Loren Ridinger, a prominent entrepreneur and CEO, has mastered the art of balancing multiple business ventures while nurturing her passion for mentoring women. Her unique approach to leadership is governed by a belief in trusting one’s instincts and taking the necessary time to make considered decisions.
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In her own words, Ridinger asserts, “I don’t let other people influence my thinking. If I don’t know what to do, I live by the rule that says, ‘You don’t know what to do? Don’t do anything. Take time to figure it out.’” This philosophy has enabled her to manage the complexities of business ownership, from launching new products to overseeing international expansion, all while maintaining a personal life that includes high-profile friendships with celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Khloé Kardashian.
Co-founding Market America and SHOP.COM with her late husband, JR, Ridinger learned early in her career the importance of effective collaboration. She stresses that successful entrepreneurship isn’t about doing everything solo; rather, it’s about recognising when to enlist the help of those who complement one’s skillset. “I always want people who are better than me at what I’m not good at,” she remarked, explaining that it is crucial to surround oneself with individuals who can enhance the team’s capabilities.
Building a competent team tops Ridinger’s list of priorities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Instead of seeking external investors from the outset, she advocates for assembling a team that can bolster one’s strengths and address weaknesses. “You have to be willing to build a strong team,” she emphasises, which establishes a solid foundation for any business.
Ridinger’s commitment to empowering women in business is reflected in her recent Amazon series, The CEO Club. The show features a coalition of female entrepreneurs and business leaders, including her friend Talia Jackson, tennis champion Serena Williams, and singer Thalía. The series is significant for its portrayal of women supporting one another in high-powered roles. “We all know it’s not easy being a CEO,” Ridinger observed, emphasising that women often face additional challenges. “Sometimes women have to work twice as hard.”
The impact of representation is not lost on Ridinger, who believes it can inspire young girls to envision a wider array of possibilities for themselves. She reflects on the difference between her upbringing and that of her granddaughter, remarking that while she grew up in a time when traditional gender roles prevailed, her granddaughter is now surrounded by successful women who lead their own enterprises. This generational shift fuels Ridinger’s desire to mentor women, and she attributes this passion to an experience from her teenage years where she witnessed the transformative power of helping another girl find confidence through make-up.
Ridinger’s journey in business commenced as a teenager when JR encouraged her to embrace opportunities outside her comfort zone. Her first public speaking engagement, which ended in her fainting, could have deterred her from future attempts. Instead, JR’s unwavering support inspired her to persevere. “That was one of the greatest moments of my life,” she recalls, highlighting the importance of having someone believe in you.
Today, Ridinger instills this belief in others. “I always tell everybody, surround yourself with people who lift you up, who remind you that you’re capable,” she advises, a principle that has become central to her leadership approach.
Looking ahead, Ridinger is set to unveil a new product line and expand her company’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region and the United States. She is also in the midst of negotiations with Amazon regarding a potential second season of The CEO Club. Coupled with an upcoming major convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, her schedule is undeniably packed.
While her workload is demanding, Ridinger asserts that true success extends beyond financial gain. “Time is the most critical thing — the thing we cannot control the most,” she notes, recognising it as the most valuable commodity at her disposal. When contemplating her aspirations, she reflects on her priorities: “If somebody were asking me to put on my dream board right now, it’s certainly not money. It’s more time.”
Through her experiences and insights, Loren Ridinger highlights the potential for women to thrive in business, inspiring others to pursue their ambitions while fostering a culture of empowerment and collaboration. She embodies the spirit of a modern entrepreneur, committed not only to her success but also to uplifting those around her.