WESST Client Profiles

Jesse Penrod discovered a passion for pottery during college and honed her skills post-graduation at Hanselmann Pottery in Corrales. After that studio closed, Jessi wanted to know what her options were to turn her experience into a vision for a new business.” She had an idea for her business values and goals, from product creation to the team she wanted to hire and the community she wanted to serve, but didn’t have the experience of running a start-up. “I had the creative part down but needed assistance getting started.”

Jessi met Sara Osusky, a WESST Rio Rancho consultant and trainer, at an event hosted by Corrales MainStreet. After spending time together, Jessi signed up for a consultation in February 2024 to discuss her start-up needs. Dave Vedera, Rio Rancho Regional Director, provided extensive support, from assisting in the registration and licensure of the business, referring Jessi to legal counsel, to business structuring and operating agreements.

“The biggest challenge this team has helped me with is my confidence. I have left every meeting feeling like I am on the right track. When I feel lost, or that progress is coming too slow, this team has always reinforced the important progress that has been made and helped me feel a regained sense of clarity in my goals and actions moving forward. They have been that go-to tool that I can count on to overcome any time I feel stuck.”

Sage Valley Pottery opened its doors in October 2024 and recently celebrated the continued support from the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce and Village of Corrales with a ribbon cutting celebration in May 2025.