Meet Mickayla Pence | Movie Makeup Artist & Jeweler

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

Hi Mickayla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For over a decade I have made a living working as a professional makeup artist on film and television sets. The reality of making movie magic is hardly glamorous, and in all honesty, downright grueling. Often times, a typical work day on set is 12+ hours, at the mercy of the elements, while living far from home for the duration of filming. When the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the film industry, I sought new creative avenues to both pass the time, as well as make a living. Instead of helplessly twiddling my thumbs while the world paused with uncertainty, I started to bend wire with them. It didn’t take long before admirers of my mixed media jewelry began purchasing works of mine online. Shortly after, I registered my small business, Mick’s Media Jewelry, as an LLC in West Virginia. Each piece I make is truly one-of-a-kind with a varying combination of materials including: real pressed flowers, butterfly wings, magazine clippings, gemstones, and photographs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey as an artist has in no way been linear, but my desire to create has been ever persistent. After earning my BFA from Marshall University in 2011, I left West Virginia to live and work in the bustling grind of New York City as a freelance graphic designer and later as a professional makeup artist for film and television. After some time working as a designer, I realized I hated being employed by soul sucking corporate America. While combing the gigs section on Craigslist for new work opportunities, I stumbled across an open casting call for a major feature film. After auditioning, I went on to work as a background actor for Warner Bros “Run All Night” starring Liam Neeson. While on set, I witnessed the makeup artist creating movie magic and I made the life changing decision to go back to school to learn about professional makeup artistry. I attended the prestigious Make Up For Ever Academy NY in 2014 where I learned from world renowned artists and graduated top of my class. For over a decade working as a makeup artist, I have had the extraordinary opportunity to travel the world, work with A-list celebrities, on major movie productions, and on fortune 500 commercial shoots.

Through this work and travel, I gained a rolodex of promising clients and referrals who frequently called upon me to work on productions far and wide. In 2017 I realized I could return to West Virginia and still remain employed on a vibrant professional circuit which I did for three more years until the Covid-19 pandemic arrived and put an unmerciful halt to my momentum as most upcoming movies, television shows, and commercials I was scheduled to work on in 2020 were cancelled. The entire film industry shut down for nearly two years and the new Covid regulations on set forced me to reassess the sustainability and safety risks involved in human to human contact during this grim period. At the time, I found myself in a state of contradiction — worried about the trajectory of my livelihood while also feeling at peace with being able to finally slow down and smell the flowers. This shift back to my roots and the breathtaking wonders of the Appalachian Mountains provided the inspiration I needed to transition my hobby of jewelry making into a blossoming career that I have been building for over three years now.

Today, I am still working as a makeup artist, but am much pickier of the productions I work on as I maintain balance between work, life, and my jewelry making.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Lewisburg, WV which was voted the coolest small town in America 2011. It may be a small community, but there are certainly some gems to check out while visiting. One of my favorite places is Lost World Caverns with its spelunking tours and amazing crystal/mineral shop. Depending on the time of year, I’d also recommend getting the best car-side food from Jim’s Drive In before heading to Blue Bend for a summertime swim. Another great spot is MerryWeather’s in downtown Lewisburg. This funky boutique not only has great attire and accessories for all occasions, but is also home to a small collection of my jewelry for sale.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Since the beginning of my journey as a jeweler, my partner Ryven has been one of my biggest supporters. Not only does he assist in making creative decisions when I’m contemplating ideas, but he also helps me set up/breakdown almost every vendor event I attend while continuously encouraging me to grow my skillsets as an artist. Another shout out would be to his mother, Carli, for not only sharing my work with others, but also for helping to edit my writing for artist statements, applications, as well as inspiring me with her own artistic endeavors. And lastly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unconditional support of my loving parents, Lorenzo and Tina.

Website: https://www.micksmediajewelry.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micks_media_jewelry/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Micks-Media-Jewelry/100063510969293/