Finding Joy in the Routine
Running Balboa International Market has been one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of my life. Every day, I walk through the aisles, check on the shelves, and talk with customers. At first glance, it might seem like routine work—restocking items, answering questions, making sure everything runs smoothly. But hidden in that daily rhythm are small moments that remind me why I love what I do. These little things, often easy to overlook, are what keep me inspired and motivated to continue growing the business.
Conversations with Customers
One of the greatest joys I get from running the market is interacting with customers. I’ll often find myself at the checkout line, helping someone find a product, or simply chatting about their day. It’s amazing how much you can learn about people in these short exchanges.
Sometimes it’s a customer who is excited to discover a product from their home country that they haven’t seen in years. Other times, it’s someone new to San Diego who wants to explore international foods for the first time. The happiness on their faces when they find what they’re looking for is contagious. It reminds me that this market is more than just a store—it’s a bridge that connects people to their cultures, memories, and even to each other.
The Smell of Fresh Bread
There’s something special about walking into the bakery section first thing in the morning. The smell of fresh bread, warm from the oven, never fails to make me pause and smile. It takes me back to my own childhood, when simple foods created the biggest memories.
Watching customers line up for fresh sangak or pita is a daily reminder that food has a way of bringing comfort and joy to people’s lives. Something as simple as bread has the power to create community. When I see families buying it together or friends sharing it over a meal, it makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Aisles That Tell Stories
Each aisle of the market tells a story. The spices, teas, sweets, and grains represent different cultures and traditions. To some, it might look like just shelves filled with products, but to me, it’s a collection of stories waiting to be shared.
I’ve had people stop me in the spice aisle to explain how their grandmother used a particular blend, or in the candy section to talk about childhood treats from halfway across the world. These are the stories that make the market alive. They remind me that food is never just about eating—it’s about preserving history, honoring tradition, and creating memories for the future.
The Work Behind the Scenes
Of course, running a market isn’t just about the pleasant moments. There’s plenty of hard work that happens behind the scenes—long hours, supply challenges, and the stress of making sure everything is done right. But even during the toughest days, I’ve found that small things can shift my perspective.
It might be a kind word from a customer, a smile from a staff member, or even just catching a glimpse of a child excited about a treat. These little sparks of positivity have a way of cutting through the noise and reminding me why I started this journey in the first place.
Building a Sense of Community
Over time, the market has become more than just a place to shop—it’s become a community space. I often see neighbors running into each other, families gathering their groceries together, or people sharing recipes in the aisles. Watching these interactions unfold makes me realize that the market is about much more than products. It’s about building connections.
For me, that sense of community is the greatest inspiration. Knowing that Balboa Market is a place where people feel welcome, where cultures blend, and where friendships form keeps me motivated to keep pushing forward.
A Personal Reminder
When I think about my journey—from working odd jobs in my younger years to becoming a pharmacist, and later starting my own businesses—I realize that inspiration often comes from the small, everyday moments. It’s not always about the big milestones or achievements. More often, it’s about finding meaning in the ordinary.
Each day at the market brings something new to notice, a moment to appreciate, or a lesson to carry forward. Those little things keep me grounded and remind me of the bigger picture: that serving others with care, respect, and dedication is what truly matters.
Carrying It Forward
As I look ahead, I know there will always be challenges in running a business. But I also know there will always be small joys that make it worthwhile. The laughter of a child holding a sweet, the grateful smile of someone finding a long-lost favorite product, the comforting smell of bread—it all adds up.
These moments inspire me to keep improving, to keep serving, and to keep building something meaningful for the community. For me, the daily market is more than work—it’s a source of life lessons, motivation, and joy. And it’s those small moments that keep me moving forward, one day at a time.