Phi Mu - University of Mississippi

W hen Michelle Rounsaville '98 started at Ole Miss, she built relationships with many women in her dorm and sororities and found that those she connected with the most were members of Phi Mu. "These were the girls that I knew I wanted to build lasting relationships with and have as my Ole Miss family." Since her mom was a Phi Mu at Delta State, "All the stars just aligned for Phi Mu to be a perfect fit!" "Phi Mu taught me the value of understanding how to utilize people's gifts, talents, and skills in order to set my business up for success. All of this combined helped mold and shape me into the strong businesswoman I am today." After a career mainly in restaurant management, Michelle realized she wanted to work for herself and grow a business of which she could be proud. Missing the event world, she launched her catering business, My Michelle's, in 2010. "I had always loved catering because, with events, you are always celebrating something. You get to help people celebrate weddings, work receptions, baby showers, promotions, concerts, birthdays, and more. Even when catering a funeral, you are celebrating a life." Through her business, Michelle has learned a lot and met many people from different places, backgrounds, and cultures. She has enjoyed seeing both her employees and clients change, grow, and continue to celebrate over the years. Phi Mu has provided her with countless networking opportunities that she continues to embrace in her career. "I am always super excited to work with a Phi Mu sister, whether it be to cater their wedding, work hand in hand on an event, personal meal planning, or even to cater for the current Alpha Deltas." Every successful event and meal served has been a highlight in Michelle's career, and she has been honored to serve the Double Decker Decker Arts Festival, Holly Springs CAMfest, Supreme Court justices, Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Vern Lunquist, many ESPN executives and producers, NFL football players, and more. She has also used her company to give back to the Ole Miss and Oxford communities. Michelle has been a part of More Than a Meal in Oxford for years by either volunteering, providing a hot meal, or donating toiletries. This year, she was asked to join the board. "It has opened my eyes to even more community needs as well as allowed me to see how wonderful and giving our community is. It is absolutely amazing to see all different organizations, ages, and people come together for fellowship every Tuesday evening." Michelle feels lucky to have the support of both of her parents in Oxford, as well as her sister (also a Phi Mu), her brother-in-law, and Michelle's four nieces and nephews. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, seeing live music, reformer Pilates, reading, enjoying dinner and drinks with friends, and spending time with her three rescue pups, Miles (Corgi-mix), Rachel (Frenchie), and Emmylou (Bernedoodle). CASA is also a large part of Michelle's life and remains important to her; she was sworn in as a volunteer in 2020 and advocates and mentors foster children who come into custody in Lafayette County. "While CASA is one of the hardest and most heartbreaking things I have ever done, it is also one of the most important and rewarding." Michelle and her Phi Mu sisters have been there for each other through the ups and downs of life, and she cherishes her best friends. You can connect with her at michelle@mymichellesoxford.com. Phi Mu Fraternity at Ole Miss 3 MICHELLE ROUNSAVILLE '98 DISCUSSES HER CATERING BUSINESS Always Celebrating LEARN MORE ABOUT MY MICHELLE'S "My Michelle's is a full-service catering company that also has a storefront that offers easy grab- and-go family meals, individual meals, and easy snacks to grab when on the run. We offer online personal ordering for either small pick-up orders or at-home free delivery in the afternoons. We pride ourselves on simple, elegant, and delicious food as well as impeccable presentation and service. My Michelle's loves to offer personalized catering and experiences to all different shapes and styles of celebrating!"

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