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.

Wavez Restaurant

Las Cruces, NM Lui came to WESST after being referred by Pioneer Bank. He was seeking a loan to expand their restaurant, Wavez, and take the next step in their growth. Through this referral, WESST and Lui built a relationship, learning more about his goals and exploring financing options that would support the development of his business. Rooted deeply in his Hawaiian heritage, Lui has always carried a love for the flavors, traditions, and the spirit of aloha. After he began

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Oliva Cheese Board

Albuquerque, NM Ronmienezky “Ronmie” Cavalieri learned about WESST through her community, most notably her sister, who owned a restaurant and received support from WESST. In October 2025, Ronmie scheduled a consultation with our team and began to build a structured plan to formalize and grow her charcuterie business, Oliva Cheese Board. Like other small business owners, Ronmie had her fair share of challenges. She needed guidance to register her business, better understand li

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Last Call Kombucha

Santa Fe, NM Kiana Estevez has always been inspired by her summers growing up in the Dominican Republic and loving the drink, kombucha. This led to launching her own business. “I determined that now was the time,” says Kiana. “I reached out to every available start-up resource I could find in Santa Fe. I had met with a WESST team member at different events and learned more about the organization, and the connection was made.” Kiana had been making and selling her beverages l

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Blessed to be a Blessing Farms LLC

Chaparral, NM Daniela Lizarraga first heard about WESST through local entrepreneurs in Las Cruces who had spoken highly of the support they received. She came in for a consultation in June 2024 to get some guidance on how to move her business idea forward and make her LLC more active. At the time, Daniela had already created her business, Blessed to be a Blessing Farms, registered in New Mexico and Texas, and even built her website, but she had yet to make a sale. “I needed

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RubyMac Coffee

Santa Fe, NM Joanna Becker was unsure about how to take her business to the next step, until her cousin, who launched her own business through WESST, recommended she reach out to our team. Joanna became involved with WESST in the winter of 2024, and says, “it has far exceeded my expectations – guiding, supporting, and helping me grow into the entrepreneur I’ve always wanted to be!” RubyMac Coffee, named after Joanna’s material grandparents, Ruby and Ranald “Mac” MacDonald, i

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Tacos Pita 2

Dexter, NM Pedro Gallardo Garcia and Maria Dolores Dominguez-Tenorio are the passionate owners behind Tacos Pita 2, a thriving food truck business. In 2022, they walked into the WESST offices to formally establish their business through the creation of an LLC. When Dolores’ family embarked on their culinary adventure, they began selling delicious, traditional Mexican cuisine, but they neglected to properly register their business. Pedro wanted to preserve the family legacy a

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Tortas y Tacos Guadalajara

Roswell, NM When Pomposa Martinez arrived in Roswell, she dreamed of building a better future for her family. With her husband and three children by her side, she purchased a modest food truck and launched Tortas Y Tacos Guadalajara, bringing authentic Mexican flavors to their community. From the start, Pomposa’s warm personality and exceptional food quickly won the hearts of the local community, becoming a beloved fixture on Main Street. Her original food truck was aging

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Ii’ni Marketplace

Tohatchi, NM As Laris Manuelito began planning for her business, Ii’ni Marketplace, the biggest obstacle she encountered was securing funding for start-up businesses. She didn’t have collateral or prior business experience. Laris connected with the WESST Farmington office and learned about Native Women Rising, a special initiative focused on serving Native entrepreneurs. Laris, a Diné woman and a U.S. Army veteran, found there was a noticeable lack of dedicated support for

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Andino Mini Market

Santa Fe, NM Gina Auz needed assistance with a start-up business and learned about WESST from the City of Santa Fe Economic Department. She has always considered herself an entrepreneur, but because she is a mother of five who also worked full time, she wasn’t able to dedicate the time she initially wanted or needed to follow her dream. This changed when she was encouraged to reach out to WESST. When she was told about WESST, Gina learned we had bilingual staff who would be

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