"Hope Is Magical"
Maria Ortiz, aka Hope, on Her One-Stop Beauty Haven, Her Unshakable Resilience—and Her New Book
When it comes to self-care, Maria Ortiz—better known as Hope—believes in making it deeply personal. As the founder of Hope Aesthetics, she’s spent more than 30 years perfecting her craft and building a beauty sanctuary that offers laser hair removal, facials, and a full-service hair salon—all under one welcoming roof in Roslyn. Clients love her for the radiant results, yes—but even more so for the heart and healing she brings to every appointment. Now, she’s sharing her inspiring life story in a new book, Stones on My Road, coming this summer. We caught up with Maria to learn more about her journey, her mission, and what’s next.
Q&A with Maria Ortiz, AKA Hope
Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from? Your family?
I was born Maria Esperanza Pinzon in Soatá, Colombia. From a young age, I worked hard to support myself and my siblings. I eventually met my partner, started a family, and opened my first business. But after receiving death threats, I had to leave everything behind and start over in the United States—with no understanding of the language or culture. It wasn’t easy, but I never gave up.
I was born Maria Esperanza Pinzon in Soatá, Colombia. From a young age, I worked hard to support myself and my siblings. I eventually met my partner, started a family, and opened my first business. But after receiving death threats, I had to leave everything behind and start over in the United States—with no understanding of the language or culture. It wasn’t easy, but I never gave up.
Today, I’m newly remarried and live in Long Island with my husband and our two dogs. I’m very close with my sons and am now overjoyed to be expecting my first grandchild.
Where did your passion for beauty begin? When did you decide to open your own shop?
Beauty has always been my calling. After moving to the U.S., I trained as an esthetician and began working in skincare. That path evolved into opening my own business—and over time, it grew into what you see today: a full-service salon and spa. Helping people feel confident and cared for is what drives me.
Beauty has always been my calling. After moving to the U.S., I trained as an esthetician and began working in skincare. That path evolved into opening my own business—and over time, it grew into what you see today: a full-service salon and spa. Helping people feel confident and cared for is what drives me.
What’s the history and mission of your business? What inspired you to start it?
The mission has always been simple: treat every client like they’re the only one in the room. I wanted to create a one-on-one beauty experience, where people feel seen, heard, and pampered.
The mission has always been simple: treat every client like they’re the only one in the room. I wanted to create a one-on-one beauty experience, where people feel seen, heard, and pampered.
What types of services does your business offer?
We offer laser hair removal, customized facials, and a full hair salon—all in one place. We are introducing a new machine for Laser Hair Removal Alma Soprano Titanium. It’s designed to be a one-stop shop for beauty and self-care.
We offer laser hair removal, customized facials, and a full hair salon—all in one place. We are introducing a new machine for Laser Hair Removal Alma Soprano Titanium. It’s designed to be a one-stop shop for beauty and self-care.
What sets your business apart?
It’s the experience. Clients don’t come here just for treatments—they come for trust, consistency, and care. Many have been with me for decades. They’re more like family.
It’s the experience. Clients don’t come here just for treatments—they come for trust, consistency, and care. Many have been with me for decades. They’re more like family.
How do you connect with and contribute to the local community?
We regularly participate in charitable initiatives here in Roslyn. We work with “Locks of Love” donating hair to kids with cancer. Giving back is a core part of what we do.
We regularly participate in charitable initiatives here in Roslyn. We work with “Locks of Love” donating hair to kids with cancer. Giving back is a core part of what we do.
Every business faces challenges. Can you share anything that you’ve overcome?
Plenty! Being a woman running a small business in a new town was hard. And when COVID hit, it was like starting all over again. I lost clients. People were afraid to come in. But through it all, I stayed committed—and my clients came back, one by one.
Plenty! Being a woman running a small business in a new town was hard. And when COVID hit, it was like starting all over again. I lost clients. People were afraid to come in. But through it all, I stayed committed—and my clients came back, one by one.
What’s your vision for the future of your business? Any exciting upcoming projects?
Yes! We’re bringing in new machines for both laser and facial treatments, and I’m beyond proud to be publishing my book, Stones on My Road, this summer. It shares the story of my life—my struggles, my faith, and how I turned obstacles into steppingstones.
Yes! We’re bringing in new machines for both laser and facial treatments, and I’m beyond proud to be publishing my book, Stones on My Road, this summer. It shares the story of my life—my struggles, my faith, and how I turned obstacles into steppingstones.
Given your expertise, what advice do you have for our residents?
There’s space for everyone in this world. Stay strong, stay focused, and never give up on your dream.
There’s space for everyone in this world. Stay strong, stay focused, and never give up on your dream.
Are there any other local businesses you’d like to recommend for features?
Absolutely! Diane’s Bakery is right across the street and has been a great neighbor and supporter of my business. Local referrals like theirs have helped us grow.
Absolutely! Diane’s Bakery is right across the street and has been a great neighbor and supporter of my business. Local referrals like theirs have helped us grow.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Yes—my favorite quote, which is also in my book:
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
Yes—my favorite quote, which is also in my book:
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
How to Connect with Hope Aesthetics
1519 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY 11576
(516) 676-4203
(516) 676-4203
What Clients Are Saying About Hope Aesthetics
“Every visit has been amazing. Hope’s vibrant personality made me feel welcome from the start. She has an incredible eye for detail, and the number of compliments I get after every appointment speaks for itself.” — DY
“Hope makes you even more beautiful than when you arrive! She’s also a wonderful teacher, sharing beauty tips that last forever.” — D. Mullay
“An absolute delight! Hope is magical, and I recommend her to everyone I know.” — Betsy S.
“The best salon with the best stylist in New York!” — Jessenia M.
“I’ve been seeing Hope for 20 years and have had a variety of services with amazing results. She’s caring, professional, and has an incredibly loyal client base.” — Lisa R.
“Love this place—it’s all in one! Laser, hair, facials, everything!” — Ida F.
“I’ve had amazing massages and facials here! My microdermabrasion made my skin glow for weeks, and my keratin treatment lasted six months. Hope’s services make the perfect gift for others too.” — Tracy S.