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moments when you hesitated or felt it might be too difficult to share? Loren Ridinger: Absolutely. There were nights when I sat staring at the page, tears streaming down my face, wondering if I could put these emotions into words. The hardest part was reliving the moments when I felt the most broken—losing JR, waking up in a world without him, trying to navigate a life I never planned for. But I also knew that if I could share my truth, it might help someone else who feels lost in their own grief. Vulnerability is scary, but it’s also where real connection happens. Miami Living: For those struggling to find their identity after losing a loved one, what advice would you offer to help them navigate their healing process? Loren Ridinger: First, give yourself grace. There’s no timeline for healing, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. But at some point, you have to start choosing yourself again. Find little things that bring you joy, even if they seem small. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. And most importantly, talk about your feelings—whether it’s with a friend, a therapist, or even through journaling. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting; it means finding a way to carry their love forward while still embracing your future. Miami Living: You and your husband, JR Ridinger, co-founded Market America and SHOP.com. How has the business evolved since his passing, and what role has it played in your personal journey? Loren Ridinger: Market America has always been more than a business—it’s a family, a movement, a legacy. After JR passed, I had to step into a new role, not just for myself, but for all the people who believe in this company. We’ve continued to innovate, grow, and push forward, always keeping JR’s vision at the heart of everything. I know that his passion, his energy, and his dreams live on in what we’re building every single day. My whole family moves forward with JR in our hearts and on our minds, and we love him more now than ever. Love still grows in grief. Miami Living: Perseverance is a powerful theme in your book. What helped you push through the hardest days, and what do you think JR would have said to encourage you if he were here? Loren Ridinger: There were days when I didn’t think I could keep going, but I always heard JR’s voice in my head telling me, “You’ve got this, baby.” He believed in me in a way that was unshakable, and I knew he wouldn’t want me to stop living. My daughter, Amber, my grandchildren, my family, my friends, and the entire Market America community—they gave me the strength to keep going. And deep down, I knew that if JR were here, he would be reminding me to dream big, to push forward, and to never let anything dim my light.