By Nicole Letts

Helen Ngo says she started Capital Benchmark Partners, located in Sandy Springs, because she, “Saw a need for one-on-one financial planning for younger women, especially those who are just starting off in their careers and who didn’t really have much guidance or accessibility to a financial planner.” And so her company was born. Six years later, she helps women, primarily between the ages of 30 and 45, navigate all of the significant life changes that happen within that window of time. Think tackling student loan payments, purchasing a first home, even getting married and merging finances— that means encouraging women to go after big dreams and big checks.

Q: What is one word that describes your entrepreneurship journey?
Helen Ngo: Tenacious. You have to be pretty relentless and tenacious about promoting yourself and putting yourself out there. A lot of people think entrepreneurs just open the doors and people start pouring into your shop or your business, and you make money, but that’s not true. Being an entrepreneur is all about your ability to generate money and bring in business. That has everything to do with marketing and how you position yourself and even the way you talk. A big part of it is not taking ‘No’ for an answer. To me, when somebody says, ‘No,’ I always think of it as, ‘No, not right now.’

Q: Can you tell us about your work with the Dream Warriors Foundation?
HN: The Dream Warriors Foundation is a nonpro t organization that supports women. I’m their board treasurer and I help with the funding of their entrepreneurial grants for women-led businesses.

Q: Where do you like to go in Sandy Springs for food and fun?
HN: I take a 1 to 1.5 hour break during my workday and go for a 3 to 4 mile run or
walk around the block at my of ce to clear my head. I love that there are sidewalks all
around and the hidden wood trails behind my building. For food, two of my favorite
restaurants are Rumi’s Kitchen and Under The Cork Tree.

Details: capitalbenchmarkpartners.com