Impressions of Saratoga Owner Selected as New York Senate “Woman of Distinction”

ALBANY — Marianne “Mare” Barker, owner and founder of the Impressions of Saratoga gift shop in downtown Saratoga Springs, was recently honored as a 2025 “Woman of Distinction” by Senator Jim Tedisco and his colleagues in the New York State Senate. 

“Under Mare’s leadership and dedication, Impressions of Saratoga has become a destination, woman-owned small business for locals and tourists to shop for all things Saratoga and equestrian themed,” Tedisco said in a statement. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to honor her as a 2025 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction for all her hard work and everything she has done for our local economy.” 

Originally from Bellmore, New York, Barker attended SUNY Cobleskill, where she met her husband, Dave Barker. They have lived in Saratoga Springs for more than 45 years.

Barker initially started her business alongside her husband in Cobleskill in 1978 as a screen printing and embroidery shop. A retail storefront was added a year later before the store was relocated to the Spa City. Since 2018, Barker has co-owned Impressions with Maddy Zanetti.

Barker has also spearheaded other business endeavors over the years, including The Bijou Bar (during the 1980’s), Racing Impressions (the licensee and merchandiser for NYRA for eight years), and Bailey’s Café. In 2018, Barker and Zanetti opened their second retail location in downtown Saratoga, The Dark Horse Mercantile.