HOEM
The Venue
Tucked away in the heart of the Lost Sierra, Constellation Creek is a serene gathering space surrounded by trees, flowing water and star-filled skies. It's a place that invites stillness, reflection and reconnection—with nature, yourself and your creative spark. The perfect backdrop for HOEM’s first retreat, Constellation Creek holds space for growth, laughter, insight and inspiration.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Topics that We will Cover
• How to create a consistent style + coloring that reflects you
• A Lightroom Mobile demo — learn how to edit easily and keep your brand looking cohesive all year long
• Tips for taking beautiful, on-brand photos by yourself (even with your iPhone)
• How to see light — I’ll teach you how to develop an eye for lighting and how it can dramatically impact your photos, highlight a product, or tell a deeper story
• Website + Instagram audit to fine-tune your online presence
• Fill in the gaps — wherever you’re stuck, we’ll work through it
• Fun, updated headshots that feel natural + authentic (valued at $600+ alone!)
• Basics of aperture, shutter speed + ISO — so you can confidently shoot your own content year-round
• Have a product or offering you want photographed? Bring it! I’ll show you how to shoot it, and I’ll photograph it for you too.
Our Vision
We believe creativity thrives in community and in nature. Our vision is to create a safe inspiring space where women can reconnect with themselves, ask questions freely and grow both personally and professionally. Through shared experiences, quiet moments and creative workshops we aim to help you overcome barriers—whether that’s building a brand, finding your voice or simply allowing yourself to rest.
We’re here to support authenticity, self-love and balance in a world that often pushes hustle over harmony. This retreat is about slowing down to move forward—with intention, joy and connection.
BRANDING, MARKETING, DESIGN
Topics that We will Cover
• Brand Rootwork: What’s Your Why?
• Product & Service Clarity
• Business as a Force for Good
• Canva Basics for Content Creation
• 1:1 Branding + Website Audit
• Tips & Tricks for Social Media
• The Art of Visual Storytelling
• Connecting with your Community + Ideal Customer
• Tools, programs and platforms to boost your productivity
This retreat is for female creatives, entrepreneurs and dreamers who are ready to reconnect with their creativity, gain clarity and grow within a supportive community.
This retreat is for female creatives, entrepreneurs and dreamers who are ready to reconnect with their creativity, gain clarity and grow within a supportive community.
Although not limited to, here are some folks who would benefit greatly from the retreat:
• Any woman who is interested! If you’re intrigued, you are welcome here!
• Photographers (wedding, lifestyle, brand)
• Graphic Designers
• Brand Strategists
• Web Designers/Developers
• Content Creators
• Copywriters
• Marketing Professionals
• Creative Entrepreneurs
• Social Media Managers
• Small Business Owners
• Wellness Practitioners (yoga teachers, holistic coaches)
• Artists & Illustrators
• Private Chefs, Nutritionists, Bakers
• Bloggers & Writers
• Event Planners
• Stylists (interior, fashion, brand)
• Coaches (business, mindset, creative)
• Florists
• Jewelry Designers
• Shop Owners & Curators (online or brick-and-mortar)
• Ceramicists & Potters
• Any ladies longing for a creative spark, looking for community or simply just looking for time to unwind in the outdoorsOur inaugural event will be a three day retreat at a launch rate special of $895. The price includes: lodging (valued at approximately $600), workshops, yoga, all meals + drinks (alcohol + NA options), headshots, creative sessions, take-home goodies and access to a one-of-a-kind community.
We’re staying at the beautiful Constellation Creek property in Sierraville. You will settle in to a shared cabin with a kitchen, bathroom and shower. Each guest will have their own bed which ranges from a queen sized bed to twin sized bunk. (At this time we cannot take requests for specific bed sizes unless it is for accessibility reasons.)
To launch, we will included two spots for a private cabin, includes one queen size bed, at $1200 each. Why the high price? By offering private accommodations we limit the number of guests + staff we can host and also encourage you to share a cabin with a new friend. :)Yes! You’ll have the option to pay in full at a discounted rate or pay half upfront and half the day before the retreat.
All sales are final due to the intimate nature of the event. However, you’re welcome to transfer your spot to someone else if you can no longer attend.
BEYOND BUSINESS
Plein Air Pines
An exclusive outdoor painting workshop led by Truckee-based artist Valerie Lanthier (@valeriestyle_art). Valerie is a Plein Air painter based in Truckee. Her work often depicts women in moments of quiet reflection. By painting outdoors, she practices the art of staying present in an increasingly noisy world. You can find her work at @mountainartscollective in Downtown Truckee, or through her instagram @valeriestyle_art
Creekside Yoga
A dynamic, soulful experiences crafted by Kellee Rich, E-RYT, YACEP, and founder of Wild Soul Events. Through mindfulness practices, gentle movement, and outdoor exploration, Kellee will help you reconnect with your body, your spirit, and the natural world — giving you the clarity and inspiration to fuel your next creative chapter.
Sierra Buttes
We’ll close the retreat with an optional special send-off adventure to one of the most stunning places in the Lost Sierra. Crystal-clear waters, towering granite peaks, and that wild, soul-stirring feeling you only get deep in nature — the perfect place to soak in everything you’ve experienced before heading home.
So what will I get at HOEM?
A few valuable experiences and
assets you will receive:
• A stay at the beautiful Constellation Creek in Sierraville, CA (minutes away from Truckee)
• 1:1 website and brand audit
• Personal headshot session with Holly Shankland Photography + access to retreat photos (social media content for months!)
• Professional Branding & Photography Workshops
• Two creekside yoga classes taught by Kelly of Mountain Lotus Yoga in Truckee
• Time to RELAX and connect with other women from around the United States
• All meals prepared on-site
• All attendees will receive $500 off any future booking with Holly Shankland Photography and Locals Creative
• Much, much more!
Schedule at
a Glance
MAY 27
Arrive in the afternoon, settle into your space, and ease into retreat mode. We’ll gather for welcome drinks, a group meal, campfire talks and a grounding conversation to set intentions for our time together.
MAY 28
Start the day with gentle movement through a guided yoga session and nourishing food, followed by workshops focused on photography, branding and intentional storytelling. The afternoon invites hands-on creativity and quiet reflection. We’ll end with a golden hour portrait session, a cozy community dinner and a campfire under the stars.
MAY 29
We’ll ease into our final morning with movement, reflection and meaningful conversation. Before we part ways, you’ll leave with new tools, connections and a heart full of inspiration to carry forward.
AFTER
The magic doesn’t end when we pack up. After the retreat, you’ll receive a beautiful digital takeaway filled with workshop highlights, your new headshots and lifestyle photos and other creative tools to support your growth. We’ll also stay connected with our retreat community through follow-up conversations and future HOEM gatherings. This isn’t just a weekend away—it’s the beginning of something lasting.
Our Founders
Founded by two friends and fellow creatives, Holly & Em have a long history collaborating together, hosting events and working together through client projects, climate action efforts and more.
Co-Founder, Photographer
Holly Shankland
Meet Holly Shankland— a Truckee-based photographer who captures moments of love and adventure.
With 17 years behind the lens, dating back to her darkroom days in high school, photography remains her greatest passion. When she’s not shooting, you’ll likely find her chasing snow, hanging with her dog Harper, listening to bluegrass, or planning her next big adventure.
Holly is also deeply passionate about helping creatives and entrepreneurs build authentic brands and show up confidently as themselves.
Co-Founder, Designer
Em Deane Kelley
Meet Em Deane Kelley, a graphic designer and the proud female business owner of Locals Creative—a boutique creative agency.
Outside of the office, she can often be found road-tripping with her dog and husband, mountain biking, enjoying bluegrass shows with friends, or relaxing by a campfire with family.
Through her work, Em uses her business as a platform to advocate for community causes, environmental protection, and human rights. With the outdoors engrained in her DNA, she strives to inspire those around her to speak up and protect the places they love most.
