Marissa Bailey was born on October 29, 1981, in Plattsburgh, Clinton County, New York, United States. Plattsburgh, a city with a population of over 20,000 residents, is recognized as her hometown and the place where she spent her formative years. As a child, Marissa described enduring bullying due to struggles with weight, which affected her self-esteem. Despite these challenges, she developed interests that helped her find solace and channel her energy productively.

Growing up in a middle-class family, Marissa received unwavering support from her parents. Listening to music and riding her bicycle were among her favorite pastimes, offering her a sense of escape and comfort. Her musical preferences ranged widely—from Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, U2, and Nirvana to Michael Jackson, Madonna, Notorious B.I.G., and Tupac. Beyond music, she enjoyed watching the evening news with her parents and was especially inspired by female news anchors on local New York television stations. She often imitated them, planting the early seeds of her career aspiration in broadcast journalism.

Standing at approximately 1.65 meters (5 feet 5 inches) and weighing around 55 kilograms (121 pounds), Marissa eventually attained a healthy physique, feeling more confident as she entered adulthood. Her zodiac sign is Scorpio, often associated with resilience and determination—traits that would later underpin her personal and professional success.