Javid Javdani: San Diego Pharmacist & Business Owner
Javid Javdani’s journey from a young immigrant to a distinguished pharmacist and successful entrepreneur is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a passion for community service. Born in Iran, Javdani moved to the United States in 1982, in the turbulent aftermath of the Iranian Revolution. The upheaval of relocating to a new country during his formative years instilled in him a strong sense of determination and adaptability. These qualities would become the cornerstones of his future success.
In his early years in America, Javdani supported himself through various jobs, gaining valuable insights into the world of business. He worked at a car wash, a gas station, and in restaurants, experiences that not only taught him the value of hard work but also provided early lessons in customer service and business operations. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
Javdani’s academic journey began at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. His dedication to education and his commitment to a professional career led him to further his studies at the University of the Pacific, where he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1994. This academic background equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in healthcare.
Javdani’s professional career began in earnest in San Diego, where he worked as a pharmacist. His expertise and dedication quickly earned him a reputation for excellence, and he was soon appointed as the Director of Pharmacy at Kindred Healthcare. In this role, which he held for nearly 19 years, Javdani was responsible for overseeing pharmacy operations and ensuring the delivery of high-quality care to patients. His tenure at Kindred Healthcare was marked by his commitment to patient care and his ability to manage complex operations efficiently.
Despite his success in the healthcare sector, Javdani’s entrepreneurial spirit remained strong. He saw an opportunity to expand his impact beyond the confines of the pharmacy. This opportunity came in the form of a small grocery store in San Diego’s Clairemont neighborhood, which primarily catered to the local Persian community. Javdani recognized the potential to transform this store into something much more significant.
He acquired the grocery store and began expanding its offerings to include a diverse range of international products. His vision was to create a market that not only served the Persian community but also catered to the diverse population of San Diego. Through hard work and strategic planning, he succeeded in turning the store into a thriving international market. The market quickly became a cultural hub, offering products from various countries and introducing customers to new flavors and culinary traditions.
Under Javdani’s leadership, the market grew to include a restaurant and catering service. This expansion allowed him to further serve the community by providing authentic international cuisine and catering services for events. The market became known not just as a place to shop for groceries but as a destination for cultural exploration and culinary discovery.
Javdani’s approach to business is deeply rooted in community engagement and customer service. He understands that building strong connections with customers is essential for success. His market is a place where customers are not just shoppers but valued members of a community. Javdani and his team are always ready to provide personalized service, helping customers find the products they need and offering advice on how to use them.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Javdani’s career has been the positive impact his market has had on the community. He recalls a particularly touching moment when a customer thanked him for bringing a taste of her homeland to San Diego. She shared that the market made her feel connected to her roots and less homesick. Moments like these are a reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and the role food plays in bringing people together.
Javdani’s journey has not been without challenges. Navigating the complexities of sourcing authentic international products and adapting to the cultural nuances and dietary preferences of a diverse customer base have required ongoing learning and adjustments. However, his commitment to quality and authenticity has helped him overcome these challenges and build a loyal customer base.
In addition to his business endeavors, Javdani is also committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. He recognizes the importance of responsible sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and reducing food waste. By making conscious choices that benefit both consumers and the environment, he is paving the way for a more sustainable future in the food industry.
Looking ahead, Javdani has ambitious plans for the future of his market. He aims to continue expanding the range of international products available and explore online avenues to make these products more accessible to a wider audience. He is also keen on incorporating more community-based events and cooking classes to enhance the customer experience and deepen community ties. His goal is to make the market not just a place to shop but a cultural hub where people can learn, share, and grow together.
Javid Javdani’s life and career are a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a deep commitment to community. From his early days as a young immigrant working various jobs to support himself, to his distinguished career as a pharmacist, and finally to his successful venture into the world of international retail, Javdani has always been driven by a desire to make a positive impact. His journey is an inspiring example of how one person can bridge cultures and bring communities together through the universal language of food.
