1-726-204-4779

Since 2004

The History of our International Franchise

Founded by Cathy Morse, Made in the Shade (MITS) started as a vision to expand a her highly successful home-based business concept to those seeking to find personal and financial fulfillment in their careers.

Cathy, a 25+ year veteran of the home interiors industry, enjoyed the freedom, flexibility, and profitability connected with her business. Her enthusiasm for product and industry knowledge, as well as her passion for building lasting client relationships, were her true motivators.

As Cathy built her home-based business, it became evident that selling window treatments was not only her favorite product and service to sell but also her most lucrative. She recognized the opportunity that the $12 billion custom window coverings market represented and the consumer’s need to work with a professional to make selections. The prospects were limitless and the earnings were substantial!

Through her own hands-on experiences over the years, Cathy created an invaluable and proven business model. She often thought that her knowledge and expertise could be of benefit to those who were seeking the same passion; a home-based window covering business that offers flexibility, freedom, fun, and the potential for a very lucrative income!

Cathy eventually passed the leadership role to her son, Josh Morse, who serves as the CEO of Made in the Shade today. Josh’s path to his position is well earned having owned and operated his own Made in the Shade Franchise in San Antonio with his wife Jessica. Together, Josh and Jessica built a highly successful business and are recognized as a market leader in their community and in the industry.

Josh carries on the tradition of passion, determination, experience and the gratification of helping others to realize their dream of owning and operating their own successful business.

We were started by a little lady with a big dream & drive!

Entrepreneur Top 500 Franchises 2024

Entrepreneur Top 100 Franchises 2024

Entrepreneur Top 500 Franchises 2023

Entrepreneur Top 500 Franchises 2022

Entrepreneur Top 150 Home-Based and Mobile Franchises 2021

Entrepreneur Top Low-Cost Franchises 2021

Entrepreneur Hottest Things in Franchising 2021

Entrepreneur Top 500 Franchises 2021

Entrepreneur Top Start-Up - Low-Cost Franchises 2020

Entrepreneur Top 500 Franchises 2020

Entrepreneur Top 150 Strongest Growing Franchises 2020

cathy-morse-mits-founder

In Loving Memory of our Founder

We honor the life and legacy of Cathy Morse, the visionary founder of Made in the Shade. Cathy’s journey began in marketing management and secondary education, where her passion for connection and learning shone brightly. Yet it was upon retiring from teaching—at her husband’s encouragement to join his home-based flooring business—that Cathy discovered her true calling in home interiors.

Under Cathy’s leadership, Made in the Shade transformed from a local flooring shop into a thriving window fashions franchise. She believed success was built not only on premium products but on unwavering support for franchisees and a commitment to an exceptional buying experience for every client. Cathy fostered a warm, family-oriented culture that remains the heart of the company today.

Her spirit lives on through her son, Josh Morse, who carries forward her dedication as the current CEO of Made in the Shade. We celebrate Cathy’s entrepreneurial courage, her devotion to family, and her enduring impact on colleagues and customers alike.

May we honor her memory by continuing to uphold the values she instilled—service, quality, and heartfelt care—in every shade we bring into the world.