Josie Maran was born and raised in northern California. She aspired to become a model at a young age. Her father is Russian and Polish; her mother is Dutch, French, and German. When she was 12, while attending a barbecue, a woman asked her to be in a San Francisco fashion show. A modeling agent at the show saw her and encouraged her to begin modeling. This was the foundation that led toward her professional career.

Demand for her has been steady over the years. After an appearance in a Backstreet Boys music video, the growing attention focused on her skyrocketed. Some of her earlier works included American Eagle Outfitters, Allen Allen and Mango. Glamour Magazine gave Josie her first magazine cover and she later graced future covers. She has an impressive resume which includes work for Marie Claire, Guess, and Victoria's Secret. A very popular ongoing gig for her is the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue which has featured her for three years in a row. Her most prestigious professional contract to date is with Maybelline International as their spokesmodel, where she has appeared in numerous ads and commercials. Recently, Josie began her transition from modeling to acting by starring in the lead role of an independent film titled, The Mallory Effect (2002).