Mr. Teez
Gallup, NM: Frank and Kathleen Sanchez, Mr. Teez Frank Sanchez has been the owner of Mr. Teez since November 2017. His screen-printing business was established on the basis of providing exceptional customer service, and their goal has always been to ensure our customers love their products. They are proud to support Gallup and the surrounding areas with their graphic design needs. During the COVID pandemic, like so many other small businesses, Mr. Teez faced some difficult
WESST Featured at March 29 “Status of Democracy” Event
By WESST | April 27, 2026 Mark and Carol Fidel are deeply passionate advocates for social justice and New Mexico. We are fortunate to call the Fidels members of the WESST family. They have worked with us both as clients when Mark was starting his consulting business and as longtime donors. On March 29, we gathered at their home with dozens of guests for their most recent “Status of Democracy” event. WESST client Amanda Powers, owner of Enchanted Farms Mushrooms, shared rema
Studio 11 Fitness LLC
Hobbs, NM: Lorena Chavarria, Studio 11 Fitness LLC Hailing from a family of boxers out of Hobbs, Lorena Chavarria has always had a strong connection to the sport through her family. It has been a continued, meaningful part of her life, instilling discipline and resilience. When Lorena first taught women’s boxing classes at her brother’s gym, she gained more than just coaching experience. She saw firsthand the positive impact that the art of boxing was having on women. It was
Tangle Beauty Designs
Waterflow, NM: Natasha Begay, Tangle Beauty Designs In the summer of 2005, Natasha Begay made the decision to formalize her jewelry business and set up an LLC. She had the necessary skills for her craft and passion, but she needed to make sure the foundation was built correctly. Natasha had learned about WESST through social media and local entrepreneurial resources, and she reached out to gain a clearer understanding of the steps she needed to take to form her LLC and grow h
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
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
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
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