my husband Rich. We want to make sure that everything is beautiful from the aesthetics and taste to the price point. My wines are hand picked from Italy and they’re products that you can count on and can have fun celebrating. I want to develop Bello Boy, because I think it will be a very big brand.
DC: A lot of people may know you from the Real Housewives of New Jersey reality series on Bravo that features your family. How has that show played a part in your career and what you’re trying to accomplish?
JL: The universe is funny. I look at fame from an entirely different angle. I work with the biggest and best celebrities and that type of fame is intense. You have to be able to handle that level of fame. When I look at my family’s fame I think that it’s great, especially for my sisters Caroline and Dina Manzo. They have been able to take that opportunity and evolve. Caroline has her own show and Dina used to have her own show. Most importantly Dina has been able to develop the Lady Bug Foundation that helps kids with cancer. It has helped my career, because a lot of people know me. My husband Rich and I were the first civil union on Bravo TV and I’m very proud of that. When I look back at that whole experience I think that it’s great.
DC: You’re about to tour with Madonna. Can you tell me your expectations?
JL: I can’t talk specifics about Madonna, but I can say that I’ve never met a harder working woman than Madonna. I’ve never seen passion, dedication and belief at that level. She grounds me and teaches me something everyday about life, based on her actions. I intensely prepare for this tour by praying, running, eating flawlessly and trying to clear my plate of all negativity. It’s exciting for me, because it forces me to be somewhat on her level. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to work with her.
DC: What does Road Hard mean to you?
JL: I go through life and see the most astounding things. They may be things that are not a part of the show, but maybe a little hungry girl on the street that’s being pushed out in the middle of the road by her parents to beg for money. I see those types of things and I start to pray, but the moment that I saw her I gave her all of my energy. Things like that affect me. The world is very beautiful, but can be very scary. When I say “road hard” it’s hoping that I spread energy to those people that I meet in need that can change the world one person at a time.
DC: You’re building your legacy and sometimes people like to define who you are. What do you want your legacy to be?
JL: I want people to know that in the field of human beings there are certain members of our society that are seeds. They are growing beautifully. I look at myself as a unique perennial that comes back year after year, bigger, better and more beautiful. Rare? Possibly, but I would like to leave behind a legacy where people can look at what it is that I’ve accomplished. It’s a legacy of love and passion. If you can truly believe in your self then you can accomplish everything.