 value!)

I love Nonprofits

Attending the Create to Elevate Retreat to work on branding for a registered nonprofit organization? Use code NONPROFIT at checkout to save 20% off your ticket!

Get notified when registration opens on July 31, 2026, so you don't miss out!

There might even be an early bird discount you don't want to miss...

Join the waitlist. (No commitment required)

A Creative 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.

Find Places to Stay, Eat & Explore

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.

Ready to Create a Brand That Reflects the Difference You're Making?

You already know your work matters.

Now it's time for your brand to communicate that with confidence.