We had the good fortune of connecting with Bruce Liles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bruce, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The belief that we could create something unique. It was a stubbornness to not fail, to succeed beyond all odds. A dream I had in childhood, knowing that there would be no turning back.

What should our readers know about your business?
Liles Clothing Studio was founded on a concept of bringing international taste and quality to the South with a service level born and bred from our deep friendship and respect for our clientele. The approach is multifaceted, beginning with the search for a unique selection of small artisanal and difficult to find makers with whom we could create a curated selection of the world’s finest menswear. Next it required selected a team that was equally up to the task of presenting this selection. On top of that we felt we could offer a level of service seldom seen in any business, taking great pains to insure the happiness of each client. None of this is easy, but the results are truly rewarding. Each team member might be rewarded for their own accomplishments, but each one knows that to work as a team for the greater benefit of our patrons is what sets us apart.
No matter the challenges, a strong perseverance is necessary to overcome the odds.
We would really like the world to know that our business is a unique gem, a tasty and service oriented destination that will reward with an extraordinary experience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
1) Get your fill. Raleigh has become a major problem food destination with a varied restaurant scene. James Beard award winner Ashley Christensen has a unique take on southern food with Poole’s Diner and Death and Taxes. Brewery Bhavana was once named the coolest restaurant in the US, with Dim Sum, a brewery and a flower and book shop all in one. Margaux’s has become a local favorite with a French take on NC seafood and game. 2) Take a hike. The Raleigh area has a great appreciation of nature, with favorites Umstead Park and nearby Duke Gardens.
3) Get cultured. The NC Museum of Art is an architectural site to behold set in a bucolic field and home to permanent and traveling collections worthy of a whole day.
4.) Raise a toast. Raleigh is home to one of the greatest collections of microbreweries in the Southeast. Take a tour of some of the most popular or just refresh yourself at one of the many local taprooms..
5) Get a life. The Greenwood South area had the warehouse district are gathering places for much of the local nightlife. Do a pub crawl, listen to live music or just walk the area and enjoy the sites, sounds and great local weather.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There was wonderful support throughout the industry. Many small businesses both retail and wholesale were similar upstarts with their own set of challenges, who taught me to persevere through obstacles and become a success. I would also like to credit my maternal grandfather, Otis Bruce, who throughout his life exemplified the Southern Gentleman, elegant, thoughtful, witty and fair. Through him I learned that to be truly stylish is to begin from the heart.

Website: www.liles@lilesclothingstudio.com

Instagram: @liles_clothing

Facebook: LilesClothingStudio

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