Known for her down to earth nature and passionate work ethic, multi-talented creative and proud Taribelang-Bunda, Kuku-Yalanji, Ngāpuhi and Ngātiporou woman from South-East Queensland, Aroha Pehi, recently spoke with Style Up.

Residing on Gadigal Land of the Dharug Nation, the talented 29 year-old had a busy start to the year, engaging in various projects across Sydney.

"I kicked off 2025 performing in Sydney Festival with Jannawi Dance Clan as a part of Dance Makers Collective's 'All In', that premiered as a part of the festival. I also continued with my internship as an Emerging Producer, First Nations with Bangarra Dance Theatre and Moogahlin Performing Arts, while also creation a micro-work for Yirramboi which was a part of Barring Yanabul," Pehi told Style Up.

"I'm pretty good at scheduling to say the least, haha."

Now represented by First Nations creative agency Blaklist, Pehi says she didn't hesitate to sign up, and working with agency founder Teagan Cowlishaw and the team has been a rewarding experience.

"BlakList Agency had put out an EOI for the Next Gen program, about three years prior I had walked Australian Fashion Week and had the deadliest time with mob it sparked a little something inside of me and it also gave me this other kind of confidence I never knew I had, I signed up because the spark was still there and I thought 'if not now, when?'," she said.

"It honestly was a no-brainer to go with BlakList Agency, a Blak woman, being represented by a Blak agency, couldn't get any better aye. The team! Talk about hustlers, you wouldn't even know it. They make it look so effortless it's like we don't even try. Teagan is our number one hustler, supporter and absolute beautiful soul, everyday she is making sure we have opportunities to shine and be our most authentic selves.

"The team that help alongside Teagan are honestly boss! Again, the hustle, it's why it's so effortless. We all have the same goals creating opportunities for mob in fashion and being able to bring this back to community, its about taking space and representing us [mob] all."

Having recently headed to Sydney's Australian Fashion Week with Blaklist Agency, we spoke to Pehi about her experience at one of fashion's most renowned events.

"I was given the role of runner this time around, I mostly was there to support the Next Gen Models and help the team. It was different to what I had expected in terms of how I thought Fashion Week was run, having my knowledge from producing gave me the slightest insight on how to navigate myself in the spaces I was in but nothing ever prepares you enough for when it's go time," she said.

"Although even in the most hectic time the team was there as a great support and to keep each other grounded."

Pehi said having experience and training in various creative niches has been a great benefit.

"I'm an independent dance creative, emerging producer and model. I also weave as well and have found it to be a great way to connect with others. The creative industry is not for everyone, you have to have a great passion and discipline to be here and stay here. To some it's a job and a fun one at times, to me, and others I know, it's life," she said.

"I can picture myself in other industries but it would never fulfil me like being in the creative industry. I have a deep love of movement and performing, I love being able to bring stories to life and being able to connect with other creatives and audiences through the arts.

"On the other hand, I love being a part of the creative process through producing, seeing how budgets, logistics, production, etc. come together to help bring art to the stage. It's beautiful."

Pehi would like to see further increase in the range of size diversity on the runway.

"In the aspect of Fashion,I believe there was at one point representation for curve models but this year I was disappointed to not only see less but no Blak Curvy models. When it comes to fashion week, people are there to see what is on offer what their next purchase will be for the next "hottest" fashion piece. You can't be able to envision that if your body type is not represented," she said.

"I'm not going to pretend there isn't any stigma around bodies small, big and everything in-between, but if we want equity with in fashion it needs to start with designers - fashion goes beyond a size 12."

Looking ahead Pehi has several projects and opportunities in place and is set to have a busy few months.

"The continuation with my producing internship with Bangarra Dance Theatre and Moogahlin Performing Arts, I have some small creative [dance] projects, I'm touring with a Musica Viva Ensemble, Wyniss Ensemble, throughout the next 5 months and working closely with Teagan and the BlakList Team for our Next Gen Models," she said.

"My life is ever-evolving, so I won't say that's all but it's so deadly to see the opportunities I get to have to say I'm blessed is an understatement and I'm so grateful."

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