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.

Healing Voices

JoAnne grew up in Pittsburgh and was always interested in the arts, especially dance. When she was 15 she saw an ad in Dance Magazine for Perry-Mansfield, a performing arts camp in Steamboat Springs, Colorado where Helen Tamaris, a pioneer modern dancer and Broadway choreographer, would be teaching. She wanted to go and her parents said they would cover the tuition if she could pay for the transportation. So she started teaching dance classes in her basement to earn her trave

CREATIVE ARTS

Heritage Tapestries

Elizabeth produces one-of-a-kind original handwoven tapestries for interiors, in addition to teaching classes to weavers on the art of handwoven tapestry and design. Elizabeth is a second-generation tapestry artist of over fifty years. Elizabeth first wove tapestry based on the Mexican and Rio Grande techniques, and then expanded into those of the French tapestry tradition, studying with master weavers in Aubusson, France. With her weaving background and her degree in art, El

CREATIVE ARTS

Hobbs Hotspots

Ke’Oanna Espinoza is a young entrepreneur who had a passion project that became a reality. She came to WESST in October 2024 after researching for local help to start her business, Hobbs Hotspots. “A lot comes with starting a business, and because I work full-time, I needed support to help me,” says Ke’Oanna. She needed support to learn the business vocabulary to gain a deeper understanding. She wanted help to learn the steps to launch her own business and how to properly

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

In the Middle

Jessica Lucero came to WESST with a background in media marketing and experience in starting and managing an organization. She already had a strong draft of a business plan and a clear vision for her non-traditional thrift shop, In The Middle. However, like many aspiring business owners, her greatest challenge was access to funding. She had heard of WESST through her business mentor, her very own stepdad. He suggested working with WESST because he knew we helped women start

RETAIL

Inspiring Bead Designs

Kim became familiar with WESST after attending the first annual WE Mean Business: Unstoppable Summit in December 2024, co-hosted by WESST and NMSU’s Arrowhead Center. “From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and supported. I saw how committed WESST was to helping business owners like me, and that experience made me want to learn more and build a relationship,” says Kim. After 20 years in real estate, Kim decided to start over and launch her own jewelry business from sc

CREATIVE ARTS

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