Judi Bagnato & Mimi Griffis’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Judi Bagnato & Mimi Griffis and have shared our conversation below.

Judi & Mimi, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
For both of us, it’s art. When we’re sketching, painting, or creating something by hand, hours slip by without us even noticing. It’s not just about making something pretty or perfect— it’s the place where the noise of life fades and a deeper peace takes over. In those moments, we’re not only creating — we’re reconnecting with the One who created us. That’s where we lose track of time and, in a way, where Heartworks Originals was born.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We’re Judi and Mimi, and together we started Heartworks Originals. What we share is a love of art and our faith, and both of those are at the heart of what we’re doing now. We actually met a few years ago at a church Bible study, and that’s where our friendship — and eventually this collaboration — began.

I (Judi) have spent most of my adult life as a professional artist, with a career that includes original works and a loyal following for my prints. In recent years, I’ve focused more on faith-based art, because for me, it’s about letting my art reflect hope, joy, love, and truth. It might sound a little corny, but honestly, that’s what motivates me.

And I’m Mimi — I spent 30 years teaching art in public schools, because I’ve always believed in the joy and importance of creating. Teaching was never just a job for me; I loved watching that moment when a student would light up after making something of their own. I wanted them to feel that same spark that first drew me to art.

Heartworks Originals really grew out of both of our journeys. We thought, if art has been such a source of joy for us, why not share that in a way that could encourage others too? So we began pairing scripture, prayers, and quotes with our artwork, and it became this way of spreading a little more light and beauty in the world. Each book isn’t just something to flip through — it’s like holding a small collection of original paintings, paired with words meant to encourage and uplift. To us, that’s the kind of gift that lasts — something personal, meaningful, and rooted in faith.”

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
For both of us, the relationship that shaped us the most is the one we have with God. That’s where our identity comes from — not in what we do, or even how others see us, but in who He says we are. It reminds us we’re His children, loved and created with purpose. Everything else in life flows from that.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If we could say one kind thing to our younger selves, it would probably be: take a breath — you don’t have to have it all figured out. Life has a way of working out, even when the road feels messy or uncertain. Be patient with yourself, hold tight to faith, and don’t forget to enjoy the small, everyday moments along the way. Okay, that’s more than one thing — but our younger selves probably needed to hear it more than once anyway.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Our closest friends would probably say that family means the world to us. We both light up when we talk about our grandchildren — they’re a big part of our joy (and they keep us on our toes, too). But really, it’s all of it — kids, grandkids, and the friends who feel like family. Relationships are what matter most. And we try to keep gratitude at the center, because it reminds us of the blessings God’s given us. They’d also say our faith matters to us, because our relationship with Jesus is really what guides the way we live.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Mimi:
I’d hope people say I loved my family well — that they knew without a doubt how much they mattered to me. And that I lived my faith in a way that was steady and real, not perfect, but real.

Judi:
I’d hope people say I was kind — that I tried to show it in the small, everyday ways. And maybe that I brought a little light and joy into their lives along the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartworksoriginals/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartworksoriginals
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartworksOriginals

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