Citing an unhappy home life with a mentally ill mother, Shortridge ventured out on her own at the age of seventeen and began to support herself through a series of office jobs, cooking jobs, and a stint as a plumber, all the while also performing in bands as a lead singer.
Citing an adverse household situation involving a mentally unstable parent, Shortridge left her family at the age of seventeen and began working in different jobs such as office work, cooking, and plumbing. She also performed lead vocals for several music groups during this period.