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.

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

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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

Visionary Imagery, LLC

Maia Franz is a fine art photographer, specializing in black and white photography, and owns Visionary Imagery, LLC. She first learned of WESST through the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Ascent program in October 2024. In 2023, Maia went through a monumental life change, suffering from a heart attack and multiple strokes, all due to an unknown tumor in her heart. After recovering from open heart surgery in the fall of 2023, she realized she wanted to embrace her phot

CREATIVE ARTS

Voice Power Studios (VPS)

Sandy is a leading international expert in the art of the speaking voice. Voice Power Studios (VPS) work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Houston Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, New York Times and other publications. She’s an international keynote speaker, private voice and speech coach. Over the past five years she’s developed a popular accent reduction online training program. In the late 80's it became clear that her advancing age was an issue in landing jobs i

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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