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.

Upcycled Fashion

Anita’s Endeavors LLC, also known as Upcycled Fashion, is a line of unique gifts that are made exclusively from repurposed materials. Inventory includes women’s and children’s fashions, home décor, and green arrangements. All of the items are crafted by artisans in rural New Mexico. Customers often wonder if products are really “upcycled” as the attention to detail and quality makes it hard to tell what the item was before it was transformed into the current treasure. Anita h

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Vapour Organic Beauty

Krysia Boinis has much to be thankful about these days. The last couple of years have been a whirlwind of success for the young Taos, New Mexico-based entrepreneur and longtime WESST client. The private label natural lip balm manufacturing company that she founded with her husband, Greg Martin, gave her the hands-on product formulation experience and business acumen to help her launch an innovative organic cosmetics company called Vapour Organic Beauty in 2009. In just a litt

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Video Exitos, Inc.

When Silvia Terrazas first came to this country, her driving entrepreneurial desire kept her focused while she tackled two major barriers: 1) She spoke only Spanish, and 2) Her son was born with one foot which required new prostheses as he grew. Regardless of the adversity she faced, Silvia’s strength and tenacity were instrumental in helping meet business goals. In 2000, Silvia, with her Employment Authorization Card in hand, came to WESST for a loan to open a video rental s

RETAIL

VIIIZON Academy LLC

VIIIZON Academy LLC prides itself as the New Mexico epicenter for performing arts culture. They focus on a holistic approach to training dancers, ensuring students are mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to fulfill their unlimited potential. “Our goal is to build confidence, dedication, and elicit enthusiasm in the students.” VIIIZON Academy offers a wide array of classes, including ballet, modern, hip-hop, jazz, African dance, acrobats, and yoga. They work with st

CREATIVE ARTS

Virtue Ventures

After being denied a business loan at her local credit union, Katelyn Cardenas was referred to WESST in January 2025. Katelyn was in the early stages of her business, Virtue Ventures, LLC, a private car rental service based in Farmington. While she was able to satisfy the essential requirements for a small business loan, she lacked the two years’ worth of financial statements or projections needed to substantiate her loan. Nevertheless, she continued to push forward. Katelyn

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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