Dear friends,

What a great time to start a new business! Our children have grown and no longer need the attention we want to give them. They're all grown up and are starting their own lives. This has given Reno and I some freedom to pursue a dream we have had since 1983 - to start our own business.

It all began when we moved to our modest second home in Mississauga. Reno, my husband, was working in construction at the time and through his work connections brought home vertical samples for us to purchase for our home. Verticals where the big thing at this time, used everywhere from bank offices to homes. As we were installing ours, our neighbour liked what we selected and asked if we could place an order on his behalf. We gladly did, at cost as a favour, and that's when I got the great idea to offer them to the rest of the street at retail prices, with no tax of course.

To my astonishment, sales were good enough that I actually made some money. I did not realize until then that I had a natural talent for sales. It helped that I enjoyed the occupation very much too. I have always been a people person and I truly enjoy helping people with their window decorating choices.

This positive experience led us to pursue our business dream even further. A year later we were operating our first business from our home. We called it Rainbow Window coverings. I was selling and Reno was installing. I also registered for Humber College Interior Design evening classes.

Today, 26 years and three company names later, we finally settled on Manhattan Shades.ca.

We look forward to meeting you and showing you our beautiful products!