From her early days as a small-town dreamer to becoming one of the most influential figures in the world of e-commerce and beauty, Loren Ridinger embodies the kind of drive, elegance, and innovation that define modern success.
Leaving her native New Jersey as a child, Loren moved with her family to Greensboro, North Carolina. By 16, she was working retail and dreaming of a life surrounded by fashion and beauty. At 19, she and her husband, JR Ridinger, took a leap of faith—one that would ultimately change their lives and countless others.
Today, their company, Market America/SHOP.com, serves over 10 million customers worldwide and supports more than 180,000 independent distributors. From humble beginnings to homes in New York, Miami Beach, London, and the Bahamas, Loren’s journey remains a testament to vision, perseverance, and purpose.
Upscale Living Magazine sat down with Loren for an intimate and inspiring conversation.
Finding Home and Fortune in the South
How did you end up in North Carolina?
My dad was in the car business and kept moving around. He told us about a great dealership that had just opened in North Carolina, and we thought, North Carolina? But we fell in love with it. We moved there when I was in ninth grade, and it turned out to be incredible. Our company is headquartered there today. I even met my husband there. Greensboro will always feel like home—a place to recharge and reflect.
The First Lessons in Work and Ambition
What was your first job?
I worked in a retail store at 16. I thought it would be all about trying on clothes, but it was mostly folding and hanging up after customers. I quickly realized that wasn’t my path.
And your second job?
I worked at Sears in Greensboro—it was a big deal at the time. The pay was great, but the story of how I got the job is even better. I went upstairs looking for a bathroom, saw a “Help Wanted” sign on the vice president’s door, and just walked in. He hired me on the spot. That was my first real taste of opportunity—you make your own luck.
A Kitchen Table Dream
So, tell us how Market America began.
JR is brilliant—truly a visionary. He told me one night, “We can help people shop for whatever they want using the Internet.” This was more than 20 years ago, before online shopping was even a concept. I thought, “Who shops on the Internet?” But he could see what no one else could.
Did it work immediately?
Not at all. Those first years were hard. We had no money, one car, and lived with our team under one roof. JR once said, “We might have to quit,” but I told him, “Don’t—you’re so close.” Within a year, things changed. We made our first million in our second or third year. It was tough, but we never gave up.
Ross Perot once said, “Many great dreams die on the 10-yard line.”
Exactly. I always tell people: success is usually just around the corner. When you feel like quitting, tie a knot in the rope and hold on.
A Turning Point: Life After Adversity
A few years ago, Loren faced a life-altering moment when she suffered a brain aneurysm that required delicate surgery.
What did that experience teach you?
It taught me how fragile life is—and how important it is to take care of yourself. I’ve always been about empowering women, but this experience reminded me that we rarely check on our mental and brain health. I had an 80 percent chance of having a stroke during surgery, but I focused on positivity. Afterward, I learned to slow down and appreciate what I had built. Adversity doesn’t define you—it refines you.
On Character, Confidence, and Sharing the Real Story
Do you think adversity builds character—or reveals it?
I think it builds it. For years, I only showed people the success, not the struggle. But sharing vulnerability connects you more deeply with others. Life isn’t perfect—and that’s okay. Challenges make you stronger and more authentic.
Miami vs. New York: Two Worlds, One Vision
You divide your time between New York and Miami. What’s the biggest difference?
They’re completely different energies. New York is sleek, fast, and sophisticated; Miami is vibrant, colorful, and alive. In New York, dinner is at eight, and it’s jeans and a leather jacket. In Miami, dinner starts at ten—and it’s full glam. I love both, but in New York, I can walk around with no makeup and a baseball cap, and no one notices. Miami? It’s 90210 on the beach.
Life, Friendships, and Staying Focused
Are you ever mistaken for anyone?
Jennifer Lopez! (Laughs.) She’s one of my dearest friends, and I’m her children’s godmother.
How do you stay focused while living in Miami?
Discipline. I stay home a lot because focus requires consistency. Success isn’t hard—but most people don’t show up. You have to. I host dinners at home instead of going out, so I can see my friends while staying centered on my goals.
Building an Empire with Meaning
You’ve been in Miami for nearly two decades. How has it evolved?
It’s always changing. I was here when Miami Beach first took off—everyone knew everyone. Now it’s reinventing itself again. The city feels vibrant and creative. I love seeing leaders working to preserve that energy.
Can you name-drop a few of your friends?
Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Alicia Keys, and Mike Piazza. But honestly, my closest friends aren’t about fame—they’re about work ethic. Jennifer, for instance, is meticulous; she’s hands-on with every detail. I admire that. We all share that same drive.
The Business of Beauty
Of all your ventures—Market America, Motives, your jewelry line—is there one that feels closest to your heart?
Market America and SHOP.com are our legacy. We built it from zero with love, and now it’s close to a billion-dollar enterprise. When you love what you do, it stops feeling like work.
Where did the name “Motives” come from?
From wanting to motivate women—from the inside out. My mother always put everyone before herself, and I wanted to create something that helped women feel seen and powerful. Motives is about more than makeup—it’s about confidence.
Passing the Torch
Your daughter Amber is also part of the business, correct?
Yes, and we couldn’t be prouder. Amber’s skincare line is now our top seller. She launched her brand, got married, and built her own success—all at once. Watching her take what we started and make it her own is the greatest reward.
Words to Live By
What’s the best advice you’d share with our readers?
Never give up. Tackle the hardest things first—don’t procrastinate. And protect your mindset. Eliminate negativity from your circle. With positivity and persistence, you can create the life you dream of.
Loren Ridinger is more than a beauty mogul—she’s proof that vision, resilience, and heart can redefine not only an industry but what it means to live beautifully.
