Michelle, who writes under the name "Mimi," earned her endearing nickname from her sister Liz, who, as a child, could not pronounce "baby" or "Michelle" and instead called her "Mimi." This name has stayed with her ever since. Michelle grew up in Waukesha, WI, alongside her mother and two siblings. Despite facing challenges with reading and comprehension during grade school, which required her to attend special classes for reading and spelling, she gradually built confidence in her abilities.