Meet Judy Lanfredi

We were lucky to catch up with Judy Lanfredi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Judy, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from my dad. He was a gentle soul who opened a small corner convenience store after returning from service in World War II. He used to tell me that in the early years there were days he made only a nickel—but he never gave up. He showed up every single day and stayed the course, even when the rewards were small or slow.

Over time, that resilience paid off. His store became a beloved neighborhood spot, not just because it was convenient, but because of who he was. His customers adored him. He treated everyone with kindness and dignity and showed compassion for those who were less fortunate. Watching those daily interactions taught me invaluable social skills—how to listen, how to connect, and how to meet people where they are.

Family was deeply woven into his work. His sisters would stop by with lunch and cover the store so he could take a break, and his brother, a pharmacist, ran the adjoining pharmacy. Their businesses were built on trust, mutual support, and a shared commitment to the community. I grew up understanding that creating something of your own is about more than hard work—it’s about commitment, loving what you do, and building meaningful relationships. This is how I approach my work today, and these values continue to guide me.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’ve been an artist since the moment I could hold a crayon—creating has always been my natural language. That early calling led me to formal studies in Rome, where centuries of sacred art, architecture, and symbolism deeply shaped both my aesthetic and spiritual perspective.

Living in Italy immersed me in art that was created not simply to be seen, but to be experienced—inviting contemplation and offering a connection to something greater. That influence remains central to my work today. My art carries a strong spiritual focus and is deeply informed by my ancestry, drawing from inherited traditions, symbolism, and a reverence for the sacred passed down through generations.

Professionally, I create spiritually rooted artwork that invites reflection and connection. I believe art is healing, and that is one of the gifts I hope my work offers.
One of my most meaningful projects is Wisdom of the Sacred Oracle, an oracle deck created as a tool for gentle guidance and spiritual reflection through imagery and simple words. My goal is for the deck to reach those who are seeking to develop their intuition, deepen their inner spirituality, and connect to their soul through art.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The first is to follow your passion. It always shows you the way and leads you to people and places where you can explore, learn, and discover how to do what you love. It’s important to keep learning—to stay curious and open.

The next is intuition. Learning to trust your inner voice, both creatively and professionally, is essential. When you’re first starting out, it’s natural to look outward for validation and direction, but the most meaningful work comes from listening to your inner guidance. Your skills and process will continue to develop, but what makes your work truly meaningful is the insight you bring through the influences that shape your voice.

The third is community. As an artist, it has been imperative for me to maintain a close circle of like-minded creative friends with whom I can share ideas and seek constructive criticism. We nurture one another by exchanging ideas and engaging in thoughtful conversations about art.
My advice to those early in their journey is to make time to connect with your inner voice. For me, this means setting aside dedicated studio time, meditating, and taking walks in nature to reflect.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

If I only had a decade of life left, I would spend it immersed in what truly feeds my soul—time with my family and returning to my beloved Italy alongside the artist friends I studied with there. Those experiences energize me, inspire my work, and I would hope to produce meaningful art along the way.

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