Celebrating Diversity & Innovation: Meet Ash Phillips and Miro Laflaga Founders of Six Cinquième

Creatives Ash Phillips and Miro Laflaga began their entrepreneurial journey back in 2015 as freelance creative directors producing visuals for local artists in Montreal. Driven by their shared passions for diversity and innovation in Montreal’s creative industry, they began a partnership, collaborating on several projects for three years until deciding to carve their own path: Six Cinquième – a strategic design agency that focuses on branding helping visionary companies define and express who they are.  The company was created out of necessity; the necessity to shake things up in our industry for the better. 

We spoke with Ash and Miro about their dream collaborations, advice for young creatives and the challenges and benefits of being a couple in business. 

OBM: It’s great to speak with you both! Congratulations on all your achievements so far. How would you define a visionary company?

A: For us, visionary companies are led by people with imagination. They imagine a future or possibility that doesn’t yet exist and actively build towards making it real. Visionary companies think long term and aren’t so concerned with temporary gain. Every move they make is calculated. They play chess, not checkers. 

M: A company who is not comfortable. They are always seeking change and despise the status quo.

OBM: What advice would you give to young creatives hoping to follow in your footsteps?

M: Majority of folks don’t know what they are doing. They are figuring it out as they go along. So don’t let them psych you out into feeling you ain’t good enough or ready.
A: Don’t close yourself to the people and opportunities in your own community. Be curious, go to other’s events, find your people and grow with them. It’s not a competition and there’s enough abundance out there for everyone to eat.

OBM: Do you have any dream collaborations or brands you’d love to work with in the future?

A: Not sure in what capacity, either branding, brand activations or production, but anything related to Issa Rae or Donald Glover. On a more local to Montreal level, I really love what Sheertex is doing!
M: Haha… I always said Nasa. And I am going to keep saying it until it happens.

OBM: What is the best part and the most challenging part of working together as a couple? Any tips you can give to other couples considering going into business?

A: Best part is having that security of knowing that you don’t have to go through things alone. With Miro, I feel like I can do anything, even if it seems impossible or scary, because we have each other’s back through it all. Most challenging would be finding the balance between business partners and life partners. Work life balance takes on a whole new meaning when you’re doing work and life with your SO. It was challenging at first and still can be, but has gotten easier with patience, understanding, communication and time.

M: It’s kinda taboo to be in business with a lover right?! I don’t know why it is because it just makes sense. Why wouldn’t you be in business with someone who really knows you? The fact we know each other so well, we can balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses. That’s the best part for me. The most challenging is creating the boundaries between the business and relationships.

OBM: What are your thoughts on the current landscape for Black creatives in Canada?

M: We exist. We are here. We are talented as hell. If Canada doesn’t realize that soon enough, they will constantly lose out on the talent.

OBM:Thanks so much for speaking with us. Keep killing it! Where can our readers keep up with you?

A: We’re @sixcinquieme on all socials! Also Google us (Six Cinquième) to see the latest news or visit www.sixcinquieme.com