Success Stories
Desiree Cota is a young woman who started her company as a Beauty Consultant in 2019 with a small loan from WWF. Desiree has continued to grow her business and has branched out this past quarter into a larger studio with a new loan from WWF. Desiree continues to educate herself in business and the best use of funds. She has been a joy to watch and assist in developing knowledge and become more empowered over her future success.
Westwater offers complimentary business consulting following the Indianpreneurship Program from ONABEN and Small Business Lending.
Brittney Campos is a young, energetic entrepreneur who owns On Fleek Studio on the Town Green at 624 McClelland Drive in Windsor and is a client of Westwater Financial, Inc.
Becoming an esthetician takes some work and money. It cost $10,000 for the Santa Rosa JC Esthetician Certificate program. She received a scholarship from the Dry Creek Tribe of Pomo Indians (she is a member) and student loan which she is still paying off so that she could go to school full-time.
After graduating, she worked at Elements Day Spa in Santa Rosa and then opened her own place and was there for 7 months. In May of 2016, she moved a few doors down the street to The Town Green.
She heard about programs of Westwater Financial from her Tribe and participated in the Individual Development Account (IDA) program, saving money for matching funds. “It was easier to save than I thought, I’d never saved money before. I made my goal in 6 months and saved $2000,” says Brittney. She also participated in our Small Business Lending Program to grow her business.
How did Westwater help her in other ways? “Cindi [executive director of Westwater Financial] makes you feel really comfortable, and really goes over and beyond. She got me thinking about my finances and thinking about how to become more organized and develop a business plan which I hadn’t done before. It got me more organized and helped me establish myself as a business owner.”
To become an Esthetician, she had to go to college, and take and pass a State test. She is licensed through the State of California to do esthetician work. She has also been a Makeup Artist for eight years. For the business she applied and received a business license from the Town of Windsor, applied to the State Board of Equalization for her sellers permit for the boutique, got her Ficticious Name and Board of Cosmetology establishment license. She is happily making money, living her dream, and building her future. She is also creating jobs, 2 employees work with her.
“Westwater is always quick to respond to my needs. I definitely feel comfortable seeking their help as my business grows.”
Brittney Campos at her On Fleek Studio on the Town Green in Windsor