"deVille's storytelling skill, her enthusiasm for unbridled innovation, and her fervent belief that everyone can achieve creative freedom combine to make for an engrossing self-improvement book." —Kirkus Reviews
Connect with your innate creativity, home in on who you truly are, and unlock your entrepreneurial potential. This award-winning book shows you how.
AXIOM Business Book Awards 2023 - Entrepreneurship/Small Business - Bronze Medal Nautilus Book Awards 2023 - Creativity & Innovation - Silver Coalition of Visionary Resources 2023 - Visionary Nonfiction Book - Bronze International Book Awards 2023 - Cross-Genre - Finalist
"The Artist's Way for Entrepreneurs"
Buoyant is for you if...
You're an entrepreneur, artist, or business leader who is overwhelmed, stuck, and riddled with self-doubt.
You believe the only path to the success and freedom you seek is through more work, productivity, and discipline.
You are tired of holding yourself back , fearing visibility and vulnerability.
You are ready to tap into and unleash the full power of your innate creativity .
You crave a path out of burnout and exhaustion .
You want an artful life of joy .
Susie deVille is on a mission to show entrepreneurs, artists, and visionary leaders the power of trusting themselves. Work lighter while making higher profits. Eliminate self-doubt. To stop trying to overachieve one's way into a sense of self, but rather lean into the surprising power of inspired creativity.
Our happiness, creativity, and business success reside on the other side of our fear of uncertainty. This is your practical guide to cultivating flow and ease.
It's time to accept the grand adventure of being you. Don't regret a life half-lived. Use this book to become your best, truest self and positively impact the world—one idea, one person at a time.
this book is for ppl who are rich, grew up middle class or higher, and have severe imposter syndrome.
did someone sit down with a glass of wine and go "im going to make an impact this year by becoming an inspiration for anti hustle culture when ive never hustled a day in my life" lmao the only anchor weighing me down is not making enough money.
“You are who you love, not who loves you.” ???? why is this in the book
notes: - The most important investment you can make is in yourself – refilling your well of creativity, inspiration, and energy. If you’re constantly running on empty, no strategy will ever land the way you want it to. - Regular journaling builds the habit of self-reflection, allowing you to release negativity and develop clarity over time. - Try this exercise: turn your journal sideways and write boldly across the middle, What do I love? What do I live for? Without overthinking, jot down everything that comes to mind. By the time the page is full, you’ll have created a valuable foundation – a personal compass to guide your entrepreneurial journey. - Science tells us that the best ideas don’t come from forcing our conscious mind to solve problems. They emerge when we engage the subconscious brain, often in flow states – a mental zone where you’re fully immersed in an activity, effortlessly focused, and free from judgment. - Five Ms: Meditation, Morning Pages, Movement, Moments of Inspired Learning, and Making Something. - Take a blank sheet of paper or open a fresh document. Write down the exact words of your inner critic. Be brutally honest. What is the voice of Resistance saying to you? “You’re not talented enough,” “This idea will fail,” or “Who cares about what you create?” Externalize these thoughts without filtering. Second, frame it: Beneath each statement, reframe the voice of Resistance. Recognize it as a sign of a Big Idea nearby. For example, resistance says: “This idea will fail.” But your reframe says, “Resistance shows up because this idea matters and scares me – which means it’s worth exploring.” Finally, defy it: Write down one small, actionable step toward your dream that you can take today, no matter how small. - goal is movement not perfection - Neuroscience shows that when we’re relaxed and enjoying ourselves, our brains make unexpected connections and solve problems in novel ways. Play nurtures a sense of curiosity and experimentation, essential qualities for navigating the challenges of running a business. Joy fuels resilience, giving us the energy to persist through inevitable setbacks. - Title a page “My Play History” and reflect on five moments in your life when you felt fully alive – immersed, exhilarated, and connected. Free-write two paragraphs for each memory, describing the experience in detail. Then, circle all the verbs in your writing. Words like “painted,” “explored,” or “built” will likely emerge, revealing patterns of what brings you true joy.
Entrepreneurship often feels like a relentless pursuit of success, leaving many feeling stuck despite their hard work. Susie deVille’s "Buoyant: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Becoming Wildly Successful, Creative, and Free" offers a refreshing perspective, focusing on the importance of reclaiming joy, creativity, and balance. Instead of chasing elusive shortcuts, deVille emphasizes investing in yourself—rediscovering purpose and vitality as the keys to entrepreneurial success. By shifting priorities from constant hustle to fostering creativity and meaning, entrepreneurs can unlock growth in both their personal and professional lives. The book provides practical exercises to help readers reconnect with their creativity, core values, and unique motivations.
A recurring theme in "Buoyant" is the importance of allowing ideas to breathe. Often, entrepreneurs stifle inspiration with self-doubt and judgment, discarding ideas before they have a chance to flourish. Journaling emerges as a powerful tool for overcoming these mental blocks. It creates a judgment-free space to explore thoughts, express frustrations, and experiment with ideas. Through regular journaling, entrepreneurs can gain clarity, process emotions, and uncover hidden patterns. By simply asking reflective questions like “What do I love?” or identifying personal anchors, individuals can create a foundation to guide their entrepreneurial journey. Articulating challenges, even without immediate solutions, often leads to surprising insights and a sense of lightness.
The book introduces the Five Ms—Meditation, Morning Pages, Movement, Moments of Inspired Learning, and Making Something—as practical steps to cultivate creativity and flow. These practices help bypass the conscious mind’s rigidity and tap into the subconscious, where innovative ideas often originate. Meditation, for instance, need not be lengthy or complex; even a brief session can create mental clarity. Morning Pages, a practice of freewriting three pages each morning, clears mental clutter and unlocks hidden thoughts. Movement, whether a walk or simple stretches, has been proven to enhance creativity. Moments of Inspired Learning, such as engaging with art or literature, provide fresh perspectives, while Making Something taps into tactile creativity, allowing ideas to emerge naturally. By integrating these practices into daily routines, entrepreneurs create fertile ground for inspiration and innovation.
Resistance, a universal challenge for entrepreneurs, is another focus of the book. This internal force manifests as self-doubt, fear, or procrastination, often convincing individuals they aren’t good enough. DeVille reframes Resistance as a sign of meaningful opportunities nearby. Rather than succumbing to the inner critic, recognizing Resistance can help entrepreneurs identify and pursue their most significant dreams. Exercises like naming and reframing Resistance allow individuals to externalize negative thoughts, seeing them as evidence of an idea worth exploring. Taking even small actions toward these dreams helps break through the barriers Resistance creates, fostering progress and momentum.
DeVille also emphasizes the importance of joy and play in entrepreneurship. Many people abandon their creative passions due to criticism or societal pressures, but reconnecting with these sources of joy can reignite imagination and resilience. Playful activities, whether doodling, dancing, or cooking, nurture curiosity and experimentation—qualities essential for overcoming challenges and fostering innovation. Reflecting on moments of pure joy through journaling can reveal patterns that guide individuals toward activities that energize and inspire them. By intentionally reintroducing play into daily routines, entrepreneurs can rediscover the creative energy that drives success.
Another critical aspect of the book is protecting energy. Modern entrepreneurial culture often glorifies burnout, equating relentless hustle with achievement. DeVille challenges this mindset, highlighting how chronic stress undermines productivity, creativity, and well-being. By conducting an “energy leak audit,” individuals can identify habits, interactions, and commitments that drain them. Practical strategies, such as trusting intuition, taking breaks, and prioritizing energizing activities, help entrepreneurs guard their vitality. Recognizing that they are already enough allows individuals to approach their work with calm and confidence, building businesses from a place of strength rather than stress.
DeVille introduces the concept of the law of accumulation, emphasizing the power of small, consistent actions. True success doesn’t come from dramatic leaps but from incremental steps that compound over time. Creating a “Before and After” snapshot of the entrepreneurial journey helps clarify the path forward, identifying habits and milestones that align with long-term goals. By focusing on sustainable changes and celebrating small wins, individuals can build momentum without overwhelming themselves. The journey of becoming, rather than the end result, is where growth and transformation occur.
Throughout "Buoyant", DeVille weaves a compelling argument that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a grind. By prioritizing creativity, joy, and balance, individuals can build thriving businesses while living fulfilling lives. The book’s exercises encourage readers to reflect, explore, and take meaningful steps toward their dreams, fostering resilience and innovation along the way. It’s a reminder that success is not about doing more but about aligning with what truly matters. Through small, deliberate actions and a commitment to personal well-being, entrepreneurs can achieve success that feels as good as it looks.
What an inspiring and magical book with incredibly useful and doable strategies for entrepreneurs, creators, or for anyone needing a lift! With a focus on creativity and being authentic, this transformational author and coach guides readers into taking conscious actions with their lives and work! I devoured this book and immediately began implementing her strategies! For example, her “5 M’s” is already making a difference in my life! A must-read!
Susie provides a fresh perspective to hustle culture, the grind mindset, building a business, and not hitting burn out.
She wrote this book specifically for entrepreneurs, artists, and business leaders who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or out of touch with what their businesses and clients need.
She delivers her signature Creative Rebel’s Voyage methodology and her many years of experience as a coach and successful entrepreneur shines through this book.
Buoyant is packed with exercises, lessons, and stories which are carefully crafted to free you from the humdrum grind plaguing the entrepreneurial space.
You’ll replace the endless hustle with inspired creativity and authentic passion which is guaranteed to drive success. deVille’s method is designed to help you have fun while delivering exactly what your customers and clients crave.
You’ll come out the other end inspired, more creative than ever, and ready to take on your business with an authentic approach that only you can offer.
It’s not as hard as it seems, and deVille’s book, Buoyant is your play-by-play practical guide to happiness, creativity, and business success.
So grab your copy and commit to doing the exercises. You and your business will thank you!
Susie deVille’s Buoyant is a great read that dispels “success” myths. Susie is exceptionally aware that the self-help and success guru space is filled with people pushing the endless hustle, grind, and productivity hack mentality. That very awareness drives the points she makes in this book home. The idea that, you can achieve wonderful success (multiple versions of it) without losing sleep and grinding away every free hour by making time to get inspired and reconnect with your more free, creative side. deVille packs Buoyant with exercises which will help each reader better understand themselves and what they want out of life. The book targets entrepreneurs, but I urge creatives and artists to give it a read, especially if they find themselves in a funk.
Susie DeVille's book "Buoyant" is a game-changer that has had a significant influence on my outlook on work, creativity, and general wellbeing. Susie's method of bringing creativity and joy to work is enlightening and very beneficial. This book is a must-read if you feel trapped in your business. It goes beyond traditional business manuals, using artistic endeavors like journaling, painting, and drawing to transform your perspective and unleash your potential. The exercises help the reader develop an appreciation consciousness by highlighting the connection between increased appreciation and improved creativity in all contexts.
I use the book as a business bible even after finishing it, going back to highlighted sections for ideas. Strongly advised!
Buoyant has been such a gift to me. I did not realize how fried I had become in my business until I started to read Buoyant. The guilt I experienced everyday thinking I needed to work 24/7 was consuming me. My creativity was stifled as I just was worrying about money and not what my mission was. After two months of implementing new morning rituals I am feeling so much more in love with my company and myself again. Rising early and sketching my garden has brought me joy and given me the ability to be in the moment and shut my brain off! As an entrepreneur we have twenty ideas at once and to slow down equaled more creativity. I highly recommend reading Buoyant to get yourself off the hamster wheel and start increasing sales by having fun again!
Bouyant provided the permission slip that I didn't know I needed to help me bring out my creativity! Susie deVille is a masterful storyteller who weaves such amazing concepts together that will help you bring out your own creativity. It is a supportive and reflective guide for entrepreneurs to help release the creativity that has been hiding inside of us. Buoyant helps us leverage our creativity in a bigger way so we can create a stronger business filled with new ideas and attract our ideal clients. Loved it!
Before finding BUOYANT by Susie deVille I was overwhelmed and racing towards burnout. I knew there was a bigger version of my business out there for me, and yet I was stuck in inaction and fear. BUOYANT was exactly what I needed to turn things around and move towards my big dreams. Susie outlines in this book exactly how to tap into your true self and find success by using simple tools and principles. It is a true gamechanger! I recommend it for every entrepreneur looking for a more vibrant and successful life.
1. It’s about accessing your inner artist to make you a more successful entrepreneur. 2. It includes the author’s personal story about how she struggled until she learned to leverage her own inner artist. 3. It’s as much inspirational as informational. 4. It’s a practical guide with many exercises that bring its concepts to life. 5. It’s beautifully written.
If you’re looking for a spark to help your business move forward, this is the book for you.
Buoyant will alter the way you view the world around you, the way you regard your own abilities, and will unlock your potential through creative activity. Drawing, journaling, and painting elevate our perception. Susie deVille inspires us, through a series of exercises, to see the world of subtleties we may ordinarily ignore. The reader is guided into a consciousness of appreciation—greater appreciation results in greater creativity, no matter the application—and takes us into a new understanding of ourselves.
Wow, this book is truly amazing. When you're ready to shift life to your unique gifts for a more fulfilling experience, this book will help guide you there.
There's no boiler plate set of instructions; you must do your own self refections. The exercises in this book are unlike any other I've encountered in bike like these.
Highly recommend! Would be worth circling back to every so often as well.
I benefited from speaking with Susie individually and hearing her speak at a conference. The practical ideas and concepts in her book were so helpful and applicable, and it was incredibly impactful hearing her story from her directly. As an entrepreneur, you can never have enough resources and this book is a valuable one to help navigate the challenges of running a business and taking care of yourself.
This is a great book for all those entrepreneurs out there! It's full of great advice and tips that are very practical in today's environment. I blew through the book very quickly because I just couldn't put it down. If you are an entrepreneur or thinking about becoming one you need to buy this book. I highly recommend it.
As a creative person in the business world, burnout and self doubt is something I struggle with constantly. Susie’s guide to approaching your work from the perspective of joy and creativity has been so eye opening and helpful! I would highly recommend this one if you’re feeling stuck in your business!
I read this and had my sister and mom read it, too. The way Susie breaks everything down is so accessible and achievable. I've heard my family say so many times "I'm just not creative." Everyone is creative, everyone can create, you just have to give yourself the space to do it and that's exactly what Buoyant helps you do. Highly recommend.
The main takeaway of this book to Buoyant by Susie deVille is that entrepreneurship can be joyful and creative when you emphasize reconnecting with yourself and your creativity first. Key strategies to achieve this include journaling, embracing creative practices like the "Five Ms," and reconnecting with play and personal joy to nurture innovation and resilience.
Fantastic book!!!! Buoyant takes us on an adventure of personal and professional growth through Susie deVille's unique methodology of using creativity as a magical tool. She explains everything so well that it is super easy and fun to follow. You will love this book.
Buoyant demonstrates how to break through blocks or stuckness using creativity as the overarching tool. But don't be intimidated by the limiting belief that you are not creative. There are doable exercises to walk you through the process. This really works!
I love how Susie links creativity to entrepreneurship. This book has become one of my favorites to recommend to entrepreneurs who are struggling to find joy and freedom in business!
Susie DeVille does an amazing job of making real advice actionable and relatable. I’m a business owner myself and this will serve as a guide as I navigate into 2024! As someone who struggled balancing my business mind and my creative mind this was an excellent help.