Success can be achieved through hard work and dedication. That is exactly what I learned after hearing Loren Ridinger speak at an event hosted by the University of Miami's Launch Pad on Tuesday, April 4th. After speaking to an auditorium full of future entrepreneurs, Loren's message was loud and clear: "believe in your dreams." Loren Ridinger is the Senior Vice President of the internet giants MarketAmerica.com and SHOP.com. Loren is also the Creator of the award winning cosmetic line Motives® by Loren Ridinger, the luxurious skincare line Cellular Laboratories™, the solution-oriented product line Fixx, and Founder of the exquisite jewelry collection, Loren Jewels®. Talk about a business mogul! During her speech at UM, Loren spoke about the struggles and the successes she has encountered over the years. Although Loren is definitely a strong woman, she did create her success alongside her business 
partner and husband, JR Ridinger (pictured on the right), President of MarketAmerica.com. If you haven't had the opportunity to meet Loren, then read my interview with the internet icon who has been named one of Vogue’s Top 100 most influential women. Loren is an innovator, a philanthropist and a trendsetter. At the end of the day, Loren's passion is to give back to others. Therefore, Loren is involved with many charitable causes including Rally for Kids with Cancer, which she co-Chairs with Eva Longoria, American Heart Association, from whom she received the 2010 Big Heart Humanitarian award, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Jennifer Lopez Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and many others.
MBS: Can you share your favorite beauty secret with my readers?LOREN: I think it’s more of a daily regimen than a beauty secret. I use Matraskin, a liquid serum collagen that has changed my skin completely. Never go to sleep with make-up on and make sure you get an early start on your skin care regimen. Most people start to take care of their skin when they're in their 30’s. It is important for women to begin this regimen early in life [even in your teens].
MBS: How can consumers learn about your various personal brands?
LOREN: Consumer can access my brands through MarketAmerica.com and individual websites like MotivesCosmetics.com & LorenJewels.com. I’m a social media addict so I’m constantly promoting my products through the social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and my own personal blogs like MyFashionCents.com and LorensWorld.com. But, most important than all mentioned is through people power, Market America has 180,000 distributors that are knowledgeable of the product and are constantly promoting and educating others on my brands and with this you can’t compete in the stores.
MBS: What is the best advice you constantly give your celebrity friends? (Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, etc.)LOREN: It’s not so much about the advice for us. Instead, it’s about reminding each to take time for ourselves. We all have similar personalities and we are workaholics so it’s important to communicate with one another and be supportive.
MBS: What is the most recent product you have launched?
LOREN: Fixx solution oriented products, they are products that actually “fix” stuff. We have Fixx Argan Oil Shampoo which contains Moroccan argan oil [one of the rarest and most sought-after ingredients in the personal care industry]. Fixx Thick Hair Shampoo & Conditioner with stinging nettle extract that cleans and stimulates the scalp hair to make it look thicker and fuller. Fixx Lash Extend which provides you with thicker, longer looking lashes and brows in just two weeks.
MBS: Why did you become involved with the American Heart Association and why is it an important cause?LOREN: Because my mother passed away at the young age of 42 so I feel it's important for everyone to know how heart disease can change your life. It's important for women to identify the risk associated and it’s proven that women are more at risk with heart failure than men.
MBS: Since this year's Rally for Kids event is quickly approaching (April 29 & 30), is there anything in particular that you're looking forward to?
LOREN: Yes! There is nothing more rewarding than putting a smile on a kids face. This charity is fun, and fulfilling and you get to have a great time. I can’t wait to watch my husband JR and Eva win lol… This charity is all about competing, having fun all while benefiting the children.
MBS: After living in Miami, what are your top 5 hot spots?LOREN: Casa Tua we get to eat and dance at the same place with amazing food and an amazing host like Mickey; The Forge it’s a Miami institution and Shareef Malnik is the ultimate host and friend; W Hotel because I think it’s so beautiful with a chic and hot bar; Soho House without a question is the place to be seen but not everyone can get in; Sugarcane in the Design District is great for a casual dinner; and Mandarin Oriental for its spa.
I hope my interview has inspired you to dream BIG like Loren! Make sure to follow Loren Ridinger on Twitter and check out the video from her presentation at the University of Miami.
