Dallas Woman Is a Finalist in PETA’s ‘Sexiest Vegan Next Door’ Contest

Entrepreneur, Vietnam Native Quit Dairy and Eggs After Doing Her Homework

For Immediate Release:
April 23, 2014

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

PETA’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door 2014contestis down to the wire, and 30-year-old Dallas resident Nikki Koenig could take home the grand prize. That’s because she has beaten out hundreds of other entrants from across the U.S. to become one of 10 female contestants to advance to the final round. Two lucky winners—one female and one male—will each receive a free vacation for two to Maui, Hawaii, courtesy of HumaneTrip.com.

“Going vegan can help make you feel better on the inside, look better on the outside, and save the lives of more than 100 animals a year,” says PETA Special Projects Manager Alicia Woempner. “On average, vegans are fitter and trimmer than meat-eaters are, and that makes them sexier, too.”

Koenig was born in Vietnam and lived in Thailand, Cambodia, and New York City before settling in Dallas. She grew up mostly vegetarian and decided to go vegan after doing research on factory farms, climate change, and the benefits of a plant-based diet. In 2003, she founded the cruelty-free company Cykochik Custom Handbags, and she couldn’t be prouder that it’s a PETA Business Friend. Koenig holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising and art from Southern Methodist University, and her goal is to create a more compassionate and sustainable world by helping people make lifestyle choices that are kind to animals and the environment.

Voting for the finalists to help PETA determine the winners ends at noon EDT on May 2. PETA will select the winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here. Winners will be notified and announced by May 6.

For more information and to cast your vote, please click here.