The journey from pharmacy to owning an international food market has been an unexpected yet rewarding one. After spending years in the healthcare field, transitioning to retail and food entrepreneurship came with its challenges and opportunities. What surprised me most, though, was how much the skills and experiences from my time in pharmacy have been valuable in running Balboa International Market. The same dedication to customer care, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality that I cultivated in the healthcare industry have played a significant role in the success of my market.
In many ways, the path to Balboa International Market was shaped by my understanding of how important it is to serve people well, to listen to their needs, and to offer solutions that meet those needs. In the pharmacy world, that meant providing healthcare advice and ensuring that medications were accurate and effective. In the world of food, it means offering high-quality products from around the world and helping customers discover new ingredients that enhance their culinary experience.
This unique transition has taught me that the core principles of good business are the same, no matter the industry. From creating a customer-first environment to ensuring a commitment to quality and authenticity, I’ve found that my experience as a pharmacist has given me a distinct perspective on how to run a successful business. Balboa International Market isn’t just about selling food—it’s about creating an experience, building relationships, and embracing the diversity that makes our community so special. Through this journey, I’ve learned that with a strong foundation in customer care and a passion for what you do, success is attainable in any field.
A Foundation in Service and Problem-Solving
When I first entered the healthcare industry as a pharmacist, I was driven by a desire to help people. Pharmacy is fundamentally about service—whether you’re filling prescriptions, offering advice, or helping patients navigate complex health challenges, you’re always there to ensure people get what they need to live healthier lives. As a director of a hospital pharmacy, I learned to listen carefully to patients, respond to their concerns, and problem-solve in real time. I discovered how important it is to be detail-oriented and efficient, to manage a team with respect and empathy, and to ensure that each patient feels heard and valued.
These are qualities I carried with me when I transitioned into the food industry. While the products I sell now are different—spices, grains, meats, and produce instead of medications—the core principles of customer service and problem-solving remain the same. I always focus on providing the best experience for my customers, making sure they leave with the products and knowledge they were seeking, much like I did in pharmacy. The ability to diagnose what a customer needs and then find the solution is something that has served me well in both careers.
Managing Operations with Precision
Running a pharmacy requires a level of precision that is second to none. You’re working with prescriptions, patient histories, dosages, and a constant flow of medications that must be handled correctly. In the pharmacy world, mistakes are simply not an option. This taught me how to manage operations with great care, an approach that has carried over into running Balboa Market. Whether it’s managing inventory, organizing the layout of the store, or ensuring our products meet high standards, I apply that same meticulous attention to detail every day.
In my market, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of international products, from fresh produce to specialty items like Halal meats and hard-to-find spices. Just as in pharmacy, I need to ensure that everything is in the right place, at the right time, and at the right price. The logistical skills I honed in my healthcare career have helped me streamline operations and keep everything running smoothly in the market, even when the pace picks up or things get busy.
The Importance of Customer Trust
In pharmacy, building trust with your patients is key. People come to you with their health concerns, and they need to feel confident that you’re providing the right advice. Trust in the healthcare field can make the difference between life and death. When I moved into owning a grocery store, I realized the importance of trust would remain just as vital. In fact, when you’re serving a community with diverse needs, it becomes even more critical. My customers trust us to provide them with quality, authentic products that they can’t find anywhere else. Whether they’re looking for a certain type of spice or a specific cut of meat, we work hard to ensure they leave with exactly what they need.
I’ve applied the same principles of trust and care that I used in pharmacy to how I approach customer relationships in the market. I make it a priority to be present, to speak with customers, and to listen to their needs. The relationships I’ve built with my customers—whether they’re loyal patrons of many years or new visitors who are experiencing our market for the first time—are the foundation of the success we’ve achieved. Trust is built over time, and I’m grateful for the many customers who’ve come to rely on us to bring them the best international ingredients.
Leadership and Teamwork
Leading a team in a pharmacy environment taught me the importance of good leadership. As a director, I needed to manage staff, maintain morale, and make sure everything was running smoothly behind the scenes. The same holds true at Balboa International Market. I’ve assembled a team of people who share my vision of providing the highest-quality products and the best possible customer service. Whether it’s in the pharmacy or in the market, a strong team is essential to success. I believe in fostering a positive work culture where everyone feels supported, respected, and motivated to do their best work.
I learned early on that leadership isn’t about being the boss—it’s about empowering your team. In both my pharmacy and market experience, I’ve always made it a point to encourage collaboration, recognize hard work, and make sure that each person understands how crucial their role is. A happy, well-supported team leads to a successful business, and that’s been a key factor in the growth of Balboa International Market.
From Health to Food: A Personal Passion
Food has always been a passion of mine. Growing up in a diverse community, I was exposed to a variety of cuisines from a young age, and I developed a deep appreciation for the flavors and traditions that different cultures bring to the table. This personal connection to food has driven me to share these experiences with others. Owning an international market allows me to not only offer quality products but also educate customers about different cultures and how food plays a role in shaping traditions and identities.
I also bring the same health-conscious mindset I cultivated in the pharmacy world to the market. Whether it’s offering organic products, gluten-free options, or teaching customers about the health benefits of certain ingredients, I take pride in offering foods that nourish both the body and the soul. Just as I took care of my patients’ health needs in the pharmacy, I now take the same care in ensuring the products we sell contribute to a healthier and more diverse culinary experience for our community.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
As I reflect on my journey from pharmacy to entrepreneurship, I’m grateful for the lessons I learned in the healthcare field. They’ve helped shape the way I run Balboa International Market, and I carry them with me every day. My experiences in pharmacy taught me the importance of precision, customer care, trust, and leadership—all of which are essential to running a successful business. But perhaps most importantly, they taught me that no matter what business you’re in, the core of success is always about serving others and making a positive impact on your community.
I’m excited for what the future holds as we continue to grow and serve San Diego’s diverse community.