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.

Bluehorse Realty NM

Owner Alyssa Begay started Bluehorse Realty NM in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2021. Bluehorse Realty NM provides exceptional service to clients seeking to buy or sell their real estate in San Juan County, New Mexico. Alyssa started and named her business as a dedication to her grandparents and their Native community of Mitten Rock, New Mexico, hoping to support Alyssa’s goal of creating generational wealth for her family. Alyssa operates her business online as

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Bosa Donuts

William Cardoza is the owner of a small restaurant and bakery located in Las Cruces. Initially only donuts were sold, but eventually, William expanded his menu to include burritos, menudo, tamales, and other Mexican food. The startup process was a bit different for William since he was an employee of the business for a short period of time before taking ownership. William started as an entry level hourly worker with the company and through his hard work and determination, h

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Bosque Mobile Bicycle Repair

Bosque Mobile Bicycle Repair is a convenient remote repair service in the Albuquerque area that helps you keep your bikes properly maintained and tuned, so you spend more time on roads and trails and less time in the shop. It doesn’t matter if you are at home, work, or anywhere in between, Bosque Mobile Bicycle Repair will bring the bike repair to you. Frankie, the owner of Bosque Mobile Bicycle Repair, specializes in repairs; however, he loves to create educational videos on

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Boujee on a Budget Bridal

Christina Starr founded Boujee on a Budget Bridal to offer high quality, affordable options for budget-conscious brides. Based in Albuquerque, they also have an online store and ship to all 50 states. Seeking to expand into a larger location in January 2024, she approached WESST for loan assistance. Initial consultations highlighted that Christina needed to focus on bookkeeping before she could access a loan. WESST helped her address her financial statements and connected h

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#bowbymom

Sara LaMontine comes from a family of entrepreneurs. Sara watched her dad start a restaurant over 20 years ago and role model the examples of hard work and determination. In December of 2016, Sara began making bows for her daughter. Soon, people began commenting on how much they liked her bows and asked her to make bows for them. When she realized there was such a market, she began to formulate her business idea. On January 1, 2018 Sara started #bowbymom, which creates one of

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