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.

Ii’ni Marketplace

Tohatchi, NM As Laris Manuelito began planning for her business, Ii’ni Marketplace, the biggest obstacle she encountered was securing funding for start-up businesses. She didn’t have collateral or prior business experience. Laris connected with the WESST Farmington office and learned about Native Women Rising, a special initiative focused on serving Native entrepreneurs. Laris, a Diné woman and a U.S. Army veteran, found there was a noticeable lack of dedicated support for

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Hair by Andy Nunez

Las Cruces, NM Andy Nunez, a hairstylist based in Las Cruces, had opened his own salon. Like so many others, he didn’t know where to start, but he managed to do it anyway. He found himself struggling with cash flow and needed help, but wasn’t sure where to find it – that's when he found out about WESST. His former salon received a small business loan, and he decided to reach out to our team in Las Cruces for support. He was facing obstacles in his business financials, from

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Rich Empowerment

Navajo Nation / Window Rock, AZ Elaine Owens was first introduced to WESST in 2023 by a high school classmate, who happened to be a contractor with WESST’s Native Women Rising program. With starting her consulting business, Rich Empowerment, she faced obstacles with direction, support, and encouragement. Living on the Navajo Nation, Elaine found it difficult finding like-minded entrepreneurs. She teamed up with WESST and found what she was looking for, the empowerment to turn

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Stage and Screen Academy

Albuquerque, NM In 2023, Marissa and Chris Barretto, co-owners of Stage & Screen Academy, reached out to WESST seeking capital, marketing guidance, and business consulting. The husband-and-wife duo had a shared vision: to create a performing arts academy that gave Albuquerque children a place to explore acting, audition techniques, filmmaking, and more. Marissa, an educator, and Chris, a film industry professional, were inspired to start the school after searching in vain for

CREATIVE ARTS

Andino Mini Market

Santa Fe, NM Gina Auz needed assistance with a start-up business and learned about WESST from the City of Santa Fe Economic Department. She has always considered herself an entrepreneur, but because she is a mother of five who also worked full time, she wasn’t able to dedicate the time she initially wanted or needed to follow her dream. This changed when she was encouraged to reach out to WESST. When she was told about WESST, Gina learned we had bilingual staff who would be

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