Paulina James is an American pornographic actress of Spanish and Portuguese ancestry. James was born and raised in Orange County, California. She started modeling at a young age. She has appeared in music videos and commercials, and did beauty pageants. She was a cheerleader in high school and graduated early. She then studied business and clothing design at a local community college.

James was approached by a talent agency for her first experience with the adult industry. Her job was as a model passing out fliers at the Erotica LA convention in 2006. Later, she was approached by a friend to appear in an adult movie and her adult film career began. She was in the adult industry for a year before she signed an exclusive three-year performing and directing contract with a studio.