STORIES OF IMPACT

At WESST, we believe the heart of our mission is best told through the journeys of the entrepreneurs we serve. In our Client Stories section, you’ll find inspiring accounts of New Mexican business owners—at every stage of their ventures—who have been transformed through WESST’s consulting, training, lending, and incubation support. These stories highlight how we partner with clients to turn ideas into thriving, sustainable businesses, showing the real impact of guidance, financial tools, and persistence.

From wellness centers, retail brands, and service businesses to manufacturing and tech enterprises, each narrative underscores how tailored resources, mentorship, and belief in their vision helped these founders overcome obstacles, build confidence, and grow with purpose.

Tangle Beauty Designs

In the summer of 2005, Natasha Begay made the decision to formalize her jewelry business and establish an LLC. She had the necessary skills for her craft and passion, but she needed to make sure the foundation was built correctly. Natasha had learned about WESST through social media and local entrepreneurial resources, and she reached out to gain a clearer understanding of the steps she needed to take to form her LLC and grow her business. Waterflow, NM Natasha found that nav

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Pieced by Lane

Aztec, NM Rhonda first learned about WESST through a promotional flyer and was immediately interested in our Native Women Rising (NWR) program. She attended an orientation in October 2023, and at the time, she was looking for opportunities to turn her art into a sustainable business, and she wanted to connect with other Native entrepreneurs. One of the main obstacles Rhonda faced in starting and growing her business was learning how to transition from being an artist to becom

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Surprise Balloons

Hobbs, NM In 2023, Elia Gonzalez learned about WESST through Sergio Polanco, the President of the Hobbs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She became familiar with WESST’s services and how they could potentially help promote what was, at the time, her project. She attended a WESST training, decided to start her small business, and that ‘project’ became Surprise Balloons. One of the main obstacles Elia faced was how to get started. She had the knowledge and skills but did not kn

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Stage and Screen Academy

Albuquerque, NM In 2023, Marissa and Chris Barretto, co-owners of Stage & Screen Academy, reached out to WESST seeking capital, marketing guidance, and business consulting. The husband-and-wife duo had a shared vision: to create a performing arts academy that gave Albuquerque children a place to explore acting, audition techniques, filmmaking, and more. Marissa, an educator, and Chris, a film industry professional, were inspired to start the school after searching in vain for

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Charmed

Kirtland, NM Hailey embarked on her entrepreneurial journey at a young age, focused on crafting and selling exquisite stone and crystal jewelry, alongside other distinctive handmade items. Constrained by health challenges, she found herself unable to thrive in a conventional education environment, but she was resolved to dedicating her time to creating artisan products. The opportunity for Hailey to manage her own business has provided her with a valuable outlet, allowing her

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Barro by Lucrecia

Lucrecia creates ceramic tableware and decor collections. Every piece is hand-crafted and thoughtfully designed, including collections of plates, bowls, cups, pitchers, and teapots. She also creates gifts & home decor like large and small flower vases, vessels, pots, and jugs to accent any room in the house. Made by hand in Santa Fe, New Mexico, each piece is worked with care and designed to give sensations of joy and well-being. Whether hand-built or wheel-thrown, each desig

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Clayful Blossoms

Olga Atkinson had, what she referred to as, a “hobby project,” with her daughter and mother. Together, the three of them would make beautiful objects out of clay and give them away for free in the community. One day, someone asked if she would ever sell them, something she had never considered. She turned to WESST to see if her family project could become a viable business. “I eventually knew that WESST and my community would lead me in the right direction,” says Olga. “I ha

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Dancing Turtle Studios, LLC

Dancing Turtle Studios LLC, owned by artist Cande Toner, started out as Hiwassee Mountain Crafters in Delano, Tennessee. Cande took numerous workshops in enameling and jewelry making at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and John C. Campbell Folk Art School to develop her style. She specializes in enamel on copper tiles which are turned into framed mosaic artwork as well as a popular line of inspiring enameled Mosaic jewelry. Enameling is the ancient process of fusing g

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Dodysdodat Creations

Dodysdodat Creations is jewelry made by Mary Bevers. Mary started making jewelry when she was 9 years old. After making jewelry for her friends and family as gifts, she decided to take her jewelry-making passion seriously and turn it into a business. She has been using her own funds and support from her husband to purchase all her supplies and materials needed to make her jewelry. Mary creates earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rosaries. She is also learning how to do photog

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