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.
As a little girl growing up in a small village in the Philippines without electricity or running water, 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 joined Mary Kay Cosmetics—not because I wanted to sell cosmetics, but because I wanted to become a more confident woman while helping other women look good, feel good, and believe in themselves.
One of my greatest inspirations was Mary Kay Ash’s book, You Can Have It All. Her message taught me that with faith, a positive attitude, hard work, and a heart for serving others, anything is possible.
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.
Instead of allowing tragedy to define me, I made a promise that I would educate myself so I could educate and help protect other families from experiencing the same financial hardships. What began as unimaginable pain became my life’s purpose.
For nearly three decades that purpose led me into the financial services profession, 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—an accomplishment rarely achieved by someone new to the profession. I believe knowledge is one of the greatest gifts we can share.
My passion 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.
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. 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, the 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. With a grateful heart I want to thank all of our most kind & generous sponsors & to my dedicated & committed officers & directors for believing in me, my purpose & dream to make our place a better world.
