Today we’d like to introduce you to D’Shante Clarke.
Hi d’Shante, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My husband, Adrian, and I are the co-founders of oak + SHADES, a luxury window treatment and interior solution company serving South Florida. While I built my career as a Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager in the medical device industry, we both developed a passion for transforming homes through thoughtful design and custom solutions.
After years of experience in the window treatment industry, we launched oak + SHADES in January 2026 with a vision to provide a more personalized, design-focused experience. Today, we specialize in custom drapery, motorized shades, shutters, wallpaper, and accent walls, helping clients create beautiful and functional spaces.
As a husband-and-wife team, we combine our strengths in design, project management, and installation to deliver a seamless experience from consultation to completion. We are excited to continue growing oak + SHADES and serving homeowners throughout South Florida.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. One of our biggest challenges has been balancing the demands of entrepreneurship while maintaining full-time careers and raising a young family. Building a business requires a significant investment of time, energy, and patience, especially in the early stages.
Like many small business owners, we have also faced challenges related to growth, including building brand awareness, navigating supply chain delays, and managing the unexpected issues that can arise during custom projects. Every home and every client is unique, which means we are constantly learning and adapting.
At the same time, those challenges have helped us grow. They have strengthened our problem-solving skills, reinforced the importance of communication, and reminded us why we started oak + SHADES in the first place. Every obstacle has ultimately made us better business owners and better partners.
We’ve been impressed with oak + SHADES, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
oak + SHADES is a husband-and-wife-owned luxury window treatment and interior design company founded by Adrian and I. We specialize in custom drapery, motorized shades, shutters, wallpaper, and accent walls throughout South Florida.
What sets us apart is our hands-on, personalized approach. From consultation to installation, we work directly with every client to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Our goal is simple: deliver exceptional design, quality craftsmanship, and an experience that feels effortless for our clients.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
We believe the industry will continue moving toward smart home integration, motorization, and highly customized design solutions. Homeowners are looking for products that are not only beautiful but also improve convenience, energy efficiency, and everyday living.
We’re also seeing a growing appreciation for custom design and craftsmanship over one-size-fits-all options. As technology and design continue to evolve, we believe the demand for personalized, professionally designed spaces will only continue to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oakplusshades.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakplusshades
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14fahsHChQM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
