Ruth Christiansen arrived here from Germany in the 80s via a husband in the military. She was quick to learn English and attended Sawyer Business School in order to find employment. She soon found work using the skills she already had and has always been passionate about; sewing design. Ruth first worked at Suit Systems making custom swimwear and later at Rue de France making custom window shades and drapes. At A Shade Above, Ruth has been able to combine her business acumen with sewing, bringing years of professional training and personal creative insights to the art of making soft treatments.

Ellen Leys is responsible for sales, especially in the management of all soft treatments. After receiving a degree in Textiles at URI, she learned the custom window treatment business working at Leys Century Store in Newport. In 1996, when the store closed, Ellen opened A Shade Above in order to carry on a thriving 200 year old business that was established at Leys. In addition to running the new store, she completed two years of Interior Design courses at RISD as well as courses offered by the Window Fashions Certified Professionals Program. In 2008, Mike & John acquired A Shade Above allowing Ellen to concentrate more on customer projects and selling the same excellent products as always.

John Murray and Mike Ullucci. We have over 28 years of experience in the window treatment industry. We started with our anchor store in Providence and expanded to four stores in three states. With extensive knowledge of commercial and residential application, no job is too large or to small. From electrical applications to multi-window commercial buildings, we have the staff to get the job done right and on time. We have an in-house designer, installers and a complete fabric work room. We are totally committed to you, our valued customer.