Alma's Restaurant

Artesia, NM

Before coming to WESST, Alma Martinez was already the owner of multiple businesses in Artesia. Her journey has not been easy, but it has been gratifying. She was a young widow raising two young children when she began working as a restaurant server in Artesia. Her strong leadership did not go unnoticed, and she climbed the ranks, becoming assistant manager. The restaurant unfortunately closed as the owners choose to pursue different opportunities, leaving Alma unemployed.  

Despite professional setbacks, Alma remained focus on her most important role: motherhood. Her two children became accomplished student athletes and later graduated from college, a personal milestone for her. She eventually remarried, and her husband supports her entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her space to thrive. 

After several years of successfully managing a restaurant, she was offered the opportunity to lease a new restaurant, taking over Los Potrillos. It has since been renamed to Alma's. They moved to a new locatoin in 2017, and in 2025, she entered into a contract to purchase the building. 

One key benefit of WESST has been their trainings. I took a computer class that significantly improved my Excel skills, allowing me to more effectively manage budgeting and inventory. WESST also helped my servers understand their wage deductions and rights, boosting their confidence in understanding their roles. WESST’s guidance has had a profoundly positive impact on my restaurant’s success and the professional growth of my staff.

 In May 2025, Alma was named Women Entrepreneur of the Year in Artesia—an  

honor that reflects her extraordinary resilience, leadership, and lasting impact on her  

community. She sought additional support from WESST to expand her business portfolio, as she launched Cloud Nine, an event and celebration space.  

WESST helped me with everything from major business decisions to every day operations while setting up my event center. Their assistance has been crucial for building a solid foundation for my business and improving my management skills.

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