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.

A group of six people standing at the storefront for Reloved Ineriors, smiling and celebrating a grand opening

Reloved Interiors

Albuquerque, NM: Carleen Shirk, Reloved Interiors Carleen connected with WESST in August 2025 after hearing about our organization. She was in the early stages of starting her business, Reloved Interiors, and looking for guidance on how to get started. She didn’t know where to begin, but she worked WESST to register her LLC with the NM Secretary of State and NM Taxation and Revenue for Gross Receipts Tax. Carleen began to learn and understand the ins and outs of compliance re

RETAIL

Luis is on the left, and a female employee is on the right, and in between is a stand up banner advertising Advantis Group Co.

Advantis Group Co., LLC

Albuquerque, NM: Luis Quinonez, Advantis Group Co., LLC In his twenties, Luis Quinonez started an internet company called MundoNet, working with businesses like the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce to establish their online presence. He was introduced to WESST shortly after its inception through the Chamber, and he saw, firsthand, how many small businesses benefited from WESST’s resources, from lending to technical assistance. When Luis was a college student, he rememb

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Wavez Restaurant

Las Cruces, NM: Lui Quinonez, Wavez Restaurant Lui came to WESST after being referred by Pioneer Bank. He was seeking a loan to expand their restaurant, Wavez, and take the next step in their growth. Through this referral, WESST and Lui built a relationship, learning more about his goals and exploring financing options that would support the development of his business. Rooted deeply in his Hawaiian heritage, Lui has always carried a love for the flavors, traditions, and the

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Pieced by Lane

Aztec, NM: Rhonda Lane, Pieced by Lane Rhonda first learned about WESST through a promotional flyer and was immediately interested in our Native Women Rising (NWR) program. She attended an orientation in October 2023, and at the time, she was looking for opportunities to turn her art into a sustainable business, and she wanted to connect with other Native entrepreneurs. One of the main obstacles Rhonda faced in starting and growing her business was learning how to transition

CREATIVE ARTS

Oliva Cheese Board

Albuquerque, NM: Ronmie Cavalieri, Oliva Cheese Board Ronmienezky “Ronmie” Cavalieri learned about WESST through her community, most notably her sister, who owned a restaurant and received support from WESST. In October 2025, Ronmie scheduled a consultation with our team and began to build a structured plan to formalize and grow her charcuterie business, Oliva Cheese Board. Like other small business owners, Ronmie had her fair share of challenges. She needed guidance to regis

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Three photos of people wearing blue polo shirts representing the Maddox Leadership Institute.

Committed to Service: Judith Perez’s Growth with the Maddox Leadership Institute

By WESST | February 27, 2026 Originally from Las Cruces and now based in Hobbs, Judith Perez has been with WESST since 2023. She initially served as a Bilingual Business Consultant and has since been promoted to Women’s Business Center Director. In 2025, Judith was selected to participate in the seventh cohort of the JF Maddox Foundation’s Maddox Leadership Institute (MLI). The Maddox Leadership Institute is a nine-month leadership development program designed to strengthen

WESST NEWS & UPDATES

Three people standing in a row, all are smiling, and they are holding a large novelty check from Affordable Solar made out to WESST in the amount of $45,000.

Affordable Solar and Local Nonprofits Celebrate Launch of Statewide Community Solar Projects

By WESST | February 26, 2026 After years of planning following the launch of New Mexico’s community solar program, Affordable Solar is now powering up projects across the state. On February 26, Affordable Solar and its nonprofit partners gathered to celebrate five community solar projects now online, with a sixth expected by the end of the month. Together, these projects represent 30 megawatts of solar capacity, providing clean electricity to homes and organizations statewide

WESST NEWS & UPDATES

Silvia, wearing a floral dress, is smiling and pointing to a poster of her photograph as a featured client.

WESST Refreshes Brand

By WESST | February 18, 2026 In case you missed it, we revealed our new logo at our 11th Annual Silver Soiree in October 2025 and have been softly, and intentionally, launching since. In 2025, we were directly impacted by funding shifts and the physical footprint of our organization evolved. Our commitment remains unwavering, as our WESST's mission remains the same, to serve as a home to entrepreneurs. Our refreshed brand signals our continued evolution and commitment to a th

WESST NEWS & UPDATES

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