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.

RubyMac Coffee

Santa Fe, NM Joanna Becker was unsure about how to take her business to the next step, until her cousin, who launched her own business through WESST, recommended she reach out to our team. Joanna became involved with WESST in the winter of 2024, and says, “it has far exceeded my expectations – guiding, supporting, and helping me grow into the entrepreneur I’ve always wanted to be!” RubyMac Coffee, named after Joanna’s material grandparents, Ruby and Ranald “Mac” MacDonald, i

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Tacos Pita 2

Dexter, NM Pedro Gallardo Garcia and Maria Dolores Dominguez-Tenorio are the passionate owners behind Tacos Pita 2, a thriving food truck business. In 2022, they walked into the WESST offices to formally establish their business through the creation of an LLC. When Dolores’ family embarked on their culinary adventure, they began selling delicious, traditional Mexican cuisine, but they neglected to properly register their business. Pedro wanted to preserve the family legacy a

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Pro Homemaking Services

Farmington, NM In April 2024, Renee Jones moved Pro Homemaking Services into their new office space at the Enterprise Center at San Juan College Quality Center for Business (QCB) in preparation for their expansion. WESST’s Farmington Women’s Business Center is an economic development partner also housed at the QCB. The support from WESST to strategically plan has been crucial for Renee, as she was able to effectively prepare for expansion, develop cash flow knowledge and mak

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Ebenezer Hats

Alamogordo, NM Chelsea Hayes, founder and owner of Ebenezer Hats, was working with Trish Livingston, Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at New Mexico State University Alamogordo on her business when Trish recommended connecting with WESST. Chelsea began collaborating with Humberto on her business venture, and this recommendation opened up valuable opportunities for guidance and support. " WESST helped me refine my approach and take the next steps in grow

RETAIL

Happy Kids Early Learning Center

Albuquerque, NM Daniela Reyes and Flor Guaderrama participated in THE (Training Home Educators) Accelerator, a collaborative child care business accelerator between WESST, Growing Up New Mexico, and Partnership for Community Action, and learned about WESST. As they were starting their child care business, they were exploring lending opportunities and came in for a consultation. The biggest challenge Daniela and Flor faced has been the high cost of starting a child care busin

CHILDCARE, EDUCATION, & OUTREACH

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