At a Glance
Role
UX/UI Designer
+ Concept Creator
Timeline
8 Weeks +
Ongoing
Scope
Experience Design,
Brand Design,
Visual Systems
Tools
Figma, MidJourney,
ChatGPT, Research
At a Glance
Role
UX/UI Designer +
Concept Creator
Timeline
8 Weeks +
Ongoing
Scope
Experience Design,
Brand Direction,
Visual Systems
Tools
Figma, MidJourney,
ChatGPT, Research
Project Overview
Project Overview
Coconuts began as a concept exploration translating leadership development principles into a holistic, experience-driven environment.
Coconuts began as a concept exploration translating leadership development principles into a holistic, experience-driven environment.
Concept Origin
Concept Origin
Coconuts began as a concept developed during my final master’s course, Professional Development — a vacation-style wellness retreat created for lesbian and queer women seeking rejuvenation, creative expression, and community.
Coconuts began as a concept developed during my final master’s course, Professional Development — a vacation-style wellness retreat created for lesbian and queer women seeking rejuvenation, creative expression, and community.
Systems Design Approach
Systems Design Approach
I developed the concept into a cohesive service system—defining the experience framework, community model, and programming structure. This included outlining residential and short-term offerings, development-focused programming, and the operational systems needed to support both.
I developed the concept into a cohesive service system—defining the experience framework, community model, and programming structure. This included outlining residential and short-term offerings, development-focused programming, and the operational systems needed to support both.
Exploration & Iterations
Exploration & Iterations
As the concept evolved, I used AI-assisted tools to rapidly explore spatial environments, test visual directions, and begin shaping the brand identity—bridging strategy with early design execution.
As the concept evolved, I used AI-assisted tools to rapidly explore spatial environments, test visual directions, and begin shaping the brand identity—bridging strategy with early design execution.
The Concept
The Concept
At its core, Coconuts is about creating a space where people don’t have to navigate life alone.
At its core, Coconuts is about creating a space where people don’t have to navigate life alone.
It is grounded in the belief that transformation doesn’t happen in isolation, but in environments where people feel safe, seen, and supported. By bringing together individuals in shared transition, Coconuts fosters connection without pressure or pretense.
The experience is intentionally built on duality—quiet moments of reflection alongside vibrant communal energy. This balance allows individuals to move between rest and expression, solitude and connection, creating a rhythm that mirrors real life rather than escaping it.
It is grounded in the belief that transformation doesn’t happen in isolation, but in environments where people feel safe, seen, and supported. By bringing together individuals in shared transition, Coconuts fosters connection without pressure or pretense.
The experience is intentionally built on duality—quiet moments of reflection alongside vibrant communal energy. This balance allows individuals to move between rest and expression, solitude and connection, creating a rhythm that mirrors real life rather than escaping it.
The Opportunity
The Opportunity
Where current experiences fall short
Where current experiences fall short
Fragmented Wellness
Fragmented Wellness
Wellness spaces often separate emotional, physical, and social needs
Recovery is treated as individual rather than relational
Rest and joy are rarely designed together
Wellness spaces often separate emotional, physical, and social needs
Recovery is treated as individual rather than relational
Rest and joy are rarely designed together
Belonging Without Pressure
Belonging Without Pressure
Social spaces can feel performative or identity-unsafe
Connection often requires high energy or instant openness
Shared transition needs softer, lower-pressure entry points
Social spaces can feel performative or identity-unsafe
Connection often requires high energy or instant openness
Shared transition needs softer, lower-pressure entry points
Expression Beyond Entertainment
Creative activities are often treated as optional extras
Few spaces use art as reflection, processing, and connection
Playfulness is rarely framed as part of healing
Expression Beyond Entertainment
Creative activities are often treated as optional extras
Few spaces use art as reflection, processing, and connection
Playfulness is rarely framed as part of healing
Experience Model
Experience Model
At Coconuts, two core energies—restorative calm and vibrant joy—shape every touchpoint of the experience.
At Coconuts, two core energies—restorative calm and vibrant joy—
shape every touchpoint of the Coconuts experience.
Restorative
Blending Calm & Wellness
Restorative
Blending Calm & Wellness
Coaching Circles
Reflection
Meditation (mind + body)
Emotional Safety
Coaching Circles
Reflection
Meditation (mind + body)
Emotional Safety
Spaces for grounding, reflection, and inner renewal
Spaces for grounding, reflection, and inner renewal
Vibrant
Lively Connection & Expression
Vibrant
Lively Connection & Expression
Group Events
Pool Gatherings
Creative Workshops
Playfullnes & Joy
Group Events
Pool Gatherings
Creative Workshops
Playfullnes & Joy
Moments of connection, energy, and celebration
Moments of connection, energy, and celebration
User Understanding
User Understanding
Core Needs
Emotional + physical safety
Low-pressure community
Idenity and creative healing
Playfulness and joy
Warmth and reassurance
Bio
Eritrya is a creative navigating life after a difficult divorce and a period of instability. She’s rebuilding from the ground up and seeking a safe, supportive environment to recover and reconnect with herself.
Core Needs
Emotional + physical safety
Low-pressure community
Idenity and creative healing
Playfulness and joy
Warmth and reassurance
Goals
Emotional healing and renewal
Creative expression
Meaningful, low-pressure connections
Fresh Start
Rebuild confidence and personal identity
Frustrations
Feeling lost after major life transitions
Feeling unseen or misunderstood
Unsafe or performative group dynamics
No space to fully rest or be herself
Core Needs
Emotional + physical safety
Low-pressure community
Idenity and creative healing
Playfulness and joy
Warmth and reassurance
Bio
Eritrya is a creative navigating life after a difficult divorce and a period of instability. She’s rebuilding from the ground up and seeking a safe, supportive environment to recover and reconnect with herself.
Core Needs
Emotional + physical safety
Low-pressure community
Idenity and creative healing
Playfulness and joy
Warmth and reassurance
Goals
Emotional healing and renewal
Creative expression
Meaningful, low-pressure connections
Fresh Start
Rebuild confidence and personal identity
Frustrations
Feeling lost after major life transitions
Feeling unseen or misunderstood
Unsafe or performative group dynamics
No space to fully rest or be herself
Competitive Landscape
Competitive Landscape
Visual & Brand Direction
Visual & Brand Direction
Next Steps
Next Steps
Customer Discovery
Customer Discovery
Interviews with queer women navigating life transitions
Surveys and community outreach
Conversations at events and gatherings
Interviews with queer women navigating life transitions
Surveys and community outreach
Conversations at events and gatherings
Experience & Service Design
Experience & Service Design
Defining retreat programming and community structure
Exploring wellness, creativity, and connection
Identifying service tiers and stay formats
Defining retreat programming and community structure
Exploring wellness, creativity, and connection
Identifying service tiers and stay formats
Spatial & Business Exploration
Evaluating locations based on user needs
Partnerships, funding, and feasibility
Aligning amenities with budget realities
Brand & Concept Development
Brand & Concept Development
Continued visual exploration and moodboarding
Expanding identity across environments
Early digital touchpoint concepts
Continued visual exploration and moodboarding
Expanding identity across environments
Early digital touchpoint concepts
Community-Facing Concept
Community-Facing Concept
Exploring a public-facing café space as an extension of the Coconuts experience.
A place for casual food, drinks, and connection— bridging retreat life with the surrounding community.
Exploring a public-facing café space as an extension of the Coconuts experience.
A place for casual food, drinks, and connection— bridging retreat life with the surrounding community.
Spatial & Business Exploration
Evaluating locations based on user needs
Partnerships, funding, and feasibility
Aligning amenities with budget realities
Designing thoughtful, human-centered experiences.
© 2026 Amanda Sahaida’s Artistry, LLC
Designing thoughtful, human-centered experiences.
© 2026 Amanda Sahaida’s Artistry, LLC
At a Glance
Role
UX/UI
Designer +
Concept Creator
Timeline
8 Weeks +
Ongoing
Scope
Experience Design, Brand Direction, Research, Visual Systems
Tools
Figma,
Midjourney,
ChatGPT,
Research
Project Overview
Coconuts began as a concept exploration translating leadership development principles into a holistic, experience-driven environment.
Concept Origin
Coconuts began as a concept developed during my final master’s course, Professional Development — a vacation-style wellness retreat created for lesbian and queer women seeking rejuvenation, creative expression, and community.
Systems Design Approach
I developed the concept into a cohesive service system—defining the experience framework, community model, and programming structure. This included outlining residential and short-term offerings, development-focused programming, and the operational systems needed to support both.
Exploration & Iterations
As the concept evolved, I used AI-assisted tools to rapidly explore spatial environments, test visual directions, and begin shaping the brand identity—bridging strategy with early design execution.
The Concept
At its core, Coconuts is about creating a space where people don’t have to navigate life alone.
It is grounded in the belief that transformation doesn’t happen in isolation, but in environments where people feel safe, seen, and supported. By bringing together individuals in shared transition, Coconuts fosters connection without pressure or pretense.
The experience is intentionally built on duality—quiet moments of reflection alongside vibrant communal energy. This balance allows individuals to move between rest and expression, solitude and connection, creating a rhythm that mirrors real life rather than escaping it.
The Opportunity
Where current experiences fall short
Fragmented Wellness
Wellness spaces often separate emotional, physical, and social needs
Recovery is treated as individual rather than relational
Rest and joy are rarely designed together
Belonging Without Pressure
Social spaces can feel performative or identity-unsafe
Connection often requires high energy or instant openness
Shared transition needs softer, lower-pressure entry points
Expression Beyond Entertainment
Creative activities are often treated as optional extras
Few spaces use art as reflection, processing, and connection
Playfulness is rarely framed as part of healing
Experience Model
At Coconuts, two core energies—restorative calm and vibrant joy—
shape every touchpoint of the experience.
Restorative
Blending Calm & Wellness
Coaching Circles
Reflection
Meditation (mind + body)
Emotional Safety
Spaces for grounding, reflection, & inner renewal
Vibrant
Lively Connection & Expression
Group Events
Pool Gatherings
Creative Workshops
Playfullnes & Joy
Moments of connection, energy, and celebration
User Understanding
Bio
Eritrya is a creative navigating life after a difficult divorce and a period of instability. She’s rebuilding from the ground up and seeking a safe, supportive environment to recover and reconnect with herself.
Core Needs
Emotional + physical safety
Low-pressure community
Idenity and creative healing
Playfulness and joy
Warmth and reassurance
Goals
Emotional healing and renewal
Creative expression
Meaningful, low-pressure connections
Fresh start
Rebuild confidence and personal identity
Frustrations
Feeling lost after major life transitions
Feeling unseen or misunderstood
Unsafe or performative group dynamics
No space to fully rest or be herself
Bio
Eritrya is a creative navigating life after a difficult divorce and a period of instability. She’s rebuilding from the ground up and seeking a safe, supportive environment to recover and reconnect with herself.
Core Needs
Emotional + physical safety
Low-pressure community
Idenity and creative healing
Playfulness and joy
Warmth and reassurance
Goals
Emotional healing and renewal
Creative expression
Meaningful, low-pressure connections
Fresh start
Rebuild confidence and personal identity
Frustrations
Feeling lost after major life transitions
Feeling unseen or misunderstood
Unsafe or performative group dynamics
No space to fully rest or be herself
Bio
Eritrya is a creative navigating life after a difficult divorce and a period of instability. She’s rebuilding from the ground up and seeking a safe, supportive environment to reset and reconnect with herself.
Core Needs
Emotional + physical safety
Low-pressure, supportive community
Space to rest and reset
Playfulness and creative expression
Connection at her own pace
Design Insight
Eritrya’s needs shaped Coconuts as a space centered on safety, low-pressure connection, and creative self-expression—designed for people navigating personal transition.
Goals
Emotional healing and renewal
Creative expression
Meaningful, low-pressure connections
Fresh start
Rebuild confidence and personal identity
Frustrations
Feeling lost after major life transitions
Feeling unseen or misunderstood
Unsafe or performative group dynamics
No space to fully rest or be herself
Competitive Landscape
Visual & Brand Direction
Next Steps
Customer Discovery
Interviews with queer women navigating life transitions
Surveys and community outreach
Conversations at events and gatherings
Experience & Service Design
Defining retreat programming and community structure
Exploring wellness, creativity, and connection
Identifying service tiers and stay formats
Spatial & Business Exploration
Evaluating locations based on user needs
Partnerships, funding, and feasibility
Aligning amenities with budget realities
Brand & Concept Development
Continued visual exploration and moodboarding
Expanding identity across environments
Early digital touchpoint concepts
Community-Facing Concept
Exploring a public-facing café space as an extension of the Coconuts experience.
A place for casual food, drinks, and connection— bridging retreat life with the surrounding community.
Next Steps
Designing thoughtful, human-centered experiences.
© 2026 Amanda Sahaida’s Artistry, LLC
