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.

Walker Air Refrigeration and Service

After getting his degree in air conditioning and refrigeration service and units, Shane Walker decided to go on his own and start his own company rather than work for someone else. Walker Air Refrigeration and Service was born. It wasn’t long before Mr. Walker realized that he needed business advice to manage and grow his business. A business associate recommended he visit WESST. With business papers and a long list of questions in hand, Mr. Walker came to WESST. He had inten

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Zentra Wellness

Dr. Lisabeth Detwiler, DOM, is the owner of Zentral Wellness, a Chinese medicine dermatology clinic. The business offers acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage therapy and beauty services. Their goal is not only to offer remedies for skin problems, but they also assist individuals in managing stress, pain and various other health concerns from allergies, fertility to weight loss. Lisa utilizes many alternative medicine modalities (including acupuncture, herbs, nutritional cou

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Zia Queenbee Company

Entrepreneur Melanie Kirby thoroughly enjoys her life as an entrepreneur. Each day offers new and challenging opportunities to be creative, learn new things, solve problems, and oftentimes — being the mother of two children under five — feel as though there are not nearly enough hours in a day. Melanie is the founder of Zia Queenbee Company, a growing business that is challenged on a daily basis to meet the huge demands of the important Queen Bee marketplace. Because of the h

NATURE & WILDLIFE

WESST Named 2025 SBA New Mexico Microlender of the Year

By WESST | July 2, 2025 We are thrilled to announce that WESST was named the winner of the SBA New Mexico Microlender of the Year award for the second year in a row! Our Lending Team includes Sandro Tonini (VP of Lending), Melissa Williams (Loan Operations Officer), Teresa Rodriguez (Bilingual Loan Assistant), Humberto Hijar (Financial Capability Consultant), Angelica Ortiz (Loan Analyst), and Marcela Mendoza-Palacios (Program Coordinator). Their passion for service and tire

WESST NEWS & UPDATES

Summer Enrichment Program at The Studio at WESST

By Tom Ragan | May 12, 2025 One of the most rewarding experiences for me since I’ve been at WESST happened this last summer with the New Mexico Public Education Department’s Summer Enrichment Program. The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) launched the Summer Enrichment Program in 2021 with federal pandemic relief funding. The Summer Enrichment Program provided high school students with paid internships in government agencies and community organizations. I saw th

WESST NEWS & UPDATES

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