Nikki Duong Koenig spent her early childhood immersed in Vietnamese culture before her family immigrated to Dallas, TX. As a kid, Nikki was passionate about art/fashion and was nurtured by her family to pursue all her creative endeavors. She attended the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU and received a B.A. in Advertising and Art. While in school, she was on the SMU national winning advertising team, Praxis, and was active in Asian Council, EASA and VSA.

Upon graduation, Nikki jetted off to New York City to launch her career as an art director, working at global advertising agencies for blue-chip clients such as American Express, Coca Cola, Motorola and Verizon. All the while, she was attending FIT’s CEO Program, growing her business, volunteering and maintaining a long distance relationship. After her successful start in NYC, Nikki returned to Dallas to take her personal and professional life to the next level.

She is married to her college sweetheart and recently left her career in advertising/marketing in 2013 to be devoted full-time as Owner/President of Cykochik Custom Handbags, the business she founded as a student from her dorm room at SMU in 2003.

When she is not busy building her business or designing handbags, Nikki enjoys supporting the arts and philanthropic causes, traveling, painting/drawing and spending time with family and friends. Nikki formerly served as the organization’s Vice President and Director of Marketing/Public Relations.

What does going Against The Grain mean to you? “It’s a state-of-mind, being able to trust/follow my instincts and not second-guessing myself despite external obstacles or influences.”

Quote to live by: “Just Do It” – Nike
Sign: Taurus/Boar
Passionate about: The Arts
Favorite food: Vegetables
Can’t live without: The Internet
Color Personality: Curious Green/Action Orange