Pharmacy offers personal touch

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Published: 10/16/2012

BY JON CHAVEZ BLADE BUSINESS WRITER

It isnt that she prefers doing things the hard way, but its probably fair to say that Najwa Kassem, all 5-foot-2 of her, has never backed down from the many challenges that have come her way.

Growing up in her native Lebanon, there was pressure to settle down and marry and not pursue a career. Instead, she went to school and became a pharmacist.

Later, she wanted to start her own pharmacy in her town of Baalbeck, but everyone cautioned her that in Baalbeck a conservative, traditional city whose roots date back 9,000 years women do not own businesses. Its very unusual for a woman to own her own business there, Mrs. Kassem said. There were seven other pharmacies and all of them were run by males. I was told, This is a big challenge for you, a girl, in this area, with seven other guys. I dont think youre going to stand a chance.

Undeterred, she started her own pharmacy, which became very successful and was destined to remain that way until 1995 when she met a visiting American, Jamil Kassem. A whirlwind romance ensued, and after a quick marriage she moved to Toledo.

From 1997 until earlier this year, Mrs. Kassem was a pharmacy manager with Rite Aid Corp., but this month she opted for yet anotherchallenge: starting her own independent pharmacy in West Toledo.

Mrs. Kassems Westgate Family Pharmacy, at 3147 West Central Ave. in the Cricket West Shopping Center, opened for business on Oct. 8. Not only does it bring her back to the Westgate trade area where for 11 years she managed the Rite Aid pharmacy in the Westgate Village Shopping Center, it also fulfills a dream I always had, she said.

Some people told me its not possible with all the competition, all the big fish in the sea around here, Mrs. Kassem said. But at some point, its time to attempt a change, she added.

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Pharmacy offers personal touch