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.

Maxim

After marrying her husband, Rafael, Teresita (Tere) moved to the United States from Chihuahua, Mexico. During the next 23 years, she and Rafael raised their two children while he built his trucking business and she pursued a dream of becoming a cosmetologist. In 2008, Tere purchased Christina’s beauty salon in Las Cruces, where initially she was the only hair stylist. In the following year, she added two other stylists and later a nail technician. The building she was renting

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Medical Practice Solutions

Tina Cleveland and Marie Lapina launched Medical Practice Solutions on January 1st, 2010. Despite the fact that they were starting a business during tough economic times, both women committed themselves to their challenge. Since then, they have leveraged their own industry experience as well as financing and technical assistance from WESST to build a solid enterprise. Medical Practice Solutions offers medical billing and credentialing services to health care providers. The fi

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Mi Casita Home Decor

Gloria Rodriguez comes from a family of entrepreneurs. Her father was a panadero, a baker of Mexican pan dulce, for 50 years. Her mother, a caterer of Mexican delicacies, and her brother and sister-in-law continue the bakery legacy, running a tortilla factory. After a successful career in bilingual education, Gloria transitioned to pursuing her passion for artesania. She learned about WESST through a family friend and fellow WESST client, Paul Gallegos, owner of Cutbow Coffe

RETAIL

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

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