For proud Aboriginal Tiwi woman Cassie Puruntatameri, being both behind and on the runway is somewhat of a new – yet highly rewarding – business venture for the talented creative.

Born in the Northern Territory's Tiwi Islands, – a remote community of fewer than 450 people – Ms Puruntatameri may be far from home, but she is definitely not homesick.

The confident and comfortable young woman is using her spotlight for the greater good.

Initially scouted by Perina Drummond of Jira Models (an all-Indigenous modelling agency) in Melbourne, the young model turned mentor is now represented by international modelling agency, Chadwick Models.

Securing partnerships, collaborations and modelling opportunities both locally and overseas, Ms Puruntatameri's growth has been a direct result of her determination and dedication.

"I thought (when talking about modelling) this is an amazing opportunity to represent my mob and community", she said.

Since plunging into modelling in 2018 at Melbourne Fashion Week, the artistic go-getter has already walked in three Australian Fashion Weeks and signed with Chadwick Models.

Whilst modelling was something Ms Puruntatameri only briefly considered prior to being signed, it certainly has been one of the driving forces behind her rising success.

When asked whether her career as a model has assisted her in this newfound role with Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), Ms Puruntatameri said it was in fact her experience and networking as a model that led to this opportunity.

"I was a freelance model for a little bit, then Rhys Ripper took me under his wing and wanted to represent me…he was the one that made that connection with Chadwick Models," she said.

"I got signed with them (Chadwick Models) in Melbourne and Sydney last year.

"There have been so many amazing opportunities."

Now shifting gears, Ms Puruntatameri is taking part in this year's Country to Couture runway not only as a model but as a managerial assistant in runway styling and model selection.

"I'm normally just showing up for fittings and castings and that's it", Ms Puruntatameri said.

Now exposed and dealing with a range of new responsibilities, Ms Puruntatameri said there is of course a lot more involved than what initially meets the eye.

"Behind the scenes, there is a lot involved," she said.

"Show 1 and Show 2 have 11 shows each.

"All last week we did fittings and met all the models."

When it came to the runway and who Ms Puruntatameri was most excited to be wearing, it was inherently clear the young woman was thrilled to represent any designer featured in this year's runways.

"I love wearing anything they throw on me," she said.

"I appreciate the opportunity the different styling and the prints."

Similar to most runway shows, the hours of behind-the-scenes rehearsals and admin, naturally develop into an emotional finale for not just designers, but all involved.

"I love being able to share my story, I might be too nervous to do a dance at the end though," Ms Puruntatameri said.

"We (Cassie and her siblings) get our dreaming from our father's side… that's Magpie Goose for me and my siblings, and we also take after our father.

"We dance for our aunties and our paternal grandparents.

"I am really excited and I'm probably going to be emotional for the finale."

When asked what was next for the model-turned-mentor, Ms Puruntatameri was conscious of not revealing too much too soon.

"You will have to wait and see", Ms Puruntatameri told Style Up.

Acting as a sounding board and inspiration to other young Indigenous women, Ms Puruntatameri is paving the way to a more positive and progressive industry.

"Now is the time for me to step up", she said.

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