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.

Catopia Cat Café

Catopia is a “Cat Cafe,” a fun place to hang out with cats and promote adoption while being able to sit, read, and eat or drink a little something while spending quality time with friends or with a new feline friend. Sandy Dierks had a self-described mid-life crisis. She says it was a “kids are grown empty nest thing,” and she has always wanted to help animals. She was reading about the rise in popularity of “Cat Cafes” and thought it would be a good business venture for Albu

FOOD & BEVERAGE

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

RETAIL

Chely's Beauty Salon

Araceli Bueno (Chely) immigrated to the US with her family when she was 12 years old and always had a dream of owning a beauty salon. Despite early challenges in finding housing and having to help her mother care for her younger siblings, Chely was able to realize her dream of being an entrepreneur when, in 2003, she launched her business in Roswell, New Mexico. Chely faced another key challenge when suddenly her family situation changed and she lost her lease on the building

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Clayful Blossoms

Olga Atkinson had, what she referred to as, a “hobby project,” with her daughter and mother. Together, the three of them would make beautiful objects out of clay and give them away for free in the community. One day, someone asked if she would ever sell them, something she had never considered. She turned to WESST to see if her family project could become a viable business. “I eventually knew that WESST and my community would lead me in the right direction,” says Olga. “I ha

CREATIVE ARTS

Construction Reporter

Rochelle Williams not only stands out in the male-dominated construction industry, her dedicated work ethic has driven Construction Reporter to thrive during the recession. The only locally owned-and-operated business of its kind in New Mexico, the company publishes an online bid calendar that covers public and private commercial construction projects out for bid in New Mexico and surrounding areas. Williams and her business partner Sid Hamilton acquired Construction Reporter

CONSTRUCTION

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