MORE THAN A MODEL: THE JOURNEY OF SERAHFINNA AKSO
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – 19 March, 2025
Serahfinna Akso’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary—a beautiful testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Born and raised in Port Moresby, Serah’s roots run deep in the rich cultures of Morobe, Central, and Gulf. As the second-born of six children, she was raised in a close-knit family that taught her the values of hard work, sacrifice, and resilience. Her father, a National Sales Manager, and her mother, a devoted housewife, instilled in her a sense of duty and the importance of striving for success, no matter the obstacles.
Serah's path wasn’t always easy. Growing up, she attended Gerehu Primary School and later pursued her studies through Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE). She went on to enroll at the University of Papua New Guinea to study Business Management, but life threw her a curveball. With her father being the sole provider, financial constraints forced Serah to pause her studies after her second year.
Rather than letting this setback define her, Serah made a courageous decision to forge her own path. She entered the workforce with determination, starting out as a shop attendant. What followed was a rapid rise through the ranks—Sales Representative, Admin Clerk, and eventually, Assistant Operations Manager, where she thrived for nearly five years. Today, she’s proudly working as an Accountant, continually building a successful career. But Serah’s story doesn’t stop there.
In 2021, Serah took another bold step—this time into the world of fashion. Though shy and reserved, she knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She auditioned for PNG Fashion Week’s Paradise Runway, and to her delight, she was chosen as one of the TID models. The beginning wasn’t easy; Serah faced criticism and struggled with her confidence on the runway. But instead of retreating, she pushed forward with an unbreakable resolve. “I thought to myself, I can do this, and I did it!” she says, her smile radiating the pride and joy of that moment.
Since then, Serah’s career in fashion has blossomed. She’s walked in prestigious shows like the PNG Fashion Week 2023 and 2024 shows, and she now eagerly looks forward to the 2025 event. Each step forward has been a reflection of her growth and resilience—proving that no matter where you come from, anything is possible with passion and dedication.
Serah’s journey is a beautiful reminder that greatness doesn’t come without challenges. It’s the willingness to keep moving, to push through setbacks, and to rise every time you fall that leads to success. “It really feels good when you achieve something big,” Serah shares. “Because your achievement is a result of hard work, which only you know better than anyone else.” And after every achievement, she celebrates for a moment before diving back in, constantly striving for more.
Her story is a beacon of hope, inspiring all who hear it to embrace their challenges and stay focused on their dreams. “To overcome obstacles and achieve goals,” Serah advises, “analyze your challenges, develop a plan with clear steps, embrace a growth mindset, stay resilient, and celebrate small victories along the way.” With each victory, no matter how small, we are reminded of the importance of perseverance and the power of believing in ourselves.
Serah’s journey is far from over. With her heart full of ambition and her eyes fixed on the future, she continues to inspire others to chase their dreams relentlessly. From the boardroom to the runway, Serahfinna Akso is living proof that with hard work, belief in yourself, and the courage to keep going, anything is possible.
