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.

Clementine Services LLC

Michelle Clemishire is in the process of establishing her startup business within the field of federal contracting and commercial construction. She will focus on work within the Durango area and soon expand into the greater 4 Corners Area as her business builds. She is working to obtain her status as an 8(a) business located within a HubZone. She and her husband tried to launch this business before as Southwest Colorado Construction, however it was never fully pursued due to

CONSTRUCTION

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

RETAIL

Corona's Cabinets

Remedios Corona has been a craftsman all of his life – from beginning his craft in Mexico to working with contractors in Albuquerque, he has always been passionate about woodworking and carpentry. In 2015, Remedios decided to turn his craft into a small business designing and crafting custom cabinets, doors, shelves and more for homes throughout New Mexico. Being most comfortable speaking Spanish, he was intent on finding a resource that provided services and support in Spani

CONSTRUCTION

Crazy Maizy’s Fabulous Popcorn Factory

Marilyn Mayse has been a huge supporter of WESST for over 15 years. Last year, she approached Jennifer Craig, WESST’s Regional Manager in Las Cruces, as a client with the idea of opening a gourmet popcorn storefront, offering an array of sweet and savory popcorn. Mayse was introduced to gourmet popcorn coincidentally at a high school sporting event. The concept intrigued her because she envisioned endless possibilities in flavors and combinations. She selected a storefront an

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Creative Duke Media

Creative Duke Media is a Digital Content and Design Service. Jordan helps clients create new digital products to tell their stories and create real customer connections for their products and services. Whether it’s drone photography, 3D design services, brand identity, logos, packaging design, or web strategy and content management, Jordan helps organizations tell their unique stories and give their brands PRESTIGE. Jordan first approached WESST in July 2019 when he had an id

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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