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.

AJ Barbers, LLC

Farmington, NM Sunni Begay began her entrepreneurial journey in April of 2021 and came to the WESST Farmington Women’s Business Center seeking assistance in starting her business. Sunni was overwhelmed and not sure what she needed to do first. After her first initial consultation, she decided she wanted to work on her business plan. While working on her business plan, she registered for the DreamBuilder training program at WESST to help her develop a comprehensive plan to ope

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Barbara Cedillo-Alvarez Writing Services

Barbara is a freelance writer and editor. She meets with potential and current clients online or in person, to discuss their writing and/or editing needs. She writes blogs, articles – educational and informational – to meet their content needs. Barbara has moved beyond content mills and has landed clients needing articles in a range of topics. She now has temporary assignments and writing location-based articles for a well-known real estate website (Movoto). She has establ

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Barelas Rose Barber Shop

Barelas Rose Barber Shop offers precision haircuts to boys and men at a great price. They also run a community fitness facility that provides boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts, and yoga classes. Raul has been working since he was 12 years old. First as a paperboy and then at a car wash when he was 14. Starting with jobs that paid cash or tips, the route he took made him want to work harder for himself. When he was 18, he went to barber school and then worked cutting h

HEALTH, WELLNESS, & BEAUTY

Barro by Lucrecia

Lucrecia creates ceramic tableware and decor collections. Every piece is hand-crafted and thoughtfully designed, including collections of plates, bowls, cups, pitchers, and teapots. She also creates gifts & home decor like large and small flower vases, vessels, pots, and jugs to accent any room in the house. Made by hand in Santa Fe, New Mexico, each piece is worked with care and designed to give sensations of joy and well-being. Whether hand-built or wheel-thrown, each desig

CREATIVE ARTS

Bernina Sewing and Design

Surrounded by colorful fabrics and thread, Marsha Cowan, laughed when asked how her business was doing in today’s economy. “We’re making it,” she said. The fact is that the business has grown considerably during their eight years of operation. She and her husband, Izzy, work fulltime in their delightful Bernina Sewing and Design Center and they are able to employ 11 other people. Marsha admits that she is more interested in the sewing and design aspect of the business while h

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