Speaker · Author · Advocate · Purpose Driven
You were not
made to run on empty.
You have spent years doing what had to be done—building a career, caring for others, and handling whatever life presented. And somewhere along the way, you may have started quietly wondering, What about me? What about my passion—my purpose?
I understand that feeling because I've been there.
A private, complimentary conversation with Erna.
Your purpose has not passed you by.
The noise and responsibilities of life may have simply made it difficult to hear.
Your Sweet Spot is the place where your passion, joy, and purpose come together. Sometimes, finding it begins with becoming still enough to listen.
Let me help you find it.
14+
Years of Impact
Supporters
in 45+ States
Thousands
Reached Through Service & Advocacy
Featured in the Media
ABC7 Here and Now
CBS News
NY1
PIX 11
The NYS Communicator
HuffPost
Queens Chronicle
Newsday
Long Island Business News
QNS.com
Recognized by Media, Healthcare Organizations, and Community Leaders.
Featured eBook
You Can't Pour From an Empty Champagne Flute
An honest, practical guide for caregivers—and every woman who has spent so long taking care of others that she has forgotten how to care for herself.
Through simple practices for rest, hydration, nourishment, movement, boundaries, and emotional wellness, this book will help you begin refilling your own life—one intentional choice at a time.
You do not have to wait until life slows down to begin caring for yourself.
A portion of every purchase helps Butterflies BBI provide free hair replacements and support to children experiencing medical hair loss.
About Erna
The Award Was Never the Goal.
I never imagined myself standing there. Recognition, status, and awards were never the goal. I simply wanted to do what I could to help children.
During my years in law enforcement, I saw how low self-worth could shape a young person's choices. My love of cosmetology showed me another way to give back: helping children experiencing medical hair loss feel seen, confident, and fully themselves.
When a parent told me their child had blossomed back into who they were before the hair loss, I knew my passion was leading me somewhere greater than the salon chair I had imagined.
Healthcare Heroes Honoree
Recognized by Schneps Media in 2024 for leadership and impact in healthcare and the community.
"God plays chess, not checkers. Trust the passion—or that feeling deep inside. It may be leading you somewhere that fits, fulfills you, and brings you joy."
Speaking
A Powerful Keynote That Feels Like an Intimate Conversation
Erna Blackman brings the presence of a keynote speaker and the honesty of a woman who has lived what she teaches. Through personal storytelling, guided reflection, and practical takeaways, she creates the feeling of a private conversation—even in a room filled with hundreds of people.
Every audience leaves with more than inspiration. They leave with a place to begin.
Talk One
Finding Your Sweet Spot
An honest, interactive keynote for women who have spent years handling responsibilities, caring for others, or building careers that may no longer fit.
Through Erna's signature Listening Pause, audiences become still enough to hear their own clearest voice and leave with the first written clues to what brings them joy.
Talk Two
You Were Not Made to Run on Empty
An emotionally honest and practical keynote for caregivers and women who have become accustomed to putting themselves last.
Audiences leave with The Refill Ritual—a simple morning practice built around breathing, hydration, nourishment, and movement.
Talk Three
The Award Was Never the Goal
A powerful keynote about Service Before the Spotlight and The Return on Purpose.
Erna challenges audiences to identify what is already in their hands and consider how it could serve something greater. They discover that the Return on Purpose may first appear as joy, fulfillment, meaningful relationships, unexpected opportunity, or doors opening that they never knew were there.
What People Are Saying
In Their Own Words
Butterflies BBI is profoundly impactful to my daughter's sense of self-worth and happiness. It not only provided a free, high-quality human hair wig to my daughter who battled cancer, but it gave back her confidence and a sense of normalcy during an incredibly difficult time. Ms. Erna handled the process with remarkable sensitivity, care and empathy.
R.L.
Parent, Butterflies BBI
Many of us are caregivers in so many ways. The eBook is clear, concise and gets right to the point. Useful and convenient — I have it on my phone whenever I need it. Job well done.
Verified Reader
You Can't Pour From an Empty Champagne Flute
Mrs. Blackman has treated me with so much love and compassion. She made sure to go above and beyond to ensure I was happy. I have gotten so many compliments and nobody suspects I am wearing a wig. Butterflies is truly an amazing company.
Anonymous Client
Butterflies BBI
Your Purpose Has Not Passed You By.
Whether you are ready to rediscover what brings you joy, create space for greater purpose and abundance, or invite Erna to bring an honest, powerful conversation to your audience, there is a place to begin.