Side Hustle: Sonny Charles
Locals tell <i>CL</i> how they juggle multiple jobs, aka “get that paper.”
Locals tell us how they juggle multiple jobs, aka “get that paper.” This time we pick the brain of Sonny Charles, a professional actor, private sushi chef and class instructor, children's entertainer and Jack Sparrow impersonator.
You juggle several professions. Which came first?
Sonny Charles: I have a BA in Theater from the University of Florida, so you would think that impersonations and cosplaying came first, but when I graduated in 1996, there wasn't quite the market for it as there is today. So, I dabbled in various opportunities such as hardware and software technology sales for EMC, Borland, and Atlanta-based AppForge, as well as being an award-winning realtor and a restaurateur with Sushi House Buckhead. Currently, I'm starting a new venture providing services such as 3-D animation, crash data retrieval, and aerial photography to the transportation forensics industry. My brother — I'm one of six boys — is one of our country's foremost accident re-constructionist and has seen on CNN giving his opinion on the accident that took the life of actor Paul Walker.
What has been the key to your side-hustle success?
S.C.: My family is the best, especially my wife, Kester. Since we've been together, the lines between work and play have blurred so much that I have coined a new phrase, "I cosplay to cause play."
How do you stay organized?
S.C.: Again, my wife, who is my most active booking agent with her company Dream Friends Entertainment. I wear many hats, right? Together with my People Store agent for on-camera acting, she helps make sure I wear the appropriate one. Whether its a Jedi hooded cloak, pirate tri-corn, or celebrity fedora.
What motivates you to juggle multiple gigs?
S.C.: Like many people, I've worked in occupations I didn't enjoy. When this happens, your unhappiness is very apparent to others, but you might feel trapped because it's not always easy to change professions. I'm very fortunate to be able to entertain and affect people in a positive way, even if I pretend to be someone else temporarily. I'm now doing what I love, and I have loads of fun at it. Maintaining that sweet spot is not just a blessing, it's a privileged responsibility.
If you had to add another gig to your roster, what would it be?
S.C.: As part of my transportation forensics line of work, I fly a drone for aerial photography and video. I want to do more drone cinematography and directing for film and TV because they help give a unique perspective to storytelling.