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.

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

Tokay Bead Art

Juanita Finger is a talented artist-entrepreneur who hopes to one day have the craft of bead weaving recognized as a legitimate art form. She came to WESST in 2010 seeking assistance with marketing, website development, and sales techniques to help her grow her startup bead weaving business, Tokay Beaded Art. Through a series of phone discussions between Ms. Finger and WESST consultants in Roswell and Santa Fe, WESST provided ideas and resources to help Ms. Finger increase na

CREATIVE ARTS

Twenty2seven Photography LLC

Twenty2seven Photography LLC originated in New Mexico and is a lifestyle and outdoor family photography company. The business was created in late 2021 and is owned and operated by Roseanna Chavez. Roseanna has created an “on-location” photography company that focuses on photographing their clients where they feel most comfortable. Shooting “on-location” provides diverse backgrounds and a customizable experience for each client. She feels that family portraiture is valuable an

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Two Stoned Betties

Two Stoned Betties makes and sells counterculture art and jewelry at the Downtown Grower’s Market, concerts, and the ABQ ART Walk. Two Stoned Betties is comprised of the creativity and work of Sara Romãn and Kayla Mansfield. The two are life long friends bonded by their love for each other as well as their undying need to create bold, colorful artwork and accessories. Sara started her WESST journey with our “Ignite the Fuse” event. From there she began working closely with a

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