Prior to joining the cast of One Life to Live in mid 2005 as Layla Williamson, Tika hosted the "Best Friend's Date," the first reality dating series for teens, which premiered on The N, the nighttime network for tweens and teens. She's made appearances in commercials and music videos. Tika was born in Hollis, Queens and grew in Middle Island, New York. She attended Longwood High School, then went on to Borough of Manhattan Community College and studied acting at Graystone Acting Studio.