Anja Akstin was born in Florida but was raised primarily in Juneau, Alaska. She is the middle child and only daughter, sandwiched between her brothers Matt and Drew. Her parents (Matthew and Ruth Akstin), moved to Alaska to raise their family. There, she enjoyed the wild terrain and outdoor endeavors, such as fishing, hiking, and much more. In her youth, Anja discovered she had a natural talent for music, and she picked up her first musical instrument at the age of eleven. For years, music was primary focus, and she became a professional trombone player in the local big band at sixteen. At eighteen, she shipped out to boot camp for the United States Marine Corps, enlisting to continue her passion for music as a tuba player in the United States Marine Corps band. After one tour of duty, she ended active service to pursue a new passion for acting. Anja performed in her first stage play, Plaza Suite, while still serving in the Marine Corps.