Albuquerque School of Healing Arts
- May 14
- 2 min read
When Sara Ferrell and Laura Freed first connected with WESST, it was through a long-standing relationship rooted in community. “I’ve known about WESST for over 20 years,” Sara shared. Her son went to school with Agnes, WESST’s previous Executive Director, and she met Mark, WESST’s previous Incubator Director, about 15 years ago when she first began exploring the idea of opening a business.
“Even back then, he helped me understand value of the work at WESST.” At the start of the pandemic in 2020, with the vision of launching the Albuquerque School of Healing Arts (ASHA) finally ready to take shape, Sara and Laura reached back out to WESST. They were encouraged to attend WESST’s free business classes, which they described as a “a game changer.”
The level of access and support WESST provided, especially during such an uncertain time, meant everything.
Before launching ASHA, Sara and Laura had worked for a spa owner who often spoke of the deep impact WESST had on her journey. “She sang your praises,” they said. “She credited your mentorship with her success and passed that knowledge down to us”. They believe one of the most powerful things about WESST is that the organization fosters an environment where clients help lift each other up. “We try to carry that forward now by sending our own students your way.”
Like many new entrepreneurs, financial obstacles were one of the biggest challenges they faced. WESST helped them understand their business financials and how to approach funding. “Without that initial loan and line of credit, we wouldn’t have made it through the first year.” The loan from WESST helped bridge critical gaps like hiring staff, managing early expenses, and reducing sleepless nights.
One of the most meaningful ways ASHA gives back is through its student massage clinic, which provides affordable, high-quality services to the community. “We graduated from a school that offered this, and we knew how important it was,” they said. “When that clinic closed, it left a void in our community. We’ve been able to help fill that.” Sara and Laura run their business with a strong sense of joyful responsibility, while continuing a healing legacy and nurturing a new generation of practitioners.
