Cheyenne Autumn Pellicoro, 25, had a dream of paving a name for herself in the beauty industry and she did. Talk about manifestation! What started as a job with Montclair-based Bobbi Brown, a global beauty guru, turned into her namesake skincare and makeup business in town. Read on to learn more about Cheyenne’s journey to becoming an esthetician and her favorite things to do locally.
The Montclair Girl: What do you currently do?
Cheyenne Autumn Pellicoro: I currently have my own business, Skin by Chey, located at Anew Hair Salon, 43 Glen Ridge Ave, Montclair, New Jersey. I am a licensed Esthetician that offers facials, makeup, lash lifts, and waxing services at the salon and on location. I eventually want to add Brow Lamination, Dermaplaning, and HydraFacial services.
MG: What did you study at MSU?
CP: I received a BFA in Production and Design with a concentration in Costume, Hair, and Makeup design. While at MSU, I also attained my Makeup Artistry certification with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.
MG: How did you get into Broadway?
CP: During my last semester at MSU, I was looking for an internship. One of my costume design professors works professionally for the Lion King Musical and has worked on many other Broadway shows, major films, and TV contacted me with the Costume Design Associate for Hamilton The American Musical. Once my internship was over, I was hired to work as one of the costume design assistants on Hamilton.
Read More: Meet the 3 Essex County Middle School Students Behind JAÉ Candles + Co.
MG: Which shows did you work for? How was your experience?
CP: Costume Design Assistant:
I was the Costume Design Assistant on the following shows: Broadway, National Tours, London and Australia “Hamilton The American Musical”, Off-Broadway; “All Our Children” at the Sheen Center, Regional; “Mamma Mia” and “Pride and Prejudice” at Idaho Shakespeare Festival.
My experience working as a Costume Design Assistant was exciting but also required hard work. A design assistant has to execute the designer’s vision so there is a lot of interaction with the Designer and design team. I shopped all over New York for fabric, worked with the costume shops and other vendors, assisted with fittings, documented all the costume information from head to toe, oversaw shipments, and many more duties. I was constantly doing something which made every day at work different and invigorating.
Makeup Artist/Wig Master Assistant:
Makeup Artist on New York Fashion Week with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Makeup Assistant for Rebel Ship Music Video Sponsored by Nylon Magazine; Wig Master Assistant for the Broadway Tours, Annie, Beauty, and the Beast and Rock of Ages at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Working as a Makeup Artist/Wig Master Assistant is so much fun! It’s a very fast-paced environment getting models/wigs ready to go in a short amount of time. Often after the initial makeup application, I stay at the location to do makeup touch-ups before the show starts and during filming. When working with wigs for a show, I am there for prep, during the performance, and after the show is over. When a tour comes into town, the wig master teaches you the “track” that you will be working on during the show that morning before the performance. High energy and stamina is a must.
Costume Designer:
Costume Designer for the following: Aida (Montclair State University); Steffi Nossen School of Dance (2017), and Terra Loop (Proteo Media). Costume design is very fulfilling. Seeing the show develop from words on a piece of paper (the script), to sketches and final designs on paper, and then coming to life on stage. As a Costume Designer, I worked with people from every part of the production to discuss the show and the story we wanted to tell. I then worked with costume design assistants and others to build the costume. The designer also gets to work with all of the vendors who build the costumes, fabric and accessory stores, and more.
Awards:
My Costume Design work has been displayed in the Prague Quadrennial International Emerging Artist Design Exhibit, Aida (2019). Also, during Spring 2017, I was awarded the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Theatrical Design Excellence for Costume Design, Aida (2016).
MG: Tell us about your time working for Bobbi Brown.
CP: I got my start with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics from taking classes at the Bobbi Brown Studio in Montclair. In 2015, I starting freelance for the company all over New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania working in-store events to New York Fashion Week. Since the Montclair Studio location closed, I mainly freelance for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics at Short Hills Mall, Bridgewater Mall, and Garden State Plaza.
MG: Now that you’ve started Skin by Chey, what are your future goals?
CP: In addition to growing my business, I would love to get into medical aesthetics and help clients with their skin concerns, diseases, and disorders on a deeper level.
MG: Did the pandemic ‘push’ you into starting Skin by Chey or how did it all begin?
CP: Technically, the pandemic did thrust me into starting Skin by Chey. Although I became a freelance makeup artist in 2013 (note, my first bridal party makeup engagement was on my move-in day at Montclair State), my eye was on Broadway in theater production and design. After graduation, I worked on an amazing Broadway musical and continued to work part-time as a freelance makeup artist and as a makeup artist for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. Then the pandemic shut down Broadway and I had a lot of extra time to think about my passion for skincare. I became fascinated by learning about the skin and all the different treatments and products. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to get my Esthetician license. Since earning my Esthetician license, I put a name on my freelance business “Skin by Chey” and now offer Facials, Makeup, Lash Lifts, and Waxing services.
MG: What has been the highlight in your career so far?
CP: Honestly, it’s hard to pick one thing. What I love most is that no matter if I am working as an esthetician, makeup artist, or costume designer I get to meet so many great people with who I have made wonderful friendships and connections.
MG: What does a typical day look like for you?
CP: I wake up pack my bag and head to my morning gym class. It’s so important to get your body moving! After working out, I get ready and head to work. I prep and set up for the clients that I have scheduled for the day. In-between clients, I sanitize and clean any used implements, products and clean the facial bed. At the end of the workday, I clean and sanitize my room, unplug all equipment, and do laundry. If I am working at a wedding or an event, my day looks much different. I travel to the location, often very early in the morning, and set up my makeup station at the location. I usually apply makeup to 6 – 8 people for an event and need to work quickly to get everyone done on time. After the makeup is applied, I do touchups
so everyone is fresh for pictures, etc.
Local Fun
MG: What do you love about Montclair?
CP: I love the community and the vibe of Montclair. The town offers amazing food/dining options, shopping, and services. It’s a great place to walk around and enjoy family time.
MG: Where do you go out with friends in the area?
CP: My friends and I love to go out to dinner in Montclair! Our go-to restaurants are Ani Ramen, Cuban Petes, La Rocca, T.S. Ma, Urban Chicken, Halcyon, The Corner, Jackie’s Grillette, and Raymonds.
MG: What is something you think needs to come to Montclair?
CP: More parking, LOL!
MG: What is your favorite restaurant in Montclair?
CP: It is very hard to choose one! My top 4 favorites are Ani Ramen, La Rocca, Urban Chicken, and T.S. Ma.
MG: What is your favorite boutique in Montclair?
CP: My favorite stores in Montclair are Urban Outfitters and Anthropology. Now that I am in Montclair on a regular basis, I plan to do more shopping in town and at different boutiques.
See More: Meet Sally Monterrosa of Boho Cafe + Boho Hair Salon in Montclair
MG: What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Essex County?
CP: While studying at MSU, I lived in an apartment in Verona. My friends and I would love to spend time at Verona Park and go out on paddle boats.
MG: What is your favorite thing to do in Essex County?
CP: Eat! The restaurants in Montclair and all over Essex County are amazing!
MG: Tell us about another business in the area you admire.
CP: One of several local businesses that I admire is Anew Hair Salon. The owners, hairstylists, and staff are remarkable and they provide an inviting and upbeat environment for services. Their clients leave happy and feeling their best.
To stay in the know with Cheyenne’s makeup and skincare services, follow her on Instagram at @skin.by.chey.
