KAN-SEI
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Maki Kimura is a Japanese calligrapher based in Albuquerque. After more than two decades of professional work in the United States as an award-winning collaborative pianist, she decided to pursue a career in calligraphy following a serious hand injury. While researching business and entrepreneurship, Maki learned about WESST when she started her company, KAN-SEI LLC. She signed up for a product photography class in the summer of 2025 and began working with WESST shortly after.
Even though Maki had already registered her LLC and established her business prior to her first consultation, she did know what to do next and still felt unprepared. "I had so many questions and concerns that I did not know where to begin. When I attended a photography workshop, Valeria gave me her business card, which gave me the confidence to take the first step," says Maki. "WESST looked at my work and believed it had the potential to become a real business. Their encouragement meant a great deal to me early on. They have been incredibly patient and supportive, and their guidance gave me confidence as I entered a completely new field."
WESST carefully explained the process of starting and building a business, helping Maki organize her ideas and plans, identifying areas for improvement, and create a legitimate business plan. Maki was able to prepare a proposal for approaching galleries, and WESST introduced her to a gallery she had been interested in.
"WESST helped transform my vague ideas into a realistic business model. With their support, I was selected for SURFACE: Emerging Artists of New Mexico 2026 and was able to begin my career as a visual artist. I am deeply grateful. I strongly recommend WESST to anyone who is thinking about starting a business."
