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.

VIIIZON Academy LLC

VIIIZON Academy LLC prides itself as the New Mexico epicenter for performing arts culture. They focus on a holistic approach to training dancers, ensuring students are mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to fulfill their unlimited potential. “Our goal is to build confidence, dedication, and elicit enthusiasm in the students.” VIIIZON Academy offers a wide array of classes, including ballet, modern, hip-hop, jazz, African dance, acrobats, and yoga. They work with st

CREATIVE ARTS

Visionary Imagery, LLC

Maia Franz is a fine art photographer, specializing in black and white photography, and owns Visionary Imagery, LLC. She first learned of WESST through the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Ascent program in October 2024. In 2023, Maia went through a monumental life change, suffering from a heart attack and multiple strokes, all due to an unknown tumor in her heart. After recovering from open heart surgery in the fall of 2023, she realized she wanted to embrace her phot

CREATIVE ARTS

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