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

Hi Nick, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
In America we’re taught to hustle and grind 24/7. You can “make it” with this formula but I’d much rather prefer a slow burn. Especially in cities like New York or Los Angeles work is non-stop and that leads to burn out. Over time I’ve changed my stance to working 24/7 to finding an equilibrium with my family and team. Balance is a highly personal term to people so finding your own recipe is critical to sanity. Personally, I play tennis 3-4 times a week, trail run weekly and meditate to keep my equilibrium. Instead of working to live, I live to work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Cliché Tennis landed it’s first retail account at LA institution American Rag pre-covid. Unfortunately our partner factory closed during covid so we had to find alternate methods to produce a collection. As a brand, we’re most proud of the fact we delivered our product and were able to tell our story in the state the world is in. Starting a brand is often romanticized in our social media era but the amount of work, planning, shooting, that goes into every detail is incredible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First off we’re hitting Vermont Canyon, the inspiration for our second collection, below Griffith Park to play a few sets. It’s serene and the courts are well maintained. For dinner we’re going to Lil Dom’s in Los Feliz for some rice balls and chicken parm. After that it’s Nght + Mrkt on sunset and from there who knows. This sounds like a Vice episode….

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My day one’s and my fiancé. Also my english bulldog, Big Meech.

Website: www.clichetennisla.com
Instagram: @clichetennis

Image Credits
Jose Grau, Selo Turner.

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