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.

Paleteria Michoacana El Paraiso

Veronica Machorro and Simon Luna, husband and wife, own Paleteria Michoacana El Paraíso. They sell paletas (popsicles) in a wide range of delicious flavors, from light and fruity to creamy with a bit of spice. They also sell sandwiches, fruits and desserts. Veronica and Simon used to work for Simon’s brother who owns a dulceria. They noticed that many people came there to buy their ingredients to make paletas. Veronica and Simon have always wanted to own their own business, s

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Paris Bridal

Paris Bridal sells wedding attire and accessories, plus fashion attire for events such as Quinceañeras, proms, and homecoming. They also offer design services and decorations for special events and provide special orders for any occasion. Sanjuana Arreola was raised by her mother, a seamstress, in a small community in Mexico. Her mother’s dedication, talent and artistry excited Sanjuana. She remembers rummaging through her mother’s sewing boxes, fabrics and projects. All of i

RETAIL

Peaceful Pet Sitters, LLC

Peaceful Pet Sitters LLC is a well-managed, pet caring business. With all employees bonded and insured, they are the only company in New Mexico using communication technology that offers GPS tracking during each visit, including real-time email updates upon arrival and departure. Each Pet Care Associate is screened to ensure that special requests are completed. Peaceful Pet Sitters is not just a dog and cat service. They have taken care of turtles, chickens, ducks, horses and

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Peter Piper Pizza Franchise

Daniel Sedillo had been working at Peter Piper Pizza store in Roswell, NM since he was sixteen years old. He had managed the store for five years. After all the hard years of learning, Daniel was given an opportunity of a lifetime. The owner of the franchise wanted to sell the Roswell, New Mexico location and extended the invitation to Daniel to buy and own the store outright. Financing was the most difficult part of the acquisition. After numerous attempts with different ban

FOOD & BEVERAGE

PHREE Project

The PHREE Project (People Helping Reach Everyone Everyday) offers community-based outreach programs that focus on bringing communities together through positive events. The PHREE Project has been promoting outreach in communities since 2014 and partners with various organizations to help make a difference and bring hope to underserved and impoverished areas. PHREE partners with both faith-based and other community service providers to assist those in need. Examples of how the

CHILDCARE, EDUCATION, & OUTREACH

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