Simona grew up in Peckham in southeast London, and she still lives in the area today. In an interview with Essence ahead of the release of the Channel 4 show Kiss Me First, she said she has fond memories of growing up in the area. "Growing up in Peckham was fun for the most part," she said. "I did experience some bullying in primary school, but oddly enough being isolated was somewhat of a relief. Being part of the cool clique was too stressful. I think that's when I really got into reading and creating my own short stories."