Lori Jo Hendrix was born in Ojai, California, an idyllic enclave of writers and artists nestled among the mountains north of Ventura. The youngest of three children, Lori spent her early year's horseback riding, swimming, trekking and going to the beach. After graduating high school, she studied cosmetology and worked as a cosmetologist for nine years, eventually retiring to pursue a career in modeling. Within a short time, she turned to modeling and acting full time.

Lori's modeling career began after participating in several local designers' swimwear fashion shows, trade shows, as well as features in posters and catalogs. She eventually joined the Southern California "bikini contest" circuit, winning the title of "Miss Fiesta Del Sol" at the Ventura County Fair two years in a row.