Roman Singer was born on November 17, 1956, in Rhinebeck, New York, United States. She is of mixed heritage—her mother was Hungarian, and her father was American. Roman spent her childhood in New York City, where she lived with her family until losing both parents at a young age.

She pursued her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, where she graduated with a specialization in fashion. Despite initial opposition from her father regarding her choice to study business, Roman enrolled in the program by supporting herself with a student loan and working 30 hours per week.