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.

Oku Advantage

Mary and Frank Valencia, owners of Oku Advantage, learned about WESST through a fellow Rio Rancho entrepreneur. Oku is a new start-up business, and Mary says “we had no idea where to begin” and were looking for a resource like WESST to provide training and consultation. They knew what kind of work they wanted Oku to pursue, but had no idea how to find the opportunities to move it forward. In late 2024, they signed up for WESST’s free three-part Government Contacting training

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Olive Tree Compounding Pharmacy

Olive Tree Compounding Pharmacy Co. is the State of New Mexico’s only African American-owned Compounding Pharmacy. Our planet is home to over 7 billion humans, each individual and unique. Olive Tree Compounding is unique in offering individualized treatments through medications specifically engineered to suit each patient’s customized needs. If you’ve ever asked your doctor, “Is there more than a pill?”, well, the answer is yes! Dr. Okpareke can even help your pets with medic

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Omie's Nizhoniful Mess

Omie’s Nizhoniful Mess is locally and Native owned by Naomi Greymountain, a Navajo woman who blends traditional Native work of beading and jewelry making along with inspiring floral designs. Nizhoniful in Navajo means beautiful, giving meaning to Naomi’s collections in which each is unique and handcrafted. Each piece of work is created and crafted in Naomi’s Navajo culture and traditions. Naomi started making jewelry in 2019 to earn extra income during the pandemic and was en

CREATIVE ARTS

P/7 Construction

P/7 Construction is a single member limited liability company based out of Kirtland, NM serving the Farmington and Durango communities. P/7 Construction’s mission statement is to build community with honesty and quality. Kurt started the business in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 after losing his father and returning to his home-town roots. The name of P/7 is taken from the Pablo Family’s livestock brand to signify a continuation of a family’s dreams, integrity, a

CONSTRUCTION

Paleteria La Reyna Michoacana

Silvia Terrazas first heard about WESST through word of mouth back in 1999. She was getting ready to open her first business, a Spanish-language video rental store. In 2000, Silvia received a $1,500 loan from WESST for her grand opening. Fast forward 25 years, and Silvia has continued to work with WESST and is now preparing for her second grand opening of her food truck. After receiving her initial loan, Silvia continued attending WESST workshops, learning how to write a bu

FOOD & BEVERAGE

23 2426 27