Aurora Borealis Glassworks
Albuquerque, NM: John Owen John Owen is the owner of Aurora Borealis Glassworks in Albuquerque, the only public access glass art school in the city. He had previously served as lead instructor when the opportunity arose to purchase the established and successful glass-blowing studio. John reached out to WESST in May 2023 for financial and coaching support when he was in the process of purchasing the business. John had more than a decade of hands-on experience in the art comm
KAN-SEI
Albuquerque, NM: Maki Kimura 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 wor
Indigi Bean Creative
Vanderwagen, NM: Akeemi Martinez Vanderwagen, NM: Akeemi Martinez first learned about WESST through a community partner at the American Indian Business Enterprise (AIBE), who had shared information about workshop at WESST geared towards women. She took her first training in 2024 and has since worked with our WESST team throughout the state. As an emerging artist and entrepreneur, Akeemi is navigating the intersection of creative expression and business development. Indigi Be
Tangle Beauty Designs
Waterflow, NM: Natasha Begay, Tangle Beauty Designs In the summer of 2005, Natasha Begay made the decision to formalize her jewelry business and set up 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 h
Pieced by Lane
Aztec, NM: Rhonda Lane, Pieced by Lane 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
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
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
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
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