Manitou Life

Manitou Life

The Challege

The Challege

Manitou Life is a property services company based in Northern Michigan, offering short-term rental management and hospitality experiences. We began by digging into their audience, understanding how guests think, feel, and emotionally connect with a place. From there, we built a visual identity that felt elevated yet approachable, reflecting the natural beauty and ease of Northern Michigan living. We designed branded goods and in-property touchpoints that enhanced the guest experience while reinforcing the brand. We also helped refine their service offering, making it clear and focused while still leaving space for future growth into new verticals.

Year

2023

Industry

Boutique Property Managment

Scope of work

/

Branding

Timeline

8 weeks

The Challege

Manitou Life is a property services company based in Northern Michigan, offering short-term rental management and hospitality experiences. We began by digging into their audience, understanding how guests think, feel, and emotionally connect with a place. From there, we built a visual identity that felt elevated yet approachable, reflecting the natural beauty and ease of Northern Michigan living. We designed branded goods and in-property touchpoints that enhanced the guest experience while reinforcing the brand. We also helped refine their service offering, making it clear and focused while still leaving space for future growth into new verticals.

Year

2023

Industry

Boutique Property Managment

Scope of work

/

Branding

Timeline

8 weeks

The Look

The Look

The Look

The Manitou Life identity lives in nature, simplicity, and quiet luxury. Inspired by the textures and tones of Northern Michigan, the visuals blend soft neutrals, warm earth tones, and clean, modern typography. The logo system nods to vintage outdoor badges while feeling fresh and refined. Photography captures authentic, slow-living moments, sun-drenched dunes, fireside evenings, and the subtle magic of time spent outside. We extended the system into tactile touchpoints like mugs, tote bags, and welcome gifts, creating a brand that feels lived in, thoughtful, and distinctly local.

Final thoughts

Final thoughts

Final thoughts

Manitou Life is more than a property service—it’s a way of experiencing Northern Michigan. By clarifying their offer and building a brand that feels honest, elevated, and human, we helped create a system that speaks to both guests and property owners. The new identity adds a layer of care to every touchpoint and sets the stage for future growth, no matter where the brand expands next.

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Founder / Creative Mind

Nate Herschleb

EMBER™

Have a project in mind?

By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Let’s Connect

Tell us about your project—whether it’s a website, strategy or building a brand.

Quick response.

If you’re ready to create and collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.

Clear next steps.

After the consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed plan and timeline.

Founder / Creative Mind

Nate Herschleb

EMBER™

Have a project in mind?

By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

© 2025 EMBR

Let’s Connect

Tell us about your project—whether it’s a website, strategy or building a brand.

Quick response.

If you’re ready to create and collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.

Clear next steps.

After the consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed plan and timeline.

Founder / Creative Mind

Nate Herschleb