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.

Sandia Pet Products

Albuquerque, NM When Veronica Fuller’s former boss was selling her wholesale product business, Sandia Pet Products, she came to WESST after a referral from a friend to explore her options. At the time, she didn’t have the funds to purchase the business, but through consulting and training, WESST and Veronica worked together to realize her path to entrepreneurship. Veronica’s main challenge was accessing the capital she needed to purchase the purchase. Through WESST, she rec

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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

CREATIVE ARTS

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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De La Rose Flowers

Hobbs, NM In 2023, Marisol Chaves Salcido was working as a server at a restaurant in Jal, New Mexico, spending her evenings and weekends on floral designs. Despite having no formal training, Marisol, a self-taught floral artist, developed her skills working alongside her mother. It was clear she had a unique talent for creating beautiful and heartfelt floral arrangements. Her former employer suggested she meet with WESST, and she soon began discussing her dreams of starting

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Accent Flowers

Roswell, NM 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. Recognizing she was more than just an employee, and it was her true calling, the owners offered their business to Suzie when it was their time to move

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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

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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

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#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

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