Sonny Angel, a tiny cherub created by Japanese toy designer Toru Soeya, came into mainstream media after becoming viral on TikTok for being used as an emotional support doll for working women. According to Soeya (aka Sonny), whom the doll is named after, this was the doll’s intended purpose.
Although Sonny Angels came to life in 2005, it was not until a year ago that they rose to fame on TikTok. A culture of trading the dolls became a common practice among fans, which further developed into a sense of community.
“He is always by your side to make you smile,” the Sonny Angel website said. “Sonny Angel will provide healing moments in your everyday life.”
The meet-ups began as a way to interact with other people who had Sonny Angels and to show off one another’s collections. Eventually, it soon became a new community and a place of belonging for many people.
At Washington Square Park on June 11, dozens of people across New York City came together to celebrate the rising phenomenon of these collectible dolls and to trade amongst themselves. In New York City, these meet-ups are held by the store An.mé, which opened nearly 10 years ago. An.mé has two locations in the East and West Village, both of which are known for selling small figurines such as Sonny Angels, Smiskis and Monchichi dolls.
This particular meetup was hosted by Yunuen Cho, Fordham College at Lincoln Center ’21, who has acquired a 27.4k following on her TikTok account @cutesonnyangel. Cho established a relationship with An.mé’s co-owner Annie Ju a year ago by posting about Sonny Angels on TikTok and becoming one of the first people to go viral under the hashtag. The Sonny Angel company confirmed Cho’s virality under the hashtag #sonnyangel.
“I’m so beyond thankful that it blew up like this, and I wanted to bring together a community of people to trade,” Cho explained.
Attendees at the event walked up to displays where many Sonny Angels laid and were greeted with smiles, not to mention the abundance of other similar small figurine collections such as Smiski and Monchichi dolls.
The meet-ups began as a way to interact with other people who had Sonny Angels and to show off one another’s collections. Eventually, it soon became a new community and a place of belonging for many people. Several attendees brought blankets and quilts just to sit and observe.
During the picniclike event, people laid quilts down and set up shop. Some collectors had goody bags full of stickers, Sonny Angels and bracelets, while others took to the business side of trading and selling. There were also attendees with clipboards and specific pictures of figurines that they were searching for.
When asked about trading, Cho said that “people typically trade animal for animal, vegetable for vegetable, or special series for special series.”
She added that she believes it’s more about the conversation. “Don’t be afraid to talk to people … everyone is super social here.”
Sonny Angels surely have brought happiness and healing to many. Meet-ups, such as this one, bring a niche community together and provide a sense of belonging for those who want to express their love for tiny angels.
The meet-up began at 2 p.m. and concluded at 4 p.m. at An.mé’s second location in the West Village. This is the fourth meet-up that An.mé has hosted, and the events typically end with a small celebratory party back at one of the two stores.
All attendees were instructed to go to the second location in the West Village for a chance to win a Sonny Angel or An.mé tote filled with goodies and prizes, as well as a chance to meet Smiksi. More information on the next meet-up can be found on An.mé’s Instagram account.
