From the Rice Fields to Times Square Breaking Barriers. Defying the Odds, Inspiring Millions.The Woman Behind the Million Dollar Attitude

Every great story begins with a dream.

 

Born on America’s Independence Day, July 4, Joni B. Redick-Yundt has always believed her birthday carried a special meaning. Sharing the same birthday as the United States—a nation built on hope, freedom, and opportunity—she grew up believing that no dream was too big. Friends often describe her as a “firecracker,” bursting with energy, optimism, and enthusiasm, just like the fireworks that fill the sky every Fourth of July.

That spirit began in a humble bamboo home in a small village in the Philippines, where there was no electricity or running water. From those simple beginnings, Joni’s journey would eventually take her from the rice fields to Times Square, proving that with faith, perseverance, and a Million Dollar Attitude, impossible dreams really can come true.

 

As a little girl growing up in a small village I often looked up at the stars, whispering my dreams and believing that somehow God was listening. My sisters & I walked miles to gather firewood so my family could cook our next meal. Surrounded by rice fields & farm animals, I would often share my hopes and dreams with a scarecrow, never imagining that one day my journey would take me from those humble beginnings to stages, boardrooms, and even Times Square in New York City.

 

Today, the ★ above my signature J logo represents far more than a design. It stands for Positivity, Hope, Courage, Resilience, and Purpose—the very values that have guided my life. It also reminds me that every person has a God-given light within them. The J isn’t about my name. It’s about the journey. My hope is that whenever someone sees the ★J, they will remember that they, too, were created to shine and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

 

At fourteen, I immigrated to Hawaii with my family. Unable to speak English fluently, I was bullied because of my accent and even my last name. Instead of allowing those challenges to define me, I chose to believe that my future would be determined not by my circumstances, but by my attitude. I had the opportunity to skipped 11th grade and graduated with honors at only sixteen years old at Aiea High School.

 

Throughout my life, I have been UNDERESTIMATED.

 

There were people who questioned my abilities, doubted my dreams, criticized my vision, and believed I would never accomplish anything extraordinary. Looking back, I realize those moments became some of my greatest blessings. They taught me that every adversity can become an opportunity, every setback can become a comeback, and every challenge can become the beginning of something extraordinary.

 

In my nursing career I spent nearly twenty years caring for others with compassion and a servant’s heart. Yet behind my smile was a very shy young woman who lacked confidence and found it difficult to speak to strangers. Determined to overcome my fears, I traded my white smock to business outfit….I joined Mary Kay Cosmetics where I developed myself personally & professionally. 

 

As my confidence grew, I entered pageantry and was honored to be crowned Mrs. Honolulu International 2001 and Mrs. Hawaii United States 2002. Years earlier, in 1995, I achieved one of Hawaii’s most remarkable Mary Kay accomplishments by becoming a Mary Kay Sales Director in just one month instead of 4-6 months earning multiple Pink Cars, and accomplishing something that has remained unmatched for more than six decades. More rewarding than any title or car was watching women discover confidence they never knew they had.

 

Then life changed forever.

The tragic loss of my beloved sister in a Mother’s Day automobile accident devastated my family emotionally and financially. That heartbreaking experience became the turning point of my life.

 

For nearly three decades my pain became purpose led me to become as a financial professional, where my passion for educating and serving families earned me Rookie of the Year and prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) award during my very first year. 

 

My love for connecting and empowering people continued to grow. As Founder and President of the Million Dollar Chapter of Business Network International (BNI) in Hawaii I was able to built the fastest-growing record-breaking chapter in the state, earning international recognition as one of the Top Five chapters among more than 5,000 chapters in 37 countries.

 

Believing that true success is measured not by what we receive, but by what we give, I founded FAMES Hawaii, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to Mentoring, Educating, Motivating, and Leadership Development. In its early years, there were those who predicted it will never last, I was ridiculed & criticized. 

 

They underestimated the power of purpose.

 

Guided by my faith in God, pure intentions, and a genuine heart to serve others, I remained committed to the mission. Also, I am truly grateful to have remarkable people stood by me. This year FAMES Hawaii proudly celebrates its 22nd Anniversary, mentoring entrepreneurs, empowering students, conducting free Business & Leadership Workshops, and recognizing outstanding students, Young Innovative Entrepreneurs, Rising Stars, and Top Influential Business & Community Leaders.

 

Over the years, I have been blessed to help provide scholarships, valuable mentorship, leadership development, and educational opportunities valued at nearly one million dollars through FAMES Hawaii’ as well as DECA Scholarship Program, the Miss Paradise Hawaii, Miss Oahu & Miss Waikiki Scholarship Pageants, and numerous nonprofit organizations and charitable initiatives. I have also donated my books locally and internationally because I believe that when we invest in people, we invest in the future.

 

Beat selling author of the first and second editions of Million Dollar Attitude, followed by It’s All About Attitude… Still Sexy at Sixty & Beyond and Who Stole My Attitude? Positive vs. Negative. I have also had the privilege of co-authoring multiple books centered on leadership, resilience, business, personal growth & legacy.

 

One of the greatest blessings of my journey has been creating the Attitude Quotient™ -also known as AQ to compliment with IQ & EQ inspired by a simple yet powerful discovery that has captivated audiences.

 

Whenever I speak, I often begin by asking:

 

“Did you know that ATTITUDE is the only word that equals 100?”

 

A = 1

T = 20

T = 20

I = 9

T = 20

U = 21

D = 4

E = 5

 

ATTITUDE = 100

 

To me, this is much more than an interesting mathematical discovery.

It is a powerful reminder that 100% of our success or failure is based on our attitude.

That philosophy has become the cornerstone of my books, keynote presentations, mentorship, and life’s mission. While we cannot always control what happens to us, we can always choose our attitude—and that choice has the power to change our future.

 

Through vision, passion & innovation I have also designed a luxury handbag from Italy & designed exquisite fine jewelry. I am extremely excited that I will be soon introducing my inspirational designed backpacks is to encourage children to carry positive words, confidence, kindness, resilience, and hope with them every day. A portion of the proceeds from my books and The Joni Collection helps support scholarships through FAMES Hawaii, the DECA Scholarship Program, and other charitable causes, allowing every purchase to help create opportunities for someone else’s future.

 

A cancer survivor for almost 15 years, I chose to defy conventional medical treatment and opted for holistic and natural healing process and most of all credit to God’s healing powers and healthy lifestyle with a positive attitude & of course due to my husband Tom’s unconditional love and support, a Sr International Aviation Engineer. Blessed with amazing successful son and daughter with three beautiful grandchildren.

 

I have been deeply honored to receive recognition including being featured in FORBES Magazine, Who’s Who in America, Top Influential Business & Community Leader of the Year, Hall of Fame, Top International 50 Fearless Leaders by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) as seen on ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX, New York City, featured on the iconic Times Square & Nasdaq Billboards.

 US SBA Business Champion of the year, Pacific Business News Volunteer Woman of the year along with numerous leadership and humanitarian awards. Yet those recognitions are not what I treasure most.

If someone were to ask me what I hope my legacy will be, my answer is simple.

I want to be remembered for the lives I touched. For helping people believe in themselves.

For reminding them that their circumstances do not determine their destiny.

That one little girl from the rice fields who wished upon the stars became living proof that dreams really do come true.

 

So let me leave you with the same question again.

Did you know that 100% of your success or failure is based on your attitude?

I believe it is.

And if my journey proves anything, it is this:

Your beginning does not determine your ending.

Your attitude does.

Believe and Achieve.

Positive Attitude + Positive Action = Positive Results.