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.

Gifts, Baskets and Beyond, LLC

Gifts, Baskets and Beyond is a retail business that provides gifts for every special occasion. Clients can customize and build their own gifts or buy ready-made gifts. The business has a retail location at the Cottonwood Mall and offers a delivery option. The store also sells other items such as purses, clothes, and selected items according to the occasion: Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Birthdays, Weddings and more. Isabel Licano came to WESST in 2017 when she had

RETAIL

Gloria I. Rodriguez & Associates

Gloria I. Rodriguez & Associates, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Curriculum Specialists, is devoted to increasing the number of CLD professionals in the K-12 publishing world. Gloria creates a space for CLD professionals interested in writing culturally and linguistically responsive curriculum. Their participation as curriculum writers will enrich the K-12 grade level curriculum used in public schools across the country. It is well documented that the mainstream

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Golden Anderson Studios

Golden Anderson Studios is a working studio and showroom specializing in original handmade jewelry, expert jewelry repair, and custom jewelry design. David started making jewelry in 1982, Gail started making jewelry in 2000. They met in a jewelry class and joined forces after marrying in 2008. Each was making jewelry part-time while working elsewhere. They were able to make their business full-time in 2017. Both Gail and David have attended workshops given by WESST over the y

CREATIVE ARTS

Great Livin', LLC

As a therapist working with adults with developmental disabilities, Matt Poel was often frustrated by the limitations he saw imposed on his clients by the agencies that provided their residential care. “It was so restrictive,” says Poel, 34, who admits to being a long-time champion of the underdog. “I kept thinking, 'Just let them try it! Who cares?'” Giving people that “dignity of risk,” became the mission behind Great Livin’, a two-year-old venture by Poel and his business

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Greetings, Etc.

Jeanette and Martin Candelaria are growing a profitable and successful business in an industry where many companies are struggling. Their combination of extremely high quality printing and mailing services along with a positive attitude and flexible customer service keep the customers and jobs flowing. Eleven years ago the Candelarias purchased an existing business that specialized in personalized greeting cards. They quickly discovered that the market for this niche was too

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

14 1517 18