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.

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

RETAIL

BeYou Fitness & Nutrition

Angela Flores’ journey to entrepreneurship began with a different dream—becoming a deputy sheriff for Lea County. Motivated and determined, she pursued this goal with heart, but after failing the required physical fitness exam, she faced a moment of reckoning. She didn’t give up though – with the encouragement of a friend, she began a rigorous routine, trained for a year, and then passed the exam. Something unexpected happened during her year of physical transformation, and

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Bhava Yoga Studio

Bhava Yoga Studio brings healthy balance to busy lives with a wide variety of yoga classes, trainings, and events at their location on Central Avenue in Albuquerque. The studio has been a fixture in the area for over 13 years. It recently changed ownership, and Mimi Ludden and Marisol Brito, the new owners, came to WESST for support to ensure that their new venture would be a success. Bhava Yoga offers classes for every skill level from beginning students through advanced yog

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Bluehorse Realty NM

Owner Alyssa Begay started Bluehorse Realty NM in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2021. Bluehorse Realty NM provides exceptional service to clients seeking to buy or sell their real estate in San Juan County, New Mexico. Alyssa started and named her business as a dedication to her grandparents and their Native community of Mitten Rock, New Mexico, hoping to support Alyssa’s goal of creating generational wealth for her family. Alyssa operates her business online as

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Bosa Donuts

William Cardoza is the owner of a small restaurant and bakery located in Las Cruces. Initially only donuts were sold, but eventually, William expanded his menu to include burritos, menudo, tamales, and other Mexican food. The startup process was a bit different for William since he was an employee of the business for a short period of time before taking ownership. William started as an entry level hourly worker with the company and through his hard work and determination, h

FOOD & BEVERAGE

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