MARCH 11-13, 2027
– DAHLONEGA, GEORGIA –
A weekend designed to awaken creativity. nurture connection, and inspire your next chapter
Heather Davis
Create Your Own Cozy
Lea Anne Thomas
Small Gestures Vintage & Crafts
Kristen Reed
Simply Joy by Kristen
3-Day Creative Retreat
10+ Hours of Creative Sessions
All project supplies included
Curated swag bag
personalized attendee gift
private shopping event at Angry Mama's Antiques & Interiors
Three Hosted Meals (Not all meals are provided)
Coffee, refreshments & Snack Bar
Accommodations available on site (not included in ticket)
additional lodging available next door at holiday inn express
small group experience for meaningful connection
27 on Park
27 S Park St, Dahlonega, GA 30533
Heather Davis
Create Your Own Cozy
Heather Davis is the owner and artist behind Create Your Own Cozy. What began as a much-needed creative outlet after feeling like she had lost herself in the season of being a stay-at-home mom slowly became a mission: creating a cozy home and helping others see beauty and possibility in what already exists.
On her YouTube channel, Heather brings unwanted thrifted pieces back to life—giving them a redemption story and transforming them into curated treasures that reflect her signature cozy style.
For Heather, upcycling furniture is creative therapy, and room makeovers are the kind of weekend projects that leave her feeling inspired and refreshed.
That creative outlet grew into a small business in March 2022 when she opened her very first vendor booth. Today, she sells her thrifted and upcycled finds alongside DIY Paint Co., Iron Orchid Designs (IOD), Sweet Pickins Milk Paint, and Connie Lines and Designs products.
Launching her website and expanding into a second and third booth allowed Create Your Own Cozy to continue growing and create even more opportunities to share creativity, restoration, and curated finds with others.
For over a year, Heather has also coached small business owners—helping creatives find greater balance, intention, and sustainability within their businesses while building lives they truly enjoy.
This past year, she launched Cozy & Joy Creative Community alongside Kristen from Simply Joy by Kristen—creating a space designed to nurture connection, creativity, encouragement, and growth. Together they have built a creative community that continues to breathe life, inspiration, and meaningful connection into the lives of women pursuing creative dreams.
Behind it all is Heather’s greatest support system—her husband, Brett, and their three daughters, who are often part of the journey through booth trips, pricing days, creative brainstorming, and appearances in videos. And of course, there’s Henry—the sweet family dog who never strays far from his mama… or the camera.
Creating cozy. Restoring beauty. Cultivating creativity.
#cyoc
Lea Anne Thomas
Small Gestures Vintage & Crafts
Lea Anne Thomas is the owner and creative force behind Small Gestures Vintage & Crafts, where she transforms thrifted and vintage finds into beautiful, one-of-a-kind home décor while inspiring others to embrace creativity in their own lives.
What began with opening her first vintage booth in 2023 quickly grew into a thriving creative business. In 2024, Lea Anne launched her YouTube channel, where she shares upcycling tutorials, creative inspiration, and the joy of giving forgotten treasures new life. In 2025, she expanded her reach by launching her website, creating a space to connect with fellow creatives and offer curated vintage finds, handcrafted décor, and creative resources.
In addition to selling her thrifted and upcycled creations, Lea Anne is proud to be a stockist for Sweet Pickins Milk Paint and Connie Lines & Designs, sharing products she loves and uses in her own creative work.
Known for her warm, encouraging teaching style, Lea Anne believes creativity is about more than making beautiful things—it’s about connection, self-expression, and finding joy in the process. Through her YouTube channel, online community, and now The CREATE Retreat, she helps others build confidence, explore their creativity, and discover the fulfillment that comes from creating with their hands.
As a co-host of The CREATE Retreat, Lea Anne is excited to welcome fellow creatives into a space designed for inspiration, meaningful connection, and creative renewal.
Kristen Reed
Simly Joy By Kristen
Kristen Reed’s story has had quite a journey, just like most stories go • once a small town math teacher in Minnesota to now the creative behind “Simply Joy By Kristen” in the big city of Philadelphia.
The chapter of “Simply Joy By Kristen” begins to unfold one late night in Colorado as Kristen rocked her baby niece as they watched a creative on YouTube & a voice inside said “I can do that too”. Soon after, Eddie, her husband began helping her find thrift shops in the Philadelphia area & encouraging her creativity.
A fun little tidbit is every year on Kristen’s birthday her husband, Eddie, creates a THEMED thrifting scavenger hunt • Eddie has been Kristen’s biggest cheerleader from Day 1 of “Simply Joy By Kristen”!!!
It would be almost two years later before the dream of having a booth would be fulfilled in the most unexpected way • little did Kristen know a personal challenge she gave herself of creating as many projects from one piece of Roycycled Paper & a single photo of the vignette would make it possible & result in a same day offer of a spot in the shop.
Fast forward to July 9, 2024 to yet another surreal moment, where Kristen finally hugged a friend, Heather, after knowing her for over two years in an online creative community. The hug was described as “hugging a friend I hadn’t seen in a while” & the connection, friendship and accountability only grew from there!
Then more dreaming for Kristen & Heather and in January 2026, they began the next endeavor as co-leader of “Cozy & Joy” • a creative community with a side of business. It was a full circle moment for Kristen as once upon a time, she followed Heather on YT & one particular video spoke so deeply in her soul, it still shapes her to this day and now, having the opportunity to inspire creative women alongside Heather is truly a dream come true!
Kristen has many creative passions from upcyclying, mix media, art/junk journaling & creating miniature scenes. More than any of her creative loves, Kristen has a heart to inspire creativity through joy, encourage creative health & creative play and create a place where creative women are seen!!!
Kristen is so excited to team up with LeaAnne and Heather for The CREATE Retreat • a place to be inspired, belong & take care of your creative soul!!!
Special Early Bird
Pricing through June!
$685
For a Limited time $585
Sample Retreat Itinerary
The final retreat schedule will be shared with registered attendees closer to the event. This sample itinerary gives you an idea of the flow of the weekend, including creative sessions, connection time, shopping, meals, and space to enjoy Dahlonega.
Arrival + Welcome
Check in, settle in, and begin the retreat.
1:00 PM Check-In Begins
Arrive in beautiful Dahlonega, check in, get settled, and take a little time to explore or relax before the retreat officially begins.
3:00 PM Retreat Begins
We will gather together for a warm welcome, introductions, and an overview of the retreat weekend.
Opening Creative Session
Ease into the weekend with your first hands-on creative project designed to help you relax, connect, and start creating right away.
Welcome Gathering
Enjoy time with fellow attendees as we kick off the retreat in a cozy, casual, and connection-focused setting.
Evening Connection Time
Wind down with conversation, creative inspiration, and time to get to know the women you will be creating alongside throughout the retreat.
Full Day of Creating
A full retreat day of projects, inspiration, and connection.
Morning Coffee + Refreshments
Start the day with coffee, light refreshments, and time to settle in before the first creative session of the day.
Morning Creative Workshop
Dive into a guided creative project featuring hands-on techniques, creative inspiration, and support from your retreat hosts.
Lunch Break on Your Own
Take time to enjoy lunch on your own, explore nearby options, or relax before the afternoon session.
Lunch is not provided.Afternoon Creative Session
Continue the creative fun with another project or technique-based session designed to inspire your own style and creativity.
Shopping + Inspiration Time
Enjoy time to browse, gather ideas, explore Dahlonega, or connect with other attendees between creative sessions.
Evening Free Time
Enjoy dinner on your own, relax at your lodging, or spend more time connecting with new creative friends.
Create + Celebrate
A full day of creativity, finishing touches, and celebration.
Morning Coffee + Refreshments
Ease into the day with coffee, light refreshments, and time to gather before another full day of creating.
Morning Creative Session
Begin the day with a guided creative session focused on hands-on techniques, inspiration, and making something beautiful.
Lunch Break on Your Own
Enjoy a midday break for lunch on your own before returning for the afternoon retreat activities.
Lunch is not provided.Afternoon Creative Workshop
Complete additional retreat projects, add finishing touches, and enjoy more creative time with the group.
Creative Show + Share
Celebrate what you created, share your favorite moments from the retreat, and take photos of your finished pieces.
Saturday Night Pizza Party
Gather for a casual pizza party at the house across the street from the retreat location. It is the perfect way to relax, celebrate, and connect before the weekend wraps up.
What are the start and end times of the event?
need to include
Is lodging included
No, lodging is not included with your retreat ticket. However, there are conveniently located accommodations available on site, as well as additional lodging nearby at the Holiday Inn Express.
Do I need any experience to attend?
No experience is needed. The CREATE Retreat is designed for creatives who want to be inspired, connect with others, and enjoy hands-on creative time in a welcoming environment. Whether you are brand new to creating or already love upcycling, mixed media, vintage décor, or DIY projects, you are welcome.
What should I bring with me?
All project supplies are included, so you do not need to bring supplies for the scheduled creative sessions. You may want to bring comfortable clothing, spending money for the private shopping event at Angry Mama’s Antiques & Interiors, any personal items you need for the weekend, and anything you like to have with you while creating, such as an apron or favorite basic tool.
Make sure to pack for Georgia March weather.
Will supplies be provided?
Yes. All project supplies for the creative sessions are included with your retreat ticket. The retreat also includes a curated swag bag and a personalized attendee gift.
Can I bring my own supplies?
You do not need to bring your own supplies for the scheduled projects, but you are welcome to bring any favorite basic tools or personal creative items that make you feel comfortable while creating. Please keep in mind that all planned project supplies will already be provided.
Can I attend with a friend?
Absolutely! While many women attend creative retreats on their own, and this event is designed to be welcoming, encouraging, and connection-focused for all, you can absolutely bring a friend. The CREATE Retreat is intentionally a small group experience so attendees can enjoy meaningful connection throughout the weekend. If you would like to bring a friend, just have them purchase their ticket to attend with you.
Is there an age requirement?
The CREATE Retreat is designed for adult attendees. If you have a specific age-related question, please contact the retreat hosts before registering.
Will food or drinks be provided?
Yes. Your retreat ticket includes three hosted meals, coffee, refreshments, and a snack bar. Please note that not all meals are provided, so attendees should plan for any additional meals during the weekend.
Where is the event located?
The CREATE Retreat will be held in Dahlonega, Georgia, at 27 on Park, located at 27 S Park St, Dahlonega, GA 30533.
What are the closest airports?
The closest major airport option is typically Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Dahlonega is located about one hour north of Atlanta, and airport-distance sources place ATL roughly 67–75 miles from Dahlonega depending on the route/reference.
Other airport options may include Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, Athens-Ben Epps Airport, and Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport, but Atlanta is usually the most common choice for travelers flying into the area.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
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Which meals are included and which meals are not?
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How do I book lodging?
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Will transportation be provided?
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Is everything within walking distance?
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Is this event only for business owners or creative sellers?
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What is the private shopping event?
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Will photos or videos be taken?
Photos and/or videos may be taken during the retreat for event memories, social media, or promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please let the hosts know when you submit your event form.
What is the refund policy
Who do I contact if i have more questions?
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