Loren Ridinger, a Miami entrepreneur and socialite, has long been a powerhouse in the business world. As the co-founder of Market America and SHOP.com, her career has been defined by passion, perseverance, and reinvention. But in the wake of her beloved husband, JR Ridinger’s passing, Loren faced the most profound challenge of her life: how to move forward after losing her soulmate.
In her new memoir, Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up? Living Your Best Life After Losing Your Greatest Love, Loren opens up about her deeply personal journey through grief, heartache, and ultimately, rediscovery. Through her story, she offers hope and inspiration to anyone navigating the tumultuous waters of life after loss.
Losing JR left Loren reeling, feeling like her world had been shattered. JR was not just her husband; he was her best friend, her partner, and her greatest love. But as she grappled with her grief, Loren realized she had a choice—she could either allow the grief to consume her, or she could find a way to rise and honor his memory.
Writing her book became a way for Loren to share not just the sorrow, but the strength she discovered through the process. “I wanted to give others hope that even in our darkest moments, we can choose to rise,” Loren explains.
The title of Loren’s book, Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up?, has a special significance. For 36 years, JR asked Loren how he should have his eggs every morning—a seemingly small but intimate ritual that captured their deep bond. Over time, Loren admits, she grew frustrated by the repetition, but after losing him, she realized just how much that simple question had been his way of expressing love.
Grief, Loren explains, turns your world upside down. But it’s also an opportunity to choose how to move forward. Just as we decide how we want our eggs in the morning, we also get to decide how we live our lives—whether we stay broken, or choose to find the light again.
Writing about such intense emotions wasn’t easy. There were many nights Loren sat staring at the page, overcome with tears as she relived the pain of losing JR. But in the end, she knew that her story could help others struggling with their own grief. “Vulnerability is scary, but it’s also where real connection happens,” she says.
For those still trying to navigate their own healing, Loren offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: give yourself grace. “There’s no timeline for healing, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve,” she says. “But at some point, you have to start choosing yourself again.”
Even in the wake of JR’s passing, Loren has continued to honor his legacy by leading Market America forward. The company, which they co-founded together, has become more than just a business—it’s a family, a movement, and a testament to their shared dreams.
Loren is quick to emphasize that JR’s energy, vision, and passion still guide every step of the company’s evolution. “I know that his dreams live on in what we’re building every single day,” she says. And while the loss of her soulmate will always be a part of her journey, Loren has learned that grief and joy can coexist.
Reflecting on the hardest days, Loren admits that there were times when she didn’t think she could keep going. But through it all, she found strength in the memory of JR’s unwavering belief in her. “He believed in me in a way that was unshakable,” Loren shares. “He wouldn’t want me to stop living.”
Family, friends, and the community around her have been crucial sources of support, and Loren is now more determined than ever to keep moving forward, both in her personal life and her professional journey.
Through this journey of rediscovery, Loren has learned that she’s stronger than she ever thought possible. “I’ve discovered that I am capable of reinventing myself, of finding new purpose, of living fully even with a broken heart,” she says. This resilience mirrors the spirit of Miami, a city she has called home for many years. Known for its energy, diversity, and reinvention, Miami has shaped Loren in ways that continue to inspire her.
“Reinvention isn’t about forgetting where you came from—it’s about taking everything you’ve been through and using it to create something beautiful,” she explains.
When Loren isn’t working, she enjoys spending time by the ocean—a place where she feels closest to JR. Whether dining at Miami’s finest restaurants or enjoying time with friends and family, Loren is embracing life’s vibrant culture while cherishing the memories of her beloved husband.
Her memoir, Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up?, is a beautiful testament to the power of love, resilience, and reinvention. Available now in bookstores and online, Loren’s book offers a blueprint for anyone navigating life after loss, showing us all that it’s possible to find joy again, even after the darkest of storms.
To stay connected with Loren’s journey, follow her on Instagram @lorenridinger.
Book Purchase Link: Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up? Living Your Best Life After Losing Your Greatest Love