Meet SoNek | Confectionist, Streamer & Cosplayer

We had the good fortune of connecting with SoNek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SoNek, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by pretty much anything and everything around me; from holidays and birthdays to events and celebrations, I love to think of different designs and creations to then bring it to life in the form of my confections.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The way I work with my confections is where I prefer everything to be edible, from the writing on a cookie to thickened chocolate sticks to be used as dowels for a cake; which doesn’t always work but I love taking challenges and experimenting with different ingredients to see what outcomes I gain from the process. Though I take pride and feel I’m becoming more professional with my work, I’m forever learning something new and I feel that’s what’s so difficult with what I do in everyday life but that’s what also drives me because then I can become better at my creations. I started from being a little (kid) helper to baking cupcakes to making different confections; I’ve learned that there will be times that things don’t always go as planned but if possible, attempt to improvise which has saved me several hard times. One event I was in charge of making a massive 3D model cake of an anime character and it fell apart the day of the event, I quickly thought of the theme of the character and then improvised into miniature cake popsicles; I’m glad everyone had enjoyed it but I did panic at first only for the event to become a success so my advice: If things don’t go as planned then if possible, attempt to improvise. Chibi Chocolates which got its name from making mini cupcakes and truffles when I was young is a small business, it would be amazing to go out into the world with my confections and share what I enjoy which has been an idea type of dream but I’m also a content happy camper wherever I am so long as I do what I love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As someone that likes to be on the move a lot as much as be laid back, there’s several places I like to go in the city of New York. I grew up majority of my life in Manhattan, New York so I travel mostly in the city and go to a bunch of landmarks. Depending on a possible event like Pokemon GO, I would take friends to park areas like Central Park or Washington Square Park to play the mobile game and even get to enjoy the scenery while having a walk or a picnic. I tend to like simple Asian cuisine so I would have friends go to Naruto Ramen for ramen and enjoy the anime art all around or check out the different food spots in Chinatown like Ajisen, my favorite meal of all time is known as Gyu Don which means “Beef Bowl” in Japanese. For shopping and sight seeing, I usually go to Times Square and Herald Square; Times Square mostly for Dave N Buster’s and Herald Square karaoke plus drinks but both areas have some grand sights and theaters for movies. Handball is my favorite sport so I look for just about any wallball court in the city to play but also keep in mind where there might be food and rest spots, I would take friends to places like Grand St in Chinatown or West 4th St in the Village; both places also have some interesting spots for shopping too. As a gamer, I have to definitely take friends to Waypoint Cafe; such a chill internet cafe where they sell tasty foods with gaming names and host gaming and/or tournaments of consoles and tabletop alike. Of course if I’m able to, I would also choose my home of course where I can host some games, watch movies, cook some comfort food, and/or bake some delicious confections; I want friends to be as comfortable as I would when visiting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have gone down a road of help, love and support of so many for quite a while, there’s too many to thank. I want to first thank my friend that had introduced me to Shoutout Atlanta for this interview, she’s been a great support and has me at most of her events; her friends also play a big role in helping by introducing me to such an amazing woman so it’s also thanks to them. My two closest friends that are family to me, they drive me everyday to do my very best and not over exert myself alongside with assisting me whenever I need an extra hand; their two daughters that are my world also like to lend a helping hand when they can as well. My family have been here and there with love and support no matter the distance, giving me words to push forward and succeed. Partners that had me work with them at various conventions and events to help my small business that even led to becoming a big part of Puchi Con (Anime and Video Games Convention) with video games, I’m still going strong with my confections even after becoming a streamer. Long time friends and customers also play a role in all this too, it’s their excitement and happiness that makes it all worth it; I thank everyone that have been there for me and I will continue to strive to bring a smile with a sweet treat.

Instagram: instagram.com/sonek_orboros, instagram.com/chibichocolates

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sonek_orboros

Facebook: facebook.com/ChibiChocolates7