How I Got Here: Calli-Rose Woods on modelling, mentoring and finding community
image via @callirose.woods/instagram
as told to daisy henry
“Looking back, I didn’t follow a traditional pathway.”
Welcome to How I Got Here, where we talk to people who are killing it in their respective fields about how they landed their awe-inspiring jobs, exploring the peaks and pits, the failures and the wins, and most importantly, the knowledge, advice and practical tips they’ve gleaned on the journey. For this instalment, we speak with Perth-based model, Calli-Rose Woods.
At just 23 years old, Calli-Rose has an impressive portfolio. Having been one of the first to sign with Blaklist Agency, a First Nations-owned and operated talent agency, she has walked on several Fashion Week runways, been featured in Vogue, repped Aboriginal designers and appeared in Darwin’s 2025 Country to Couture show.
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“My first breakthrough came in 2024 when I made my debut at the Australian Fashion Week runway, walking for Jordan Gogos,” she reflects. “It was a deadly experience and a moment I’ll never forget.”
However, she’s quick to note that despite the highlights, modelling isn’t always as glamorous as it looks. “There’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes,” she says, citing plenty of early starts and long days. It’s also given her the opportunity to push back against misconceptions. “I love challenging stereotypes, whether that’s about what an Aboriginal person ‘should’ look like or what being a model is really like.”
Outside of modelling, Calli-Rose is also passionate about working as a youth mentor and running programs dedicated to young people in the community. “The best part is knowing I’m helping create a safe space for the next generation.”
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Fashion Journal: Hi Calli-Rose! Did you have an idea of your ‘dream job’ growing up?
Calli-Rose: I did and funnily enough, modelling is completely different from what I imagined. Growing up, I was always a tomboy and wanted to be a heavy diesel mechanic. My backup if that didn’t work out was pursuing a career in community engagement.
Take us back to when you were first starting out in the fashion industry. How did you get your foot in the door for modelling?
My journey into the fashion industry started a few years ago when I was given the opportunity to walk for a local clothing label created by a talented Aboriginal designer. At the time, I had no idea that saying yes to that runway would open so many doors and introduce me to people who would become like family.
It was at that event that I met Teagan ‘TJ’ Cowlishaw, the founder of Blaklist Agency. What began as a connection through fashion quickly grew into a lifelong friendship and support system. Since then, we’ve stood by each other’s side through every opportunity, challenge and milestone. Having someone who genuinely believes in you can make all the difference when you’re starting out in an industry that can feel overwhelming. We later found out we were actually family, so the connection was strong from the beginning.
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My first breakthrough came in 2024 when I made my debut at the Australian Fashion Week runway, walking for Jordan Gogos. It was a deadly experience and a moment I’ll never forget. To go from walking for a local Aboriginal designer in Perth to stepping onto one of Australia’s biggest fashion stages showed me how powerful community, representation and perseverance can be.
Looking back, I didn’t follow a traditional pathway. I got there through connection, culture and being willing to take a chance on myself. Every runway since has been built on the relationships I’ve formed, the people who have supported me.
What hurdles have you faced getting to where you are now?
I’m from a community where losing family members becomes a part of your DNA and my family has experienced a lot of loss. I’ve developed a thick skin. I’ve used it as a shield and in a way, it’s meant I’ve grown, soldiered on and embraced opportunities, like moving from a small town and community to the big city lights. I’ve finished off where my lost loved ones couldn’t make it and want to ensure the next in line know there’s plenty to look forward to.
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What does a typical day in your life on the job look like?
No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I love most about modelling. A typical day during Australian Fashion Week can involve everything from fittings and rehearsals to photoshoots, castings, events and hair and makeup trials.
My day usually starts early with preparation and fittings before moving into rehearsals or shoots, followed by backstage prep and runway events. It can be long and fast-paced, but I enjoy the variety and the opportunity to work with different creatives, designers and teams. Every day brings something new and exciting.
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You recently walked for Van Ermel Scherfer at AFW. What was that experience like?
It was a surreal feeling and sharing it with mob made it all the more special. It was also my first time being involved in a swimwear runway, so I was very proud of myself for pushing down that confidence barrier and trying to be more open to more diverse opportunities.
What have been some other career highlights for you?
Being featured in Vogue is a forever memory that I’ll always be able to look back on with the biggest smile. I also really enjoyed spending a couple of days doing content creation training with The Iconic in Sydney. One that I hold dearest to my heart was opening for my mum and Aunty Rowie at Darwin Country to Couture 2025.
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What’s the best part about what you do?
There are too many to choose from! Recently, though, one was being chosen to be a house mother in Sydney and working with the beautiful youth of Broome. I love seeing the confidence boost and happiness on our younger ones’ faces when they’re enjoying themselves. The best part is knowing I’m helping create a safe space for the next generation.
What would surprise people about being a model?
What surprises people most is that I’m both a model and an Aboriginal woman. Because of the colour of my skin, people are often surprised when I tell them I’m Aboriginal, but it’s a reminder that Aboriginal people come in all shades and backgrounds.
In modelling, people also assume it’s all glamour and confidence, but there’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes: early starts, long days, resilience and constantly pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. I love challenging stereotypes, whether that’s about what an Aboriginal person ‘should’ look like or what being a model is really like.
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What do you love to do outside of modelling?
I love to play football, so outside of modelling and work, if I’m not watching the game, I’m playing it or involved with the sport somehow. I also love being on Country, fishing whenever I can get hold of a line. Even if it’s just chasing white lines with the family and looking at new scenery for a few hours.
What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you and wants to be a model as well?
Stay as true to yourself, your cultural background and your daily beliefs. Always set your boundaries to stay safe on and off the set. Your beauty is yours and no one in this world can ever have the same beauty as you, so wear it with confidence.
Keep up with Calli-Rose here.
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