Today we’d like to introduce you to Mahdi Abdul.
Hi Mahdi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I call my story “ From Nurse to Entrepreneur Changing the Flavor of Knoxville”
My name is Mahdi Abdul, and I was born and raised in Najaf, Iraq. In 2014, when I was just 15 years old, my family and I moved to the United States in search of a better future — one filled with opportunity, stability, and the freedom to build something meaningful from the ground up.
Adjusting to life in a new country wasn’t easy. I started fresh, attending Bearden High School here in Knoxville, where I worked hard to learn the language and adapt to a whole new culture. After graduating, I continued my education at Pellissippi State Community College, where I earned my associate degree. I eventually pursued a career in nursing and began working full-time at Blount Memorial Hospital.
But even as I dedicated myself to healthcare, there was always a fire in me — a deep passion for entrepreneurship that never faded. I’ve had a business mindset for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always believed that with enough hard work and purpose, you can turn any dream into reality.
As Knoxville grew and became more diverse, I noticed something missing — a place that truly felt like home for people from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. That realization planted the seed for what would become Babylon International Market.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting the business wasn’t glamorous. I was still working full-time as a nurse while trying to launch the store. Funds were extremely tight. We opened with a small inventory and no guarantee of success. I didn’t take a single dollar in profit for the first six months — every penny went back into the business. But I believed in the vision. I believed that if I created something authentic and valuable, the community would respond.
I was right. From day one, the support from the Knoxville community was overwhelming. People showed up. They spread the word. They came back. That’s when I realized this market was more than just a store — it was a space where people felt seen and represented. A place where immigrants and locals alike could experience flavors from home and discover new cultures through food.
Behind the scenes, it was a tightly run operation, with all aspects—from stocking shelves and handling deliveries to marketing and customer service—managed personally to ensure everything ran smoothly. There were many long nights, setbacks, and tough decisions. But I’ve always been self-driven, and I knew that if I didn’t keep pushing forward, no one else would do it for me.
Today, Babylon International Market is thriving. We offer a diverse selection of groceries, spices, halal meats, and specialty products from across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. But more importantly, we’ve created a place where cultures are celebrated and community comes first.
Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come — but I know this is only the beginning. I’m currently working on a new project that I’m excited to share soon, God willing. The entrepreneurial spirit in me hasn’t slowed down one bit.
To the Knoxville community: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness, loyalty, and encouragement have made this dream a reality. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without your support, and I promise to keep working hard every day to serve you even better.
And to anyone just starting out: believe in yourself, stay patient, and don’t be afraid to work harder than you ever thought possible. My father always told me, “Work hard now and have fun later, or have fun now and work hard later.” I chose the first path — and I’ve never looked back.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At its core, our business is about community. Babylon International Market was created to bring a taste of home to people from all over the world while introducing others to the rich cultures and flavors of the Middle East and beyond. We specialize in authentic, high-quality international groceries, with a focus on Middle Eastern products that are often hard to find elsewhere in the region. From fresh baked goods and spices to specialty snacks and halal meats, our goal is to offer both comfort and discovery with every visit.
What sets us apart is the experience we create for our customers. We’re not just a grocery store—we’re a gathering place where people feel seen, heard, and welcomed. Whether someone walks in looking for a childhood favorite or simply wants to try something new, we take pride in guiding them and making sure they leave happy. The personal relationships we’ve built with our customers are what fuel our passion.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the trust we’ve earned. Babylon has become more than a market—it’s a symbol of connection, culture, and hard work. Our story started small, but with every step, we’ve stayed true to our values: authenticity, quality, and community.
We want readers to know that our mission goes beyond selling products. We’re here to serve, to share, and to create a space that celebrates diversity through food. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you’re part of something special when you walk through our doors.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One resource that has had a significant impact on my mindset and work ethic is Dr. Jordan Peterson, the Canadian psychologist, author, and professor. His lectures, books, and interviews have been incredibly influential in how I approach both business and life. What I appreciate most about his work is his emphasis on personal responsibility, discipline, and finding meaning through hard work and sacrifice—principles that have guided me through some of the toughest moments as an entrepreneur.
His book 12 Rules for Life in particular helped me focus on setting my life in order, starting with the small things—something that translated directly into how I run my business. Peterson challenges people to confront chaos with courage and clarity, and that message has pushed me to keep growing, stay accountable, and never lose sight of what really matters.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Mahoodi Abdul
- Facebook: Mahoodi Abdul
