Accent Flowers
Suzie Fresquez has never shied away from hard work! Suzie originally was hired to do a job at a floral shop; however, as she worked to gain experience, she honed her skills and realized she had a real talent and a passion for floral design and the floral business. Suzie worked for the business owners for four years. The owners recognized that Suzie was more than just an employee; she treated her position as a real calling. Therefore, when the owners began to feel it was time
Bernina Sewing and Design
Surrounded by colorful fabrics and thread, Marsha Cowan, laughed when asked how her business was doing in today’s economy. “We’re making it,” she said. The fact is that the business has grown considerably during their eight years of operation. She and her husband, Izzy, work fulltime in their delightful Bernina Sewing and Design Center and they are able to employ 11 other people. Marsha admits that she is more interested in the sewing and design aspect of the business while h
Boujee on a Budget Bridal
Christina Starr founded Boujee on a Budget Bridal to offer high quality, affordable options for budget-conscious brides. Based in Albuquerque, they also have an online store and ship to all 50 states. Seeking to expand into a larger location in January 2024, she approached WESST for loan assistance. Initial consultations highlighted that Christina needed to focus on bookkeeping before she could access a loan. WESST helped her address her financial statements and connected h
#bowbymom
Sara LaMontine comes from a family of entrepreneurs. Sara watched her dad start a restaurant over 20 years ago and role model the examples of hard work and determination. In December of 2016, Sara began making bows for her daughter. Soon, people began commenting on how much they liked her bows and asked her to make bows for them. When she realized there was such a market, she began to formulate her business idea. On January 1, 2018 Sara started #bowbymom, which creates one of
Cell Phone Doctor
Cell Phone Doctor is a family-owned business serving the greater Gallup community and the Navajo Nation. Cell Phone Doctor sells new and factory refurbished phones and services all brands of cell phones and tablets. They sell several cell phone models, including iPhone, Samsung, LG, Motorola, Android and PlayStation, and Xbox gaming systems. Cell Phone Doctor can also network unlock phones and complete basic repairs on phones, tablets, computers, and game systems. The WESST F
Color Wheel Toys
Color Wheel Toys is a pop-up toy store that opens seasonally for the holidays. They sell creative toys, craft supplies, bulk Lego bricks and other fun items designed to encourage imagination, learning and exploration. Owner Keri Piehl first started Color Wheel Toys in 2017, primarily as a way to encourage parents and children to explore fun, colorful and unusual toys as an alternative to licensed toys and electronics. Keri also wanted a way to offer families art supplies and
Dara's Upholstery
Dara initially came to WESST back in August 2021 to consider applying for a loan, relocated soon after, and returned both to Roswell and WESST in 2024. She needed help in growing her upholstery business, Dara’s Upholster & Drapes, in the Roswell community and also knew that she needed business management and marketing help. “I learned how to dismantle furniture and some rebuilding techniques, but I had to teach myself the skill of upholstering the furniture. I started my bus
Eagle Drums
Born in Albuquerque and raised on the Cochiti Pueblo reservation, Gilbert “Eagle” Herrera has 35 years of drum making experience. At 45, the fourth generation drum maker learned the art process from his father, Redbird. When his father Redbird decided it was time to stop making drums, Eagle was determined to start creating his own style of drums while also continuing the traditional drum maker style that has been in the family for years. Eagle carefully selects Aspen trees fr
Feral Lore Perfumes
There is just something to be said for child’s play and exploration in fields of flowers. As a young girl, little Kate discovered her love for aromatherapy by blending petals together to smell their remnant on her fingertips. Upon reflection, Ms. Viers shares, “I created Feral Lore Perfumes with a desire to share my passion for natural aromatics with the world.” Given her extensive education in aromatherapy and herbal medicine, she was able to formulate the blends we experien