Michaels developed a passion for acting in junior high school, and after graduating, moved to New York City to pursue it.
She attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and completed three semesters but withdrew from the school before graduation.
While working as a bartender at a restaurant, she was discovered by Alayne Skylar, a talent scout.
After moving to Los Angeles, Michaels landed the role of Nicole Julian on Popular.
[citation needed] On April 15, 2010, Michaels and Etheridge confirmed that they had ended their nearly nine-year relationship.