SARAH HEMI: BETWEEN MUSIC, MOVEMENT AND SELF-DISCOVERY
Moving effortlessly between music and fashion, Sarah Hemi represents a new generation of multidisciplinary creatives unafraid to define success on their own terms. Raised between New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, the singer and model has built a career shaped by authenticity, cultural richness, and an instinctive approach to creativity. Whether in front of the camera or behind the microphone, Hemi brings the same sense of honesty and introspection to everything she creates. She reflects on her journey across music and modeling, creative growth, and the experiences that continue to shape her evolving artistic vision.
These photos were shot live by Allan Abani on his IRL PHOTOSHOOT, capturing the conversation and the portraits in the same raw, unfiltered moment.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up, and what first drew you to music and modeling?
I was born in a small town in New Zealand and raised between New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. My connection to music began long before I considered it a career. As someone of Māori heritage, I grew up in a culture where music is deeply woven into everyday life. From an early age, I was surrounded by it—singing, playing instruments, and sharing those moments with my family. Music was always present in our home, and it naturally became a part of who I am.
Interestingly, it was also music that led me into the world of modeling. By sharing my songs online, I was discovered and eventually scouted as a model. What began as a personal outlet for creativity and self-expression unexpectedly opened the door to an entirely different path. Looking back, it’s fascinating to see how one passion led to another, shaping the creative journey I continue to follow today.
Which came first for you, music or modeling, and how did each discipline influence the other in your development as an artist?
Being a musician has always grounded me throughout my modeling career. In an industry that can often place so much emphasis on appearance, music reminded me that I was more than what people saw on the surface. During moments of self-doubt, it became a space where I could express my inner world and reconnect with who I truly am.
At the same time, modeling opened doors I never could have imagined. Through travel, meaningful connections, and experiences across different cultures, I was constantly pushed beyond my comfort zone and exposed to new perspectives. Those experiences have profoundly influenced my songwriting, allowing me to transform real memories, emotions, and moments of growth into music.
In many ways, music has grounded me in who I am, while modeling has encouraged me to explore who I am becoming. Together, they have shaped not only my creative journey, but also the person I am today.
Every artist faces challenges at the beginning of their journey. What were some of the biggest obstacles you encountered, and how did you overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges at the beginning of my journey was leaving home at 20 to pursue modeling. I come from a very close-knit and protective family, and initially, my father was strongly opposed to me entering the industry.
At the time, I had very little certainty—only a deep sense that I needed to take the opportunity and trust wherever it might lead. Stepping into the unknown required a great deal of faith, but it ultimately taught me resilience, independence, courage, and the importance of trusting my intuition.
Over time, my father became one of my biggest supporters. Knowing that I had a family who loved me unconditionally, and a home to return to no matter what, gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my dreams.
The most important lesson I learned is that sometimes the hardest thing is believing in yourself before anyone else does. Looking back, that decision opened the world to me, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not taken that chance on myself.
How would you describe your musical style today, and how has it evolved since your earliest releases?
My music has evolved tremendously over the years. I began releasing original songs when I was 14, uploading them to SoundCloud and producing them myself on GarageBand. Looking back, I was just a kid, and while those early songs are admittedly a little cringeworthy, they also hold a certain charm. They serve as a beautiful reminder of where it all began.
The music I’m creating today feels far more refined and intentional. A great deal changes between being a teenage girl and becoming a woman, and I think that growth is reflected in my songwriting. My experiences, perspectives, and understanding of myself have all evolved, and so has my sound.
At the same time, I never want to lose sight of that young girl creating songs in her bedroom simply for the joy of it. I still try to carry her honesty, curiosity, and sense of wonder into everything I make. In many ways, she’s still with me, always.
As someone working across both music and fashion, how do you navigate the balance between artistic expression and public image?
I think we all have different facets to our personalities, and it’s those different sides that ultimately shape who we are. The version of me creating music isn’t exactly the same as the version of me on a fashion shoot, but both are equally authentic.
I often think of it as wearing different hats. It’s not about becoming someone else; it’s about leaning into the part of yourself that feels most natural and necessary in a particular moment.
For me, what matters most is that my core values remain constant. As long as I stay grounded in who I am and what I believe in, whether I’m making music, working in fashion, or simply living my everyday life, everything still feels genuine. Authenticity has always been the foundation of everything I do.
Are there any artists, musicians, or creatives who have had a particularly strong influence on your work and perspective?
As much as I admire artists like Madison Beer, Laufey, and Amy Winehouse, the greatest influence on both my work and my perspective has always been much closer to home: my siblings.
They are my closest friends, my biggest supporters, and the people who continue to inspire me every day. They keep me grounded, challenge me to grow, and celebrate every milestone alongside me. Each of them is incredibly driven in their own way, and witnessing their dedication to their own paths constantly motivates me to pursue mine with the same sense of purpose.
More than any artist or public figure, they have shaped the way I see the world. Their support, honesty, and belief in me have influenced not only the artist I am becoming, but also the person I strive to be.
During our recent IRL PHOTOSHOOT, you mentioned that your very first professional shoot was with Allan nearly a decade ago. What was it like reconnecting creatively and stepping in front of his camera again after all these years, and how did that experience compare to where you both were at the beginning of your respective journeys?
I was only 17! A complete newcomer to the industry. Reconnecting with Allan after all these years felt incredibly special, especially seeing how far life and our respective careers have taken us since that very first shoot.
I remember being so nervous back then, doing my best to appear confident while secretly having no idea what I was doing. Returning almost a decade later, it was impossible not to notice how much we had both grown, not only in terms of experience, but also in confidence and creative vision.
There’s something particularly meaningful about reconnecting with people you began your journey alongside and witnessing their success. Seeing Allan continue to thrive made the experience even more special, and it was a beautiful reminder of how far we’ve both come.
What have you learned about yourself through your journey as both a performer and a model?
I’ve learned that authenticity always prevails. It’s something I’m still continually learning, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve become far more comfortable showing up as my true self. I’ve found myself in rooms filled with incredibly beautiful and talented women, and over time I’ve realized that what truly sets someone apart isn’t perfection, it’s authenticity.
I’ve also come to understand that no one can be you better than you. That realization extends to my music as well. I’ll never create in exactly the same way as the artists I admire, and they could never create in exactly the same way as I do. I think that’s the beauty of creativity: our individual experiences, perspectives, and voices are what make our work unique.
The moment you stop comparing yourself to others and begin embracing what makes you different is often the moment you create your most meaningful work.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the next chapter of your career, and what goals are you currently working toward?
I have a number of exciting projects currently in the works. Musically, I’m in the process of creating my debut album, something I’m incredibly proud of and deeply excited to share. It feels like the culmination of years of growth, both personally and creatively, and I can’t wait for people to finally hear it.
Beyond modeling, I’m also developing a new venture inspired by my experiences within the industry: my business, Michibiki. After spending years working as a model, I felt called to create a space that encourages women to reconnect with themselves through mindfulness and movement.
What excites me most about this next chapter is the opportunity to build something that is truly my own while bringing together all of the passions that have shaped me: music, wellness, creativity, and community. There is so much still to come, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey leads.
What does the word “zero” mean to you?
Zero doesn’t mean nothingness, emptiness, or being less than. To me, it represents rebirth, a fresh start, and the endless possibilities of what could be.
Rather than an ending, I see Zero as a beginning—a place of potential, growth, and renewal. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to start again.