How Javid Javdani Turned a Bold Career Change into a Thriving Business

Success in life and business often comes down to adaptability. The ability to recognize when a new opportunity is calling and having the courage to pursue it is what separates those who stay in their comfort zones from those who build something extraordinary. For many, career changes happen out of necessity, but for others, like Javid Javdani, they are a strategic choice to follow a deeper purpose.

Javid Javdani began his professional journey in the field of healthcare, earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and working his way up to become Director of Pharmacy at Kindred Hospital.

For nearly two decades, he played a vital role in patient care, managing operations, ensuring medication safety, and improving healthcare systems. However, even with a stable and respected career, he felt something was missing.

Rather than continuing down a path that no longer fulfilled him, he took an unexpected leap into entrepreneurship, launching Balboa Market, a grocery store that has since grown into an international food destination. He later expanded his ventures by opening Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine, a restaurant that offers authentic flavors from around the world.

His journey is a testament to the entrepreneurial mindset the ability to embrace change, take calculated risks, and build a business that serves both a personal passion and a community need.

Recognizing Opportunity in the Unfamiliar

Most people stick to what they know, especially when they have invested years into mastering a profession. Making a drastic career change requires the ability to see opportunity in unfamiliar places and trust that your skills are transferable.

For someone trained in pharmacy, shifting to the food business might seem like an unlikely transition. But at its core, both industries require problem-solving, precision, and a focus on serving others. In healthcare, success comes from understanding people’s needs and delivering solutions. The same principle applies to business—knowing what customers want and finding the best way to provide it.

When the opportunity to purchase a small grocery store presented itself, Javid recognized more than just a business deal. He saw a chance to create something that had real impact—a marketplace that provided international foods and flavors to a diverse community in San Diego. Instead of focusing on what he didn’t know about the grocery industry, he focused on what he did know: customer service, organization, and problem-solving. These transferable skills became the foundation of his success.

Taking Calculated Risks

Entrepreneurs are often associated with risk-taking, but the most successful ones don’t take reckless risks—they take calculated ones. Every big decision requires a balance of intuition, research, and strategic planning.

Starting a new business is never easy, and the transition from a stable career in pharmacy to running a grocery store came with uncertainties. There were financial risks, logistical challenges, and a steep learning curve. Inventory management, supplier negotiations, and customer preferences were all areas that required rapid adaptation.

Instead of being deterred by what he didn’t know, he immersed himself in learning. He listened to customers, studied market demand, and adjusted his business model accordingly. By staying flexible and focusing on data-driven decisions, he minimized risks while maximizing opportunities.

Over time, what started as a neighborhood grocery store evolved into Balboa Market, a thriving business that provides hard-to-find ingredients from cultures around the world. The market became more than just a place to shop—it became a community hub where people could reconnect with the flavors of their heritage.

Building a Brand with Purpose

One of the defining traits of successful entrepreneurs is their ability to build brands with purpose. A business isn’t just about making money—it’s about solving a problem, filling a gap, and adding value to people’s lives.

For Balboa Market, the purpose was clear: give people access to authentic international foods that were difficult to find elsewhere. The store’s unique product selection attracted a loyal customer base, with people traveling from different parts of the city just to find the flavors they missed from home.

But Javid didn’t stop there. Recognizing the growing demand for high-quality Mediterranean cuisine, he expanded his vision by opening Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine. The restaurant’s success wasn’t just about good food—it was about the experience. Every dish was crafted with care, authenticity, and a deep respect for culinary traditions.

By focusing on cultural inclusivity and authenticity, he built businesses that resonated with customers on a deeper level. This is a key lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs: the strongest brands are built on a genuine mission, not just a business model.

The Role of Adaptability in Entrepreneurship

If there’s one thing every entrepreneur must embrace, it’s constant change. The business landscape is always shifting, and the ability to adapt and evolve is what keeps companies thriving.

For Balboa Market and Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine, adaptability meant:

• Listening to customer feedback and adjusting inventory to meet changing demands.
• Expanding product selections to cater to an even broader international audience.
• Leveraging digital marketing and social media to reach more customers and build a strong brand presence.
• Navigating supply chain challenges by forming strong relationships with diverse suppliers.

Instead of being rigid in his approach, Javid adopted a mindset of continuous learning. When something didn’t work, he adjusted. When new opportunities arose, he pursued them. This agility and willingness to innovate are what allow businesses to stay relevant in an ever-changing market.

Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Failure

No entrepreneurial journey is without challenges. The early days of running a grocery store came with unexpected hurdles—overstocking certain items, underestimating demand for others, and managing the complexities of sourcing international products.

Rather than seeing these setbacks as failures, he viewed them as learning experiences. He refined his strategies, adjusted pricing models, and built stronger relationships with suppliers. Every obstacle became a stepping stone to greater success.

This mindset—treating failures as lessons rather than roadblocks—is crucial for any entrepreneur. Resilience, adaptability, and persistence are what separate those who succeed from those who give up too soon.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those considering a career change or dreaming of starting their own business, Javid’s journey offers several key lessons:

1. Skills are transferable. Even if you’re switching industries, the problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and customer service experience you’ve gained in previous roles can be applied in new ways.
2. Take calculated risks. Entrepreneurship isn’t about jumping in blindly—it’s about analyzing opportunities, weighing the risks, and making informed decisions.
3. Adapt and evolve. The business world is constantly changing, and the ability to stay flexible and embrace new challenges is essential for long-term success.
4. Build with purpose. The most successful businesses aren’t just profit-driven—they serve a real need and create value for their customers.
5. Failure is part of the process. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.

Conclusion

The entrepreneurial mindset is about more than just starting a business—it’s about seeing possibilities where others see limitations. Javid Javdani’s transition from pharmacy to the food industry is proof that success isn’t about staying in one lane, but about following your passion, embracing change, and building something meaningful.

By taking a bold leap, recognizing opportunity, and staying committed to serving his community, he turned an unconventional career shift into a thriving business. His story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding outcomes.