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.

Sweet Bella's Nutrition

When Carmen Coss started her small business, one of the biggest obstacles she faced was getting noticed in the community and promoting her business. “I didn’t know where to start,” Carmen says. After learning about WESST through her local bank, she found the support she needed and in the language she understood — Spanish. With the support she’s since received from WESST, Carmen’s business has expanded and so has her connection to community. “When my local bank couldn’t appr

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Tesoro Integrated Health Center

Patricia McClure-Reedy has been a busy woman for the past nine years. Tesoro Integrative Health Center is the third business she’s opened since 2003 when she started selling her Wild Child Creations tie-dyed clothing line at the Artist’s and Farmer’s Market in downtown Las Cruces on Saturday mornings. She continued teaching full time while trying to build her business. Two years later, Patricia became a WESST client in hopes of increasing her sales so she could quit her teach

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Third Axis Engraving, LLC

Third Axis Engraving, LLC is the only business in the Four Corners area that combines two types of laser engraving with two different laser machines that provide customers with superior quality, personalized products. Third Axis Engraving, LLC is proud to offer a wide range of options for personalizing glass, crystal, acrylic, aluminum, and laser engraving for awards and plaques, birthday gifts and even memorabilia. Prior to COVID-19, Bonnie had a thriving Main Street busines

RETAIL

Tierra del Alma

In August 2021, Melissa, a former schoolteacher, became the owner of Tierra del Alma, a ranch providing lodging, Equus coaching, workshops, and clinics, in Hondo, NM. She originally considered starting her business in California but moved back to Hondo for family. This change in plans took courage and a dedicated support system, as her original plans had to adapt to a different landscape, both physically and professionally. Her love of horses and the lessons she learned fro

NATURE & WILDLIFE

Tiffany Burke Events, LLC

Tiffany Burke Events is a family-based business serving clients since 2017. They are a full-service design and partial planning team for any event in the Albuquerque area. From weddings and elopements to parties and corporate events, Tiffany’s team is prepared to help you elevate your event’s experience. Their full-service production capabilities include floral design, event design, rentals, dessert bars, sweetheart tables, and more. They are obsessed with themes and focused

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

29 3032 33