STORIES OF IMPACT

At WESST, we believe the heart of our mission is best told through the journeys of the entrepreneurs we serve. In our Client Stories section, you’ll find inspiring accounts of New Mexican business owners—at every stage of their ventures—who have been transformed through WESST’s consulting, training, lending, and incubation support. These stories highlight how we partner with clients to turn ideas into thriving, sustainable businesses, showing the real impact of guidance, financial tools, and persistence.

From wellness centers, retail brands, and service businesses to manufacturing and tech enterprises, each narrative underscores how tailored resources, mentorship, and belief in their vision helped these founders overcome obstacles, build confidence, and grow with purpose.

Leading with Intention: Valeria Olave on Her Leadership NM Experience

By WESST | January 21, 2026 With nearly a decade of experience in the banking industry, Valeria Olave joined WESST in 2023 as Program Director of our Albuquerque Women’s Business Center (WBC). Under her leadership, WESST’s Albuquerque WBC earned the 2025 National Certificate of Excellence from the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) and was featured in the first ever AWBC Media Spotlight tour in August 2025. Valeria recently gradu ated from Le adership New Mexic

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Ebenezer Hats

Alamogordo, NM Chelsea Hayes, founder and owner of Ebenezer Hats, was working with Trish Livingston, Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at New Mexico State University Alamogordo on her business when Trish recommended connecting with WESST. Chelsea began collaborating with Humberto on her business venture, and this recommendation opened up valuable opportunities for guidance and support. " WESST helped me refine my approach and take the next steps in grow

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Sandia Pet Products

Albuquerque, NM When Veronica Fuller’s former boss was selling her wholesale product business, Sandia Pet Products, she came to WESST after a referral from a friend to explore her options. At the time, she didn’t have the funds to purchase the business, but through consulting and training, WESST and Veronica worked together to realize her path to entrepreneurship. Veronica’s main challenge was accessing the capital she needed to purchase the purchase. Through WESST, she rec

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RubyMac Coffee

Santa Fe, NM Joanna Becker was unsure about how to take her business to the next step, until her cousin, who launched her own business through WESST, recommended she reach out to our team. Joanna became involved with WESST in the winter of 2024, and says, “it has far exceeded my expectations – guiding, supporting, and helping me grow into the entrepreneur I’ve always wanted to be!” RubyMac Coffee, named after Joanna’s material grandparents, Ruby and Ranald “Mac” MacDonald, i

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Tacos Pita 2

Dexter, NM Pedro Gallardo Garcia and Maria Dolores Dominguez-Tenorio are the passionate owners behind Tacos Pita 2, a thriving food truck business. In 2022, they walked into the WESST offices to formally establish their business through the creation of an LLC. When Dolores’ family embarked on their culinary adventure, they began selling delicious, traditional Mexican cuisine, but they neglected to properly register their business. Pedro wanted to preserve the family legacy a

FOOD & BEVERAGE

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