A former male model is now taking the world by storm as a successful female model after transitioning.
Eden Estrada, from Los Angeles, led a glamorous life walking runways and gracing the pages of Vogue, but she was never completely happy as she knew she wasn’t in the right body.
At 20 years old she began her transition from male to female, completing it at the age of 21.
Now Eden is working as a female model and has never felt better.
She told Barcroft TV:
My modelling career started before I transitioned – I was in Vogue when I was 16.
It was really strange for me modelling before I transitioned because my body wasn’t fully there. Now that I’m doing it, I feel amazing.
To medically transition was basically the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done in my life because to see your body, your mind and your soul finally change and be the person you wanted to be there’s no way to describe that.
Now Eden not only models the most gorgeous of designer clothes, but she also shares her experiences on her YouTube channel and Instagram, both called Eden The Doll.
Growing up in a conservative home as a Jehovah’s witness, Eden’s was unsure if her family would support her transition and although at first they were dubious, they now fully support her decision.
Eden said:
A year ago, I stayed true to myself, who I was, what I was and the type of person that I am, and at the end of the day I am a woman no matter what anyone wants to call me.
My family, at first, wasn’t supportive at all. It was unfortunate but I gave it time and things are different now.
Eden’s mum Lilly Barraza added:
For me at the beginning it was a shock.
I felt very strange but at the same time I’m now pleased because I see that she is happy and if she is happy, then I am happy too.
Eden met her boyfriend Malik McBride when she ate at a restaurant he worked at.
When she told him that she was transgender, right before their second date, he was quite shocked, saying ‘wait, what?’.
But after a while he realised that he ‘could not ask for a better woman’ and a year later they are happier than ever.
For most people having surgery is daunting but for Eden it wasn’t scary at all, in fact she welcomed it with open arms.
She said:
The scariest part of my transition was – I have to be honest – nothing at this point. I mean I’m not afraid of anything.
It was my body and my life. Once I turned 18 I basically made it my mission to accomplish every dream I ever had.
So I was not afraid of anything. I wanted the pain, I wanted the surgeries, I wanted everything, I wanted the hate.
I wanted it all to come because I know that was the price I had to pay to be the woman I am.
Although Eden is a successful model she is focusing on her career as a social media influencer and YouTuber.
She told Barcroft TV:
I just really want to be a good role model for people, that’s… The entire reason I made my YouTube channel was to hopefully change someone’s life, and if I can do it, you can do it too.
Eden’s optimism is inspirational and it’s clear that she is going to go a long way in life.
