By Rachel Phillips
Inspired by the cosmopolitan atmosphere and economic growth in the Saratoga area, Corinth native Michael Siska recently opened a barber shop in the Saratoga area to cater to businessmen and professionals.
Siska’s Barber Shop, at 148 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs, has already begun to attract clients looking for an upscale experience, he said. Siska, along with two other barbers, offer services such as general men’s cuts, gentlemen’s cuts, business cuts, eyebrow trims and hot towel shaves. Clients are also offered complimentary espresso and coffee, beer, red and white wine and even hand-rolled cigars.

By Rachel Phillips
While Saratoga Springs has many tattoo studios, an experienced local tattoo artist Bridget Punsalang felt that Clifton Park offered a market waiting to be served.
Because it was close her home and where her children attended school, she felt Clifton Park was the place to stake her claim. She opened Bittersweet Blackbird in Parkwood Plaza at 1758 Route 9 in Clifton Park, after running the numbers and determining it was time to launch her own studio.

by Andrea Palmer
A new beauty salon has opened at 125 Main St. in South Glens Falls.
Danielle Kresge began taking clients at Elle Salon in August and had a soft opening on Sept. 7. A grand opening will be held Nov. 2 from noon to 6 p.m.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole life, since I was a kid,” said Kresge. “My aunt had a salon and I grew up around that environment. I always had a fascination with hair. I went to beauty school right after high school, and have been doing it ever since.”
Kresge has been in the industry for nine years, most recently working at a salon in Saratoga Springs.
“I knew I wanted to do my own thing and create my own environment, where clients could feel relaxed. I wanted to create a space where I could give each client individual attention and care,” said Kresge. “I want a calm and relaxing atmosphere.”
Kresge moved to the area in 2018 from Florida, to be close to family. She is originally from Scranton, Pa., and currently lives in Glens Falls.

By Susan E. Campbell
A new center in Clifton Park is helping young people learn teamwork, math, problem solving and logic while preparing them for careers in STEM.
“Code Ninjas is my pride and passion,” said Neelima Kanakamedala, co-owner of the franchise with Latha Jakkani and Uday Sree Kothamachu. The three celebrated the grand opening of the business on Sept. 7.
The concept of learning coding is game-based and uses the black belt system of Tae Kwon Do to learn the basics, advance to new levels, and be rewarded along the way with a belt ceremony, said Kanakamedala. The classroom is the dojo, the instructor is the sensei, and the 7-to-14 year-old students are the ninjas.