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.

Recycle Runway

In 2007, Nancy Judd started Recycle Runway, an environmental education entity that uses fabulous couture garments that Nancy creates from recycled “stuff” to capture the attention of people worldwide. As she has advanced her mission, she has encountered numerous challenges that would daunt the energies and focus of the most seasoned professionals. Yet, Nancy remains steadfast in her commitment to succeed – as an educator, as an artist and as an entrepreneur. One thing we at W

CREATIVE ARTS

Ring IR

Ring IR is developing a portable device that uses patented technology to detect harmful gases quickly and efficiently. Technology currently in use doesn’t allow for real-time, on-site testing in settings where detecting gases is crucial for safety and efficiency. This device is poised to be a game-changer in mining, oil and gas, government agencies, research institutes, and the environmental industry. Founded by Anna and Charles Harb in 2015, the pair found themselves becomin

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Rocky Ridge Gas + Market

Rocky Ridge Gas + Market is a Navajo-owned convenience store providing fresh food and reservation staples to the Rocky Ridge, AZ community and surrounding area. They curate “Grandma Baskets,” a selection of popular foods and staples, for relatives who want to provide Shima’ sani (grandmother) with her favorite foods as donated purchases from the market store. It is also a gas station, providing fuel to travelers and locals within a 20-mile radius of the Navajo Reservation. Ge

RETAIL

RoofCARE

RoofCARE is a New Mexico-based roofing contractor specializing in alternatives to roof replacement and preventing roof failure. The company’s initial management team consisted of three partners, two with extensive experience in roofing and a third with extensive financial experience. Shortly after starting the business, RoofCARE approached the WESST Business Incubator with their business plan, a great management team and a proprietary technology which extends a roof’s useful

CONSTRUCTION

Roots Salon

Sara’s desire to become an entrepreneur was realized shortly after her return to New Mexico. As an 11-year veteran stylist, most of her experience comes from her employment at two high-end salons in New York City. Sara spent 6 years at Ouidad, an upscale Manhattan salon specializing in curly hair. She then moved on to Fleischman A Men’s Salon in lower Manhattan and spent 3 years perfecting her skills by servicing the high-end styling needs of her Wall Street clientele. Up

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

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