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.

Retail Therapy

Silver City, NM: Lauren Bland Silver City, NM: Lauren learned about WESST through word of mouth from a fellow colleague, and she connected with WESST in May 2026. She loves a good pun and aptly named her business Resale Therapy, after her history as a physical therapist. One of the biggest barriers for Lauren was taking the leap and pivoting from regular life to starting her business venture. She is a full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy but always knew she wanted to start a

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Aurora Borealis Glassworks

Albuquerque, NM: John Owen Albuquerque, NM: John Owen is the owner of Aurora Borealis Glassworks in Albuquerque, the only public access glass art school in the city. He had previously served as lead instructor when the opportunity arose to purchase the established and successful glass-blowing studio. John reached out to WESST in May 2023 for financial and coaching support when he was in the process of purchasing the business. John had more than a decade of hands-on experienc

CREATIVE ARTS

Jack's Plastic Welding

Aztec, NM: Jack's Plastic Welding team, TJ Garcia, Miguel, Layla, Dylon, Evan, Perri, Carlos Moreno, Tyson, Shannon, Amber, Travor, Niaomi, and Greg. Dereck P not included in photo. Aztec, NM: Jack’s Plastic Welding (JPW), based in Aztec, NM, has been building durable inflatable products since 1982. The business began as a sole proprietorship and has now grown into a specialized manufacturing operation with a 10,000+ square foot facility. In 2025, WESST, the New Mexico Manuf

CONSTRUCTION & MANUFACTURING

Mr. Teez

Gallup, NM: Frank and Kathleen Sanchez, Mr. Teez Frank Sanchez has been the owner of Mr. Teez since November 2017. His screen-printing business was established on the basis of providing exceptional customer service, and their goal has always been to ensure our customers love their products. They are proud to support Gallup and the surrounding areas with their graphic design needs. During the COVID pandemic, like so many other small businesses, Mr. Teez faced some difficult

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Tangle Beauty Designs

Waterflow, NM: Natasha Begay, Tangle Beauty Designs In the summer of 2005, Natasha Begay made the decision to formalize her jewelry business and set up an LLC. She had the necessary skills for her craft and passion, but she needed to make sure the foundation was built correctly. Natasha had learned about WESST through social media and local entrepreneurial resources, and she reached out to gain a clearer understanding of the steps she needed to take to form her LLC and grow h

CREATIVE ARTS

A group of six people standing at the storefront for Reloved Ineriors, smiling and celebrating a grand opening

Reloved Interiors

Albuquerque, NM: Carleen Shirk, Reloved Interiors Carleen connected with WESST in August 2025 after hearing about our organization. She was in the early stages of starting her business, Reloved Interiors, and looking for guidance on how to get started. She didn’t know where to begin, but she worked WESST to register her LLC with the NM Secretary of State and NM Taxation and Revenue for Gross Receipts Tax. Carleen began to learn and understand the ins and outs of compliance re

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Pieced by Lane

Aztec, NM: Rhonda Lane, Pieced by Lane Rhonda first learned about WESST through a promotional flyer and was immediately interested in our Native Women Rising (NWR) program. She attended an orientation in October 2023, and at the time, she was looking for opportunities to turn her art into a sustainable business, and she wanted to connect with other Native entrepreneurs. One of the main obstacles Rhonda faced in starting and growing her business was learning how to transition

CREATIVE ARTS

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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Ebenezer Hats

Alamogordo, NM Chelsea Hayes, founder and owner of Ebenezer Hats, was working with Trish Livingston, Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at New Mexico State University Alamogordo on her business when Trish recommended connecting with WESST. Chelsea began collaborating with Humberto on her business venture, and this recommendation opened up valuable opportunities for guidance and support. " WESST helped me refine my approach and take the next steps in grow

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