Deborah Gregory was born in Brooklyn, New York. When she was only three years old, her mother was institutionalized, and young Deborah was put into foster care. As a teenager, she started designing her own clothes, and fantasized about a singing career. At the age of eighteen, she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology. After graduation, she found success as a model in Europe.

She graduated in 1986 with a BS in Cultural Studies from Empire State College (Metropolitan Center, NYC).

Gregory has written for several magazines including Essence, Vibe, More, US, and Entertainment Weekly. In 1999, she penned the hit book series The Cheetah Girls, which was adapted for television in 2003. She also wrote "Catwalk" and started the Cheetah Girls movies.