As a child, Simone often lived with relatives and friends due to her mother's busy touring schedule, her parents’ tempestuous marriage, as well as Nina's mental health problems. Later in life, Simone alleged that her mother was emotionally and physically abusive, driving her to the point of contemplating suicide until finally going to New York to live with her father.
As a young adult, Simone served in the United States Air Force for over 10 years as an engineering assistant stationed at Davis Monthan in Tucson, Arizona, Osan Airbase in South Korea, and Rhein Main Air Base in Frankfurt, Germany. She is a veteran of the Gulf War. After being honorably discharged, Simone sang background for various European artists and was part of the Spanish artist Raphael's touring chorus.
Simone's theatrical stage debut was in a national tour of the Andrew Lloyd Webber rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar, as a Soul Sister, Simon, and understudy for Mary. In 1996, she continued her career as a swing and female understudy in the original Broadway production of Rent at which time she also performed the roles of Aida in Disney's Aida and Nala in The Lion King. Later that year, Simone performed the lead role of Mimi Marquez in Rent's first national tour, from November 1996 to April 1998. She was nominated for both a Helen Hayes Award and a Jefferson Award for her performances.

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