THE LUXURY CALLIGRAPHER RETREAT
Connect. Relax. Inspire. Elevate.
OCTOBER 20-23, 2025
Welcome to the Luxury Calligraphy Retreat, the ultimate getaway for calligraphy business owners and professionals like you. Join us for a transformative experience where you'll learn from experts, prioritize self-care, connect with fellow calligraphers, and elevate your brand and mindset.
2025 RETREAT SOLD OUT!
DETAILS:
Join us for an intimate retreat for 4 days and 3 nights in Austin, Texas. We’ll be staying at a gorgeous private property in the Hill Country with plenty of space to relax, learn, and connect.
DATE: October 20-23, 2025
LOCATION: Austin, Texas
INCLUDED: Lodging, meals, education, creative workshop, experiences, professional headshots, & more
AVAILABILITY: 12 Spots
INVESTMENT: $2,500*
*$800 non refundable deposit required. Payment plans available. See FAQ below for more details.
2025 application is now CLOSED.
This retreat is for established business in the live event industry. What does that mean?
YOU MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING TO APPLY & BE APPROVED:
email address
website
currently provide onsite calligraphy and/or engraving services
Worked with at least 1 brand or client onsite
Have been in business for AT LEAST 1 year
For 2025, we are also requiring calligraphers to have an introduction to engraving as we will be learning advanced engraving techniques in our skills workshop.
If you don't not meet these qualifications, you will not be approved for this year's retreat, but please be on the look out for future retreats and events!
ACCOMMODATIONS
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Retreat guests will stay together in a beautiful, thoughtfully curated private property/villa in the Austin, TX area. Each room will be shared with 2–3 guests, and every attendee will have their own cozy, premium-quality bed. This shared space creates a warm, welcoming environment that fosters connection and community — many past attendees have left with lasting friendships and collaborations. From stunning interiors to serene spaces for rest and recharge, the home is designed to support both relaxation and inspiration throughout your retreat experience.
2025 LODGING TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
WHAT TO EXPECT
ULTIMATE RELAXATION
Indulge in ultimate relaxation by unwinding in the sparkling pool, soothing hot tub, and fire pit, creating a perfect environment to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. Yes, please!
ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS
Learn from our guest speakers, leading industry experts, who will share invaluable insights and strategies on how to effectively elevate your brand and accelerate the growth of your businesses.
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
Refine your calligraphy skills and indulge in creative workshops led by our esteemed instructors. You often create art for your client…now it’s time to create for you.
PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS
Each attendee will have headshots taken by our professional photographer to use for your website, social media, & branding.
DELICIOUS MEALS
Did someone say good food & dinner party? You will never go hungry at the retreat and will be provided with a decadent array of mouthwatering meals throughout your stay. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & snacks are all included.
CONNECTION
One of the most powerful parts of the retreat is the relationships you'll build. You'll connect with like-minded calligraphers who truly understand your world. This is your space to be seen, supported, and inspired.
MEET YOUR HOST
DR. AMANDA REID, PT, DPT
Amanda Reid is a modern calligrapher, workshop instructor and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She specializes in providing calligraphy and engraving services for luxury events and brands. Amanda is also the founder of Calligraphers of Color, an inclusive online community that provides resources for and highlights minority calligraphers and their businesses. Amanda truly believes that calligraphy is a form of self care, and is excited to share her background as a Physical Therapist and calligrapher at this retreat.
2025 GUEST SPEAKERS
PATRICE NGANG, OTR\L, MOT, CLT - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Patrice Ngang (uhN-gAh-ng), OTR/L, MOT, CLT is the owner and primary therapist at Vibrant Living Lymphatics and Cancer Rehabilitation in Austin, Texas. As a Licensed Occupational Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Patrice is passionate about helping individuals take control of their health through personalized lymphatic care and rehabilitation. She is especially dedicated to serving the lymphedema community and supporting breast cancer survivors, who are greatly affected by lymphatic challenges.
LUIS PENA
CALLIGRAPHY ARTIST, SKILLS SPEAKER
Luis G Peña is a Mexican-American artist living and working in Austin, Texas. His work is a reflection of his strong sense of respect for the majesty of the animal kingdom and connection to his Mexican heritage. He also works as a calligrapher and you can see his delicate hand in the intricacy of his art. "You can do this" is a phrase that has been repeated often to Luis. With encouragement from his peers and loving wife, he has embraced his passion for scratch art and found his unique perspective within the medium. His journey has led him to join the International Society of Scratchboard Artists and his work "Rabam" and "Foxbit" has gained recognition through the 9th & 10th Annual International Scratchboard Exhibits.
AMANDA SHUMAN
FOUNDER & CEO, CARRYLOVE DESIGNS
Amanda Shuman is a speaker, podcast host, award-winning designer, marketing strategist, and founder of Carrylove Designs—an agency specializing in strategic branding for B2C companies in luxury service and boutique product industries. She and her team craft brands that do more than stand out—they elevate. Her work has helped clients attract high-value audiences, grow their revenue, and hit bold new milestones with confidence. Based in Texas, Amanda is fueled by life’s little luxuries, traveling with her husband and two kids, and finding inspiration wherever she goes.
SYLVIA WONG
DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR, CALLIGRAPHY ARTIST, INSTRUCTOR
Sylvia is a Toronto-based artist known for her modern calligraphy and elevated event experiences. Through her brand Via Calligraphy, she brings luxury events to life with live engraving, hand lettering, and personalized touches that create unforgettable moments. She’s also the founder of the viral @TheJustMarriedJacket project. Her iconic wedding jacket has been worn by over 200 Toronto brides and is now making its way around the world.
With 20 years of experience as a Digital Marketing Director, Sylvia offers a rare blend of artistic talent and strategic business insight. She is the co-creator of Luxury Lettering 101, teaches online courses, and offers coaching for artists who want to break into the world of live events and build thriving creative businesses. Her deep understanding of branding and audience-building sets her apart; both as a working artist and as a mentor to others in the industry.
PLANNER PANEL
LAUREN CHUMBLEY
PLANNER, ECLIPSE EVENT CO
Lauren is a proud San Antonio native (Go Spurs Go!), a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ’Em!), twin mom, and dedicated Bravo historian. With nearly two decades of experience in the wedding industry, she still finds genuine joy in every step of the planning process—from mood boards and spreadsheets to planning meetings and the big day itself. For Lauren, creating a fun and seamless experience for her couples is just as important as the final result. Outside of weddings, she’s committed to serving her community as an active member of the Junior League of Austin and in a leadership role with the International Live Events Association. And when she’s not planning events or chasing toddlers, she’s most likely chasing Inbox Zero (and actually enjoying it).
CASSIE LAMERE
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, CASSIE LAMERE EVENTS
Cassie LaMere is a sought-after authority in luxury event production, known for orchestrating some of the most captivating and conceptually immersive celebrations across the globe. As the Founder and Creative Director of Cassie LaMere Events, she is redefining the future of experiential hospitality. Cassie’s distinctive signature lies in her ability to blend refined aesthetics with deeply personalized storytelling. Her events are never “produced”—they’re curated— and infused with layered intention, striking beauty, and artful ease.
LAHOMA DADE
OWNER, SENIOR EVENT PLANNER, EVENTS UNLEASHED
An award-winning entrepreneur, Lahoma Dade has always believed in lifting others and leading them to success. She ensures success at every step thanks to a multi-pronged game plan she has cultivated throughout her career, spanning operational management at a startup, event planning, and over a decade in the banking and finance industry. The CEO of Events Unleashed, a luxury-boutique event planning and consulting firm headquartered in Austin, Texas, Lahoma, dedicates much of her time to working with marginalized and under-represented communities. Lahoma has a hand in making moments and movements happen, from experiential events and cultural weddings to large-scale fundraisers.
SHELBY KIRCHNER
FOUNDER, HEAD PLANNER, PLAN ON IT EVENTS & DESIGN
Shelby is the owner and head planner of Plan On It Events & Design. Founded in 2018, we focus on creating guest experience focused, full weekend wedding events for our clients. Shelby and her team of planners are passionate, honest, and joyful partners in the planning process for our clients and vendors alike. We pride ourselves on being enjoyable to work with, all while handling the high pressure energy of an event day with professionalism and grace.
2025 RETREAT IS SOLD OUT!
FAQs
Q: Who is this retreat designed for?
A: This retreat is specifically designed for calligraphy business owners who want to enhance their skills, elevate their brand, and cultivate a growth mindset. It is an exclusive opportunity to learn from experts, prioritize self-care, and connect with like-minded professionals in the luxury calligraphy industry.
This retreat is for Women only at this time.
Q: Are there any prerequisites or skill levels required to attend the retreat?
A: The luxury calligrapher retreat is specifically designed for calligraphers with an established business for at least 1 year who are looking to take their skills and brand to the next level. It is not suitable for beginners as the workshops and sessions will dive into advanced techniques, business strategies, and mindset development tailored to those who already have a solid foundation in calligraphy and an existing business. This ensures that participants can make the most of the retreat and further enhance their expertise.
Q: What are the sleeping arrangements?
A: We will be staying at a private property with luxury accommodations. Rooms are shared with 2–3 retreat guests per room, and each guest will have their own individual bed with premium-quality bedding (no air mattresses here!). We intentionally structure the retreat this way to create a deeper sense of connection, community, and support. Sharing a space invites conversation, late-night laughs, and the kind of friendships that extend long after the retreat ends. Past attendees have left with not only new skills, but with new creative besties for life.
Q: What is the COST of the Luxury Calligrapher Retreat?
A: The cost of the luxury calligrapher retreat is $2,500, which covers all expenses including accommodation, meals, education, workshop materials, group outing, professional headshots, and expert guidance from our featured speakers.
Flights and transportation to our private property are NOT included.
Q: Is there a payment plan available for the retreat?
A: YES!, we offer a convenient payment plan for your ease and flexibility.
To secure your spot at the luxury calligrapher retreat, a non-refundable deposit of $800 is required or you can pay in full. If choosing the payment plan, after making the deposit, the remaining balance is split into two equal payments of $850.
Q: Is there a refund policy in case I am unable to attend the retreat?
A: Due to the nature of planning for the luxury calligrapher retreat and the limited space available, refunds are not available. However, if you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another eligible attendee. Please note that deposits are non-refundable. In exceptional cases where cancellation is unavoidable, requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and we will do our best to accommodate such situations within reason. Please reach out to our support team for further assistance and to discuss your specific circumstances.
Q: Who can I contact if I have more questions about the retreat?
A: Please email hello@amandareiddesigns.com for any questions not answered or addressed on this website, social media, or FAQ. Also check out the Luxury Calligrapher Instagram page for more updates.
Follow @theLuxuryCalligrapherRetreat on Instagram
