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.

Desert River Guides

Desert River Guides, LLC was established in 2020 by owners Ryan and Cody Dudgeon, who grew up in the Farmington area. Desert River Guides is the first business of its kind to exist in the local region and has become a premier activity for residents and visitors. Combined with 28 years of guiding experience on Class IV whitewater in Idaho and Montana, Cody and Ryan have rafted many of the rivers in the Southwest. They know what it takes to provide safe and excellent customer s

NATURE & WILDLIFE

Down to Earth and Radicle, LLC

Christie became an entrepreneur to change the world. With no business experience or any idea what it would take to be a business owner, she wanted to affect positive change for people and the environment and founded Down to Earth, LLC in 1999. Christie believed that if people felt strongly enough about their food, land and natural resources, we would have a chance to turn the powerful tide of bioengineered crops, industrial agriculture and ecosystems denuded of living soil an

NATURE & WILDLIFE

Tierra del Alma

In August 2021, Melissa, a former schoolteacher, became the owner of Tierra del Alma, a ranch providing lodging, Equus coaching, workshops, and clinics, in Hondo, NM. She originally considered starting her business in California but moved back to Hondo for family. This change in plans took courage and a dedicated support system, as her original plans had to adapt to a different landscape, both physically and professionally. Her love of horses and the lessons she learned fro

NATURE & WILDLIFE

Zia Queenbee Company

Entrepreneur Melanie Kirby thoroughly enjoys her life as an entrepreneur. Each day offers new and challenging opportunities to be creative, learn new things, solve problems, and oftentimes — being the mother of two children under five — feel as though there are not nearly enough hours in a day. Melanie is the founder of Zia Queenbee Company, a growing business that is challenged on a daily basis to meet the huge demands of the important Queen Bee marketplace. Because of the h

NATURE & WILDLIFE