231,865 HAPPY STUDENTS
Bloom: Digital Nomad Program
An all-inclusive 8-day retreat in Popoyo, Nicaragua, where you’ll design your ideal life, market your skills, and build a business that lets you work from anywhere.
FEBRUARY 2025
Bloom: A retreat for breaking free from 9-to-5 and thriving as a location-independent entrepreneur.
At Bloom, immerse yourself in the digital nomad lifestyle while unlocking your creative and business potential. Start your days with yoga, dive into sessions on branding, marketing, and strategy, and embrace tailored mentoring—all in a stunning setting that inspires freedom and adventure.
Empower Your Creative Business
Automate routine tasks and focus on high-value creative activities. Enhance your ability to enter a flow state, where your creativity can truly flourish.
Develop Actionable Strategies
Focus on creating actionable, practical strategies that can be implemented immediately to see real business results.
Experience a Holistic Curriculum
Dive deep into comprehensive sessions on branding, digital marketing, business automation, and website optimisation, designed to transform your business.
Access Exclusive Resources
Access to exclusive templates and frameworks that aren’t readily available elsewhere.
Before Bloom
After Bloom
Bloom will empower you to leave your 9-5 job behind and thrive as a successful creative freelancer
The Bloom Blueprint is divided into seven sections, each designed to supercharge your creative business and help you transition from a 9-5 job to a life filled with adventure and freedom.
Design your offer
- Create a business strategy
- Find your niche
- Create a consistent brand
- Solve problems effectively
- Discover your value
Increase your value
- Understand value
- Map your finances
- Create a pricing strategy
- Increase your value
- Work less and charge more
- Handle payments correctly
Market effectively
- Create a convincing portfolio
- Craft the perfect profile
- Market yourself intelligently
- Get referrals and repeat customers
Win dream clients
- Identify high-value clients
- Stand out from the competition
- Sell projects effectively
- Create fruitful relationships
- Negotiate like a pro
Maximise productivity
- Optimise your workflow
- Handle clients efficiently
- Deliver work effectively
- Create momentum & flow
Create amazing work
- Set yourself up for creative success
- Find inspiring projects
- Increase your creative output
- Receive appreciation for your work
Optimise your business
- Optimize your lifestyle
- Fine-tune your strategy
- Automate tasks
- Outsource work effectively
- Expand your business
Daily Schedule
From Arrival to Mastery: A Week of Strategic Creative Development
- 7:00 AM – Start of the day
- 7:30 AM – Participate in a yoga and meditation session to clear the mind and prepare for the day’s learning.
- 8:30 AM – Personal time to freshen up and prepare for breakfast.
- 9:00 AM – Enjoy a nutritious breakfast to fuel the day’s activities.
- 10:00 AM – Engage in focused workshops or sessions dedicated to various aspects of lifestyle, business and marketing.
- 1:00 PM – Free time to explore local attractions, relax, or engage in personal activities and review the material imparted.
- 7:00 PM – Gather for a communal dinner where participants can network, relax, and discuss the day’s learning.
DAY 1 - SUNDAY
Arrival and Orientation
- Settling In: Arrive at Managua airport, transfer to the accommodation, and get settled.
- Welcome Gathering: Enjoy a meal depending on arrival time and meet fellow participants in an introductory session.
DAY 2 - MONDAY
Design Your Path
- Dream Big Session: Envision your ideal future with guided exercises to clarify your goals and aspirations. Define your intentions to align with your digital nomad journey and set the foundation for success.
DAY 3 - TUESDAY
Mastering the Lifestyle
- Digital Nomad Workshop: Start by aligning your mindset and goals with financial success. Then, dive into creating your own remote job and income streams. Wrap up by mastering the secrets to balancing work, health, and productivity for a thriving digital nomad lifestyle.
DAY 4 - WEDNESDAY
Branding and Value
- Brand Identity Workshop: Develop your brand’s core identity, detailing mission, target audience, and unique value propositions to resonate with ideal clients.
- Brand Strategy Refinement: Refine your brand in the afternoon using peer and expert feedback, enhancing positioning and preparing for advanced applications.
DAY 5 - THURSDAY
Website
- Website Building Workshop: Guidance on structuring and refining websites to better align with brand strategies and attract ideal clients.
- Hands-On Application: Participants apply the concepts discussed to start building or revamping their websites with expert feedback.
DAY 6 - FRIDAY
Integration and Feedback
- Presentation of Projects: Each participant presents their refined projects and strategies to the group for comprehensive feedback.
- Strategic Integration and Continued Growth: Refine business strategies using feedback, integrate retreat learnings into daily practices, and plan for sustained growth with follow-up support and community engagement.
DAY 7 - SATURDAY
Celebrate Your Journey
- Reflect and Recharge: Wrap up the week with a day dedicated to relaxation and connection. Reflect on your growth, enjoy the stunning surroundings, and celebrate your progress with new friends. It’s the perfect way to recharge and embrace the freedom you’ve created.
DAY 8 - SUNDAY
Departure
- Farewell Meal: Enjoy a final breakfast with your new colleagues, exchanging contacts and sharing last impressions.
- Smooth Transitions: Coordinated airport transfers are provided, ensuring you leave with peace of mind and focus on the next steps for your business.
Build lasting connections with like-minded professionals and receive ongoing support
Immerse yourself in Bloom's inspiring environment, designed to cultivate meaningful connections with fellow aspiring digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Beyond forming lasting relationships, you’ll receive post-retreat support, personalized one-on-one guidance, and ongoing feedback. Enjoy exclusive access to our retreat community—a vibrant network offering collaboration, support, and inspiration. This extended ecosystem ensures you have the tools and community backing to thrive in your entrepreneurial journey long after the retreat ends.
Gain Expert Guidance
Led by Thomas Talavera, with over 15 years in the creative industry, providing firsthand insights and effective strategies.
Rich Networking Opportunities
Build lasting connections with other creative professionals, fostering collaboration and future partnerships.
Get Customised Feedback
Daily interactive sessions provide personalized feedback, allowing for real-time refinement and improvement of your projects.
Access Post-Retreat Support
Continue the relationship beyond the retreat with resources and guidance to implement new strategies effectively.
Learn and Relax in Nicaragua
Set on the beach in Nicaragua. The location provides the perfect backdrop for inspiration and creativity, enhancing your learning experience with breathtaking views.
The retreat takes place in La Jolla de Guasacate
Del, Astillero Road, Puente Nahualapa, Popoyo 48500
Beautiful Setting
Hosted in the incredible La Jolla de Guasacate coliving space in Popoyo, Nicaragua, the serene and inspiring location enhances the learning experience.
Comfortable Accommodations
Our amazing lodging options will provide a relaxing environment to recharge and reflect.
Exquisite Cuisine
Enjoy delicious, locally-sourced meals that cater to a variety of dietary preferences, enhancing your overall experience.
Integrated Wellness
Begin each day with yoga and meditation, promoting mental clarity and focus, essential for creativity and learning.
Accommodation
Private - One double Bed
Enjoy a big king bed, a dedicated work desk, and a private bathroom. You’ll have your balcony with a stunning view into the valley
Shared - Double Bed
Shared - One Double Bed
Why you should take this retreat?
This retreat is designed for those ready to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in their creative endeavors. Participants will achieve a comprehensive integrated marketing setup, including unique branding, strategic pricing, enhanced portfolios, and streamlined marketing and automation processes. This exclusive retreat ensures every aspect of your business is finely tuned and aligned for success, making it the only one of its kind.
What we'll help you'll achieve
CONNECT WITH A CREATIVE COMMUNITY
CREATE A BRAND THAT HELPS YOU GROW QUICKLY
GET JOBS ONLINE
Create an outstanding portfolio
FIND MEANING IN YOUR WORK
CREATE AN OPTIMUM PRICING STRATEGY
CREATE A WEBSITE THAT AUTOMATES YOUR BUSINESS
CREATE YOUR IDEAL LIFESTYLE
GET PROJECTS YOU LOVE
Who is Bloom Retreat for?
This retreat focuses on creative freelancers, entrepreneurs or anyone who wants to leave 9-5 behind
Graphic Designers
Website Designers
Illustrators
Photographers
UX/UI Designers
WRITERS
Our Team
Dedicated support for an unparalleled retreat experience.
Thomas Talavera
Retreat Leader
As the main instructor and the creative force behind Start Loaded, Thomas brings his extensive expertise in digital design and marketing to lead the educational components of the retreat. His insights and personal journey as a digital nomad and entrepreneur will be central to the curriculum.
Assistant
The assistant’s role is to ensure that your experience at the retreat runs smoothly from start to finish. They help manage daily logistics, coordinate activities, and provide general support to enhance your stay, allowing you to focus fully on your learning and development.
Mentor
Mentors provide tailored assistance and deep-dive mentoring tailored to each participant’s business needs. This role is critical for translating the retreat’s teachings into actionable strategies, offering one-on-one consultations and targeted advice to help you effectively implement new techniques within your business.
Cook
Our in-house cook will provide nutritious and delicious meals crafted to keep you energized throughout the day. All dietary preferences will be catered to, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for everyone.
Cleaner
A dedicated cleaner will maintain the cleanliness and comfort of our accommodations and location, creating a tidy and inviting environment for you to relax and recharge.
Driver
A professional driver will handle all transfers to and from the airport, as well as any required transportation during the retreat, ensuring your journeys are comfortable and stress-free.
I'm Thomas Talavera, co-retreat leader
I founded Start Loaded to help freelancers create more freedom. Start Loaded helps you work less, charge more and increase your value as a freelancer.
With nearly two decades of freelancing experience and over eight years as a digital nomad, I’ve dedicated my career to empowering creatives and businesses worldwide. Through Start Loaded, I’ve helped freelancers work smarter, earn more, and achieve true freedom. My book Laid Back Freelancing, top-rated courses, and masterclasses have guided over 200,000 students toward building thriving businesses and designing lives on their terms.
At Atravela, my marketing agency, we’ve partnered with over 200 brands, including BBC and TEDx, and helped 20 startups raise over $24M. Guided by our motto, “Simplicity Empowers,” we specialise in transforming businesses from the ground up, delivering digital solutions that simplify and elevate operations globally.
Bloom is the culmination of everything I’ve learned, packaged into an all-inclusive retreat designed to help you unlock meaningful productivity and freedom. Drawing on the lessons of my career, it’s more than just a retreat—it’s an opportunity to gain the tools, strategies, and community needed to work less, charge more, and make impactful decisions with confidence.
Join us at Bloom to break free from the mundane, embrace exceptional creativity, and build a life of freedom and adventure. Together, we’ll transform your creative and professional journey into one of purpose, growth, and lasting success.
We'll personally help you complete our ready made assets so that you're running to your full potential in no time!
We have hundreds of templates, worksheets, eBooks, manuals and many other helpful tools
Exactly what's included
PERSONALIZED SESSIONS
Dedicated mentoring sessions tailored to individual business needs, including customized action plans and responsive problem-solving support, accessible during and after the retreat.
PRE-RECORDED MATERIAL
35 pre-recorded videos with more than 6 hours of content that can be accessed at any time.
Physical Copy of "Laid Back Freelancing"
Every participant will receive a physical copy of this essential guidebook, which covers key strategies and insights for thriving as a freelancer.
DOWNLOADABLE ASSETS
More than 100 assets created specifically to superpower your journey as a creative freelancer.
iNTEGRATED MARKETING SETUP
Participants will leave the retreat with a fully integrated marketing setup, including unique branding, strategic pricing, enhanced portfolios, and streamlined marketing and automation processes, all tailored to boost their creative businesses.
COMMUNITY ACCESS
Join an engaged and supportive community of past and present Flow Retreat attendees. This network serves as a valuable resource for collaboration, support, and networking, available only to members of the Flow family.
What to Bring
Essentials for a Productive and Comfortable Stay
Preparing for your stay at Flow involves packing both essentials and a few extras to ensure you are comfortable and can fully engage with the retreat’s activities. Here’s a list of recommended items to bring along:
Laptop and Chargers: Essential for participating in workshops and accessing digital resources. Ensure your laptop is equipped with all necessary software and that you bring any associated chargers.
Notebooks and Writing Instruments: For taking notes during sessions and jotting down insights as you engage with mentors and peers.
Business Documents: Bring relevant materials such as your business plan, any branding elements (logos, color schemes), current marketing materials, and other documents that will aid in your learning and consultations.
Comfortable Clothing: Pack clothes suitable for a variety of activities, including indoor sessions and outdoor excursions. Include comfortable shoes for walking or hiking, and casual business attire for meetings and presentations.
Yoga and Exercise Gear: As daily yoga and meditation are part of the retreat, bring appropriate attire to participate comfortably in these activities.
Personal Health Items: Include any medications, supplements, and personal hygiene products you use regularly, ensuring you stay healthy and comfortable throughout your stay.
Travel Essentials: Depending on your country of origin, you may need a passport, travel insurance, and appropriate visas.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against the sun during outdoor activities.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially important in warmer climates or during outdoor activity.
What our students loved the most
“For someone looking to abandon the 9-5, this has been an amazing overview of how to leave the office behind and start the digital nomad lifestyle. Really clear presentation and delivery.”
Rory Forsyth, Marketeer
“Thomas shows his passion in everything he’s doing, Thomas teach us in this course all the things that college doesn’t teach us, so as a student you feel the motivation and you’ll stop being afraid of making the first move, the knowledge he’s been acquiring during his time working in the industry is totally worth it. Do you wanna learn to be your own boss? Do you wanna enjoy your life by working hard and at the same time being in another country that suits you? Then this course is totally worth it!”
Christian Santos, Designer
“Easy to follow and full of great information! Fantastic value for money and will only allow me to keep growing, thanks Thomas!”
Sam Evans, Online Teacher
“The course helped me present better to clients, it motivated me to update my portfolio the right way. This incredible course has revolutionised the way I work, giving me peace of mind on the road due to the fact that I have all the right tools in place. A must for anyone that wants to become a digital nomad.”
Ghazal Amini, Architect
Why Start Loaded?
We're experienced freelancers
We take creativity very seriously and want to share all the knowledge we’ve gained throughout the years. We want you to grow and perfect your trade whilst having more freedom.
We've taught more than 200,000 students
We're experienced teachers that have developed many courses and programs that have helped tons of students around the world.
We're passionate about creating freedom
This is our motto, creating a life of adventure, freedom and creativity is what we live for.
Program FAQ's
What is Bloom Retreat?
Bloom Retreat is a 8-day retreat designed for creative freelancers, solopreneurs, and small agency owners to enhance their business practices, learn new strategies, and connect with peers in a serene setting.
Who should attend the Flow Retreat?
Creative professionals looking to expand their network, streamline their operations, and enhance their branding and marketing strategies.
Where is the retreat located?
The retreat takes place in Popoyo, Nicaragua, known for its beautiful landscapes and tranquil environment.
Do I need a visa to attend the retreat in Nicaragua?
To enter Nicaragua, travelers generally need a visa, although the requirements can vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Here’s a general overview of the visa requirements for Nicaragua:
- Tourist Visas: Many travelers, including those from the United States, Canada, and European Union countries, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Instead, they must purchase a tourist card upon arrival, which costs around $10 USD.
- Visa Exemptions: Citizens from certain countries can enter Nicaragua without a visa for short stays. This list includes, but is not limited to, the US, Canada, and most European countries.
- Tourist Card: For those nationalities that are exempt from visa requirements, a tourist card is needed instead and can be obtained at the airport or other entry points.
What airport should I fly into?
To attend the Flow Retreat, you will need to fly into Managua International Airport (MGA), the primary international gateway serving Managua, Nicaragua. Here’s a guide on how to effectively plan your travel:
How to Fly to Managua International Airport for Flow Retreat
- Booking Your Flight:
- Major Airlines: Managua International Airport is accessible by several major airlines, including United Airlines, which offers flights from over 200 airports within the United States and an additional 100 airports internationally. Other popular airlines include Copa Airlines, Avianca, and Spirit Airlines.
- Best Prices: For the most economical fares, consider booking your flights from major hubs such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Houston. These cities often offer the most competitive rates and direct flight options.
- Arrival Times:
- To make the most of the provided airport shuttle service, try to schedule your flight to arrive between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM on the start date of the retreat. This timing ensures that you can take advantage of the included transportation without additional waiting.
- Departure Times:
- When booking your return flight, opt for a departure time after 11 AM on the final day of the retreat. This scheduling allows for a relaxed departure and ample time to reach the airport from the retreat venue.
- Airport Facilities:
- Managua International Airport is equipped with the necessary amenities to provide comfort and convenience. It operates 24 hours and includes services such as dining options, currency exchange, and car rental agencies.
- Transportation to the Retreat:
- The retreat package includes a shuttle service from Managua International Airport to the retreat location. Details about the meeting point and shuttle schedule will be provided prior to your arrival.
- Local Travel Tips:
- If you plan to arrive early or extend your stay in Nicaragua, consider exploring local attractions such as Masaya Volcano or the historic city of Granada. Local transportation options include taxis and buses, but for ease and safety, pre-arranged tours or private car hires are recommended.
By planning your flight to Managua with these details in mind, you can ensure a smooth start to your transformational experience at the Flow Retreat. Remember to monitor flight availability and book early to secure the best rates and schedules.
Are airport transfers included in the retreat package?
Yes, we provide airport transfers to and from Managua International Airport on the first and last day of the retreat.
What type of accommodation is provided?
Participants will stay in a private or shared room.
Can I choose who I room with if I am attending with a friend or partner?
Yes, you can request to room with a specific person when you register for the retreat.
Are the accommodations safe and secure?
Yes, we ensure that all accommodations are secure, with staff available 24/7 for any needs or emergencies.
What meals are included in the retreat?
We provide 2 main meals during the retreat: breakfast and dinner. There will be access to unlimited snacks, coffee, tea, and water.
Can the retreat accommodate special dietary requirements?
Absolutely, we can cater to various dietary needs such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-specific meals. Please inform us in advance.
Who prepares the meals at the retreat?
Meals are prepared by professional cooks specializing in a variety of nutritious and delicious cuisines.
What topics are covered during the retreat?
The retreat covers topics such as branding, digital marketing, business automation, and client acquisition strategies.
Is there a fixed schedule, or can I choose sessions to attend?
The retreat has a structured schedule designed to cover all essential topics comprehensively, with some optional sessions available.
How much free time will I have during the retreat?
Each day includes scheduled free time in the afternoon for relaxation or exploring the local area.
What is the cost to attend Flow Retreat?
We still don’t have a cost estimate, but once you join the waitlist you’ll be the first to know.
What is included in the cost of the retreat?
The price includes all sessions, materials, accommodation, meals, and scheduled transfer services.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made up to 30 days before the start date will receive a 50% refund. Details and conditions are provided at the time of booking.
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Aside from personal shopping and optional activities outside of the retreat schedule and flights to and from Nicaragua, there are no additional mandatory costs.
What health and safety measures are in place at the retreat?
We follow all local health guidelines, including sanitation, and ensuring access to medical services.
Is travel insurance required to attend?
While not mandatory, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your peace of mind and to cover any unexpected situations.
What kind of medical facilities are available near the retreat location?
The retreat location is near medical facilities that can handle common medical situations. More comprehensive medical services are available in Managua.
What should I bring with me to the retreat?
It is essential to bring a laptop, chargers, documents, casual attire, personal items, and any specific tools you use for your business.
Will Wi-Fi be available at the retreat location?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the accommodations and main retreat areas.
Who can I contact for support during the retreat?
Our dedicated staff, including a personal assistant and mentor, will be available throughout the retreat to provide support and answer any questions.
What type of follow-up support is offered after the retreat?
Participants will have access to an online community and follow-up resources to continue applying what they learned at the retreat.
How can I stay connected with fellow participants after the retreat ends?
We encourage staying connected through our dedicated online platforms and alumni events.
Can I extend my stay at the retreat location?
You can extend your stay if there’s availability at the hotel. We can also point you in the right direction if you wish to stay longer in the area.
Are there opportunities for recreation or tourism nearby?
Yes, the Popoyo area offers a range of recreational activities, from beaches, surfing to hiking trails, which you can explore during your free time.
How can I provide feedback about my experience at the retreat?
We welcome feedback through post-retreat surveys, direct emails, or during one-on-one sessions with our team.
Is there a limit to the number of times I can attend Bloom Retreat?
There are no limits; participants are welcome to attend as many sessions as they wish to further refine their skills and expand their network.
