WESST Client Profiles

Gifts, Baskets and Beyond is a retail business that provides gifts for every special occasion. Clients can customize and build their own gifts or buy ready-made gifts. The business has a retail location at the Cottonwood Mall and offers a delivery option. The store also sells other items such as purses, clothes, and selected items according to the occasion: Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Birthdays, Weddings and more.

Isabel Licano came to WESST in 2017 when she had the idea of starting a cleaning business and later another idea about a construction business and then a beef jerky business. None of them got a start, but her WESST consultant knew Isabel had what it took to be a successful entrepreneur and patiently stayed with her and guided her whenever she had a new idea. Isabel has attended consultations and trainings throughout the years and has learned how to create a successful business step by step. She is also an IDA client and is currently applying for a 12K loan to grow her business as demand is getting stronger. She went from a home-based business to opening a retail store at the mall. Even as we are still dealing with the pandemic, she has seen more people venturing out and visiting the malls. With WESST’s assistance, Isabel is mastering the financial side of the business, learning about inventory, cash flow projections and how to optimize marketing.