James was born and raised in Orange County, California. James started modeling at the age of 5. She was an extra in The Gambler 4 starring Kenny Rogers, 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.[4]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.[4] She was in the adult industry for a year before she signed an exclusive three-year performing and directing contract with SexZ Pictures.[3]Paulina's first anal scene was in The Perils of Paulina with Evan Stone.[5]In March 2008, James announced she was taking a one-year hiatus "due to my pregnancy with my wonderful fiancé",[6]adding in a statement: "I plan to do big things with SexZ Pictures this year and in the years to come, but as we speak I will be taking time off due to my pregnancy."[7]