Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maria Capone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Maria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in my professional journey is that transformation—whether personal or professional—can’t be forced. It must be chosen. My role as a leader isn’t to create change for others, but to create an environment where people feel safe, inspired, and empowered to choose growth for themselves.
During my four years at Options Medical Weight Loss, I guided hundreds of patients through powerful health transformations. What left the deepest impact wasn’t the weight loss—it was witnessing that real change only happens when someone is truly ready. That same principle applies to teams. I learned that I could mentor, model, and support, but I couldn’t do the work for someone. And that realization shifted how I lead, how I hire, and how I build culture.
When I met Sarah Tankiewicz, the owner of Plush Laser, I felt an immediate connection. Her heart, vision, and leadership style mirrored my own: a commitment to celebrating both wins and lessons, fostering a space for individual and collective growth, and maintaining excellence without losing the soul of what we do. I knew instantly that I wanted to be part of this kind of movement—a company that’s not only growing rapidly, but doing so with integrity, intention, and a deep commitment to community.
What made it even more meaningful was stepping into a location that had just celebrated its two-year anniversary this past May—one that had already been beautifully nurtured by one of my closest friends and former colleague, Alissia Lobo. To build upon the foundation she laid is a full-circle moment for me.
As Sarah often says, “Our goal is to create an elevated guest experience—one where every person who walks through our doors feels truly seen, heard, and valued.” That mission resonated deeply with me. It’s not just a tagline—it’s something we live and breathe every day, and it’s why I knew Plush was the right place to bring my heart, experience, and leadership.
Now, as I help lead Plush into its next chapter, my focus is on building a dream team that thrives on collaboration, excellence, and purpose. I’m not here just to grow a business—I’m here to grow people, amplify joy, and create a culture where transformation is not only possible but inevitable.
It’s the kind of leadership I wish I had earlier in my career—and now I get to embody it every day.
Maria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For those who may not have read about me before—my name is Maria Capone, and I’m currently leading the Arizona location of Plush Laser in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. I’ve spent over a decade working in health, wellness, and aesthetics, with most of that time devoted to helping people transform their lives—inside and out.
After four years of managing a thriving medical weight loss clinic, I found myself ready for a new chapter—one that allowed me to continue elevating people’s confidence and sense of self, but in a new, exciting way. That’s when I met Sarah Tankiewicz, the founder of Plush Laser. From the moment we spoke, I felt aligned with her vision. She didn’t just want to create another aesthetics company—she wanted to build a brand rooted in excellence, care, and community.
Sarah started Plush with a very intentional mission: to offer premium laser hair removal services in an environment where guests truly feel seen, heard, and valued. She had been in the aesthetics industry for years and noticed a consistent gap—too many businesses offered “services,” but very few offered experiences. That’s what inspired her to create Plush: a place where every detail is thoughtful, and every guest walks away feeling radiant and cared for.
At Plush Laser, we specialize in laser hair removal using the Candela GentleMax Pro, one of the most advanced, FDA-cleared technologies in the industry. It’s safe and effective for all skin types, and it allows us to deliver long-term, truly life-changing results for our guests. What makes us different is not just the results—but how we make people feel from the moment they walk in. We’re proud to provide:
A modern, boutique-style space that’s welcoming and elevated
Highly trained, registered nurses who prioritize safety and education
Transparent pricing and membership options
A personalized approach where we celebrate every guest’s unique journey
What amazed me when I joined Plush is that this is the first company I’ve worked for where the guest experience is truly elevated from start to finish—and it shows. Our Google reviews speak for themselves—over 200 five-star reviews and counting. It’s rare to find that kind of consistency in this industry, and it’s a reflection of the culture Sarah created and the standard we uphold every single day.
What I’m most proud of is the energy we’ve cultivated here in Scottsdale. We’re not just growing a business—we’re building a movement around self-confidence, empowerment, and transformation. When someone walks out of our doors feeling more comfortable in their skin, it’s more than aesthetics—it’s healing. It’s freedom.
To anyone curious about Plush, I’d say this: come visit us and feel the difference. We’re here to celebrate you, elevate you, and help you step fully into your glow.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Our best source of new clients has been the community itself.
At Plush, we believe that meaningful relationships create meaningful growth—and that’s why community engagement is at the heart of everything we do. We don’t just operate in Scottsdale; we participate, collaborate, and show up for the people around us.
We’ve built strong partnerships with incredible local wellness studios like Barre3 North Scottsdale, The Workshop Pilates, Desert MVMT in Phoenix, and Second Nature Clinic, who share our values of empowerment, movement, and holistic care. These collaborations allow us to reach guests who are already on a self-care journey and introduce them to laser hair removal as another way to feel confident and radiant in their skin.
We’re also active participants in events throughout the Valley, including Phoenix bridal shows, Eastmark Farmers Market, Old Town Artisan Market, and The Mercantile. You’ll often find us at local yoga and wellness events like the Vikara Yoga Festival, where we connect with like-minded individuals who value health, beauty, and community connection.
For us, it’s not just about marketing—it’s about meeting people where they are and building relationships that extend beyond the clinic. Many of our guests come to us because they met someone from our team at a local event or were referred by a friend from their favorite fitness studio. They feel a sense of trust and familiarity before they even step through our doors.
Being rooted in the community has not only helped us grow—it’s helped us stay true to our mission: to serve, uplift, and support our guests in feeling their absolute best. We’re proud to build Plush one relationship at a time, right here in the communities we love.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Absolutely—there are several books and teachings that have profoundly shaped not only my entrepreneurial mindset but also the way I lead, connect, and show up in every area of my life.
One of the most transformative influences has been the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza. His teachings on the power of the unconscious mind completely shifted how I understand possibility, abundance, and leadership. Books like Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, Becoming Supernatural, and You Are the Placebo taught me that we are constantly co-creating our lives in partnership with a higher consciousness. That awareness helped me move from reactive to intentional living—and in business, from controlling to co-creating.
I’ve learned that everything that comes my way, whether it feels positive or challenging, holds a lesson. I no longer resist discomfort—instead, I lean into it. I meet my fears with curiosity rather than avoidance. When you name your fears, they lose their power—and when you embrace uncertainty, you unlock incredible freedom as a leader. That mindset has helped me lead with more compassion, positivity, and resilience.
Other books that have deeply impacted me include Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, which reminds me that vulnerability and courage are foundational to effective leadership, and Never Finished by David Goggins, which fuels my grit and mental toughness when the path gets hard. Outlive by Peter Attia has also helped me approach health and longevity with more depth, and Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser beautifully captures the spiritual truth that our greatest growth often comes from our greatest challenges.
All of these works have reminded me that success isn’t just about metrics—it’s about alignment. When I’m aligned with my values, my purpose, and my vision, I become a more empowered, conscious leader. And that’s what I hope to pass on to my team and the guests we serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.plushlaser.com/
- Instagram: @plushlaser
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Plush-Laser-100076369113523/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-capone-923891217/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4fCK3FwMKqvg961h3CffWA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/plush-laser-scottsdale
