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.

Mi Casita Restaurant

Noelia and Miguel Saens come from a long line of entrepreneurs. Several family members are experienced restaurateurs or have been involved in their family restaurant business. For eight years, Noelia and Miguel worked for her uncle’s full-service restaurant. They learned all they could, and when they felt they were ready, and had her uncle’s blessing, they started their own restaurant. They began researching the requirements necessary to open a restaurant, such as acquiring a

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Misty Danger Blue

Misty Greer is an Artist and Etsy shop owner. She is a huntress of all things vintage and a maker of recycled art, repurposed clothing and quirky items. Misty knew she could run her own business. She also knew she needed a better understanding of business logistics like writing a business plan, getting a tax ID and having resources to start her own business. The idea of having an online shop and having the freedom to hunt for items, run a shop and not be tied down to a locati

CREATIVE ARTS

Monet's Skin Studio

Monet’s Skin Studio is a locally owned relaxation and beauty spa, located in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill. The studio provides skin services to help clients replenish and address their skincare needs. With a mission aligned to help clients look and feel their best, they offer services including Facials, Chemical Peels, Red Light Therapy, High Frequency Therapy, Nano needling, Brows, Lashes, Waxing and more. WESST’s Rio Rancho office assisted Sara as she moved along her business jou

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

The Movement Temple LLC

Founded in March of 2021, The Movement Temple is a Pilates and Gyrotonic studio based in the North Valley of Albuquerque, NM. With the focus of “movement as medicine,” Amanda aims to spread the joy of proficiency of movement by equipping clients with the knowledge of greater kinesthetic awareness in every step of their daily routine. From injury rehabilitation to high-intensity training, sessions are tailored to assist clients in obtaining a stronger, leaner, and pain-free bo

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Mrs. Bee's Children's Books, LLC

Diana Henson resides in the rural area of Dexter, NM, and has managed her farm for many years. She had heard of WESST through a friend and knew they provided business support. Diana had just started thinking about writing children’s books, and she reached out to WESST Roswell in August 2022. She wanted to pursue her love for writing, particularly children’s stories, and incorporate her experience of living on a farm and taking care of animals. At the time, Diana was also co

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