Ashli Orion was born on June 19, 1987, in San Diego, California. She moved to Los Angeles at age 14 and began her career in the adult industry in 2008 at the age of 21. Before entering adult films, she worked in TV and music video production while studying Film and Electronic Arts at California State University, Long Beach. Known for her petite build and natural assets, she quickly rose to prominence, winning the Urban X Award for Hottest Interracial Star in 2010 and earning nominations for XRCO and AVN awards in 2011. She retired in 2016 to focus on family life but has hinted at a potential return to the industry.