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.

Pieced by Lane

Aztec, NM: Rhonda Lane, Pieced by Lane Rhonda first learned about WESST through a promotional flyer and was immediately interested in our Native Women Rising (NWR) program. She attended an orientation in October 2023, and at the time, she was looking for opportunities to turn her art into a sustainable business, and she wanted to connect with other Native entrepreneurs. One of the main obstacles Rhonda faced in starting and growing her business was learning how to transition

CREATIVE ARTS

Oliva Cheese Board

Albuquerque, NM: Ronmie Cavalieri, Oliva Cheese Board Ronmienezky “Ronmie” Cavalieri learned about WESST through her community, most notably her sister, who owned a restaurant and received support from WESST. In October 2025, Ronmie scheduled a consultation with our team and began to build a structured plan to formalize and grow her charcuterie business, Oliva Cheese Board. Like other small business owners, Ronmie had her fair share of challenges. She needed guidance to regis

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Three photos of people wearing blue polo shirts representing the Maddox Leadership Institute.

Committed to Service: Judith Perez’s Growth with the Maddox Leadership Institute

By WESST | February 27, 2026 Originally from Las Cruces and now based in Hobbs, Judith Perez has been with WESST since 2023. She initially served as a Bilingual Business Consultant and has since been promoted to Women’s Business Center Director. In 2025, Judith was selected to participate in the seventh cohort of the JF Maddox Foundation’s Maddox Leadership Institute (MLI). The Maddox Leadership Institute is a nine-month leadership development program designed to strengthen

WESST NEWS & UPDATES

Three people standing in a row, all are smiling, and they are holding a large novelty check from Affordable Solar made out to WESST in the amount of $45,000.

Affordable Solar and Local Nonprofits Celebrate Launch of Statewide Community Solar Projects

By WESST | February 26, 2026 After years of planning following the launch of New Mexico’s community solar program, Affordable Solar is now powering up projects across the state. On February 26, Affordable Solar and its nonprofit partners gathered to celebrate five community solar projects now online, with a sixth expected by the end of the month. Together, these projects represent 30 megawatts of solar capacity, providing clean electricity to homes and organizations statewide

WESST NEWS & UPDATES

Silvia, wearing a floral dress, is smiling and pointing to a poster of her photograph as a featured client.

WESST Refreshes Brand

By WESST | February 18, 2026 In case you missed it, we revealed our new logo at our 11th Annual Silver Soiree in October 2025 and have been softly, and intentionally, launching since. In 2025, we were directly impacted by funding shifts and the physical footprint of our organization evolved. Our commitment remains unwavering, as our WESST's mission remains the same, to serve as a home to entrepreneurs. Our refreshed brand signals our continued evolution and commitment to a th

WESST NEWS & UPDATES

Last Call Kombucha

Santa Fe, NM Kiana Estevez has always been inspired by her summers growing up in the Dominican Republic and loving the drink, kombucha. This led to launching her own business. “I determined that now was the time,” says Kiana. “I reached out to every available start-up resource I could find in Santa Fe. I had met with a WESST team member at different events and learned more about the organization, and the connection was made.” Kiana had been making and selling her beverages l

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Blessed to be a Blessing Farms LLC

Chaparral, NM Daniela Lizarraga first heard about WESST through local entrepreneurs in Las Cruces who had spoken highly of the support they received. She came in for a consultation in June 2024 to get some guidance on how to move her business idea forward and make her LLC more active. At the time, Daniela had already created her business, Blessed to be a Blessing Farms, registered in New Mexico and Texas, and even built her website, but she had yet to make a sale. “I needed

FOOD & BEVERAGE

ValidSync

Albuquerque, NM In 2025, Solomon Gbara first learned about WESST through Jordan Tate, owner of Creative Duke and WESST Incubator member. Solomon was interested in learning more about credit, who to speak to, and was referred to Melissa, WESST’s Loan Operations Officer. As a UNM college student and young entrepreneur building his own business, ValidSync, Solomon wanted help in establishing an LLC and taking care of his credit. He was able to successfully set up his LLC with t

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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