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.

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

Green Choice Cleaning, LLC

For 17 years Olivia worked in the cleaning and restoration business. She worked long hours as a single parent and saw the effects of people using toxic chemicals without protective gear, plus unprotected exposure to dangerous chemicals worried her. Co-workers would become sick; often because they were unaware and not forewarned about the impact – both physically and environmentally. She decided it was time for a change and started thinking about how she could make a differenc

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Groundfloor, LLC

When Matt Kreitman and Robbie Lipworth opened Ground Floor LLC in July of 2007, they had no reason to anticipate the storm that would soon engulf the national property market. Fortunately, their business strategy – by necessity as much as intention – was based on extreme conservatism. With limited funding in the early stages of the business, the entrepreneurs were flexible and strategic with their business decisions. Initially, only pocket change was invested in their fledgli

CONSTRUCTION

15 1618 19