Lucia Pilakui is a respected Tiwi elder and founding member of Bima Wear, where she began sewing in 1969 alongside Noreen Kerinaiua and Josepha Kantilla. Taught by Sister Eucharia and Bertha McKenzie, Lucia was part of the first generation of young Tiwi women who established what would become one of Australia's longest-running Indigenous textile enterprises. Her practice spans sewing, textile design, painting, linocut, and etching—skills developed over more than four decades at Bima Wear.

Growing up, Lucia spent long stretches on Country, walking with her family along the beach to Jigalaroo and camping along the way. These early experiences shaped her connection to land and culture, informing the traditional symbols and environmental representations that feature in her textile work. In those early days, Bima Wear manufactured school uniforms for Catholic schools across the Northern Territory. Lucia recalls the beginning with warmth: "It started as a way for young people to learn how to sew and design fabric. It was happy days when we started, telling stories and laughing." Today, remnants from those original school uniforms can be found in the linings of the colourful bags made at Bima Wear, connecting past and present in tangible form.

After 44 years of dedicated service, Lucia retired from full-time work in 2013, though she still shows up most days to be present with the enterprise she helped create. She offers support and guidance to younger artists and makers, providing cultural guidance to ensure Bima Wear continues to honour and reflect the creative and cultural spirit of Tiwi women. In 2021, she accepted the Special Recognition Award at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards on behalf of Bima Wear, acknowledging the collective achievement of the Tiwi women who built the enterprise from the ground up.

As a strong leader, Lucia's vision is clear: "I want to see Bima Wear and the ladies continue sewing and printing for a long time to come." Her commitment to cultural continuity ensures that the knowledge, skills, and stories embedded in Bima Wear's textiles will be carried forward by future generations of Tiwi women.