Erika De Leija will enchant you. A gorgeous California girl, Erika embodies what it means to be down to earth and lovely. Hailing from Santa Maria, it actually took her awhile to feel comfortable enough to pursue modeling full time — but once she did, she’s been flourishing professionally and personally. “I grew up in a small town and raised very humble, feeling unappealing,” she tells us. “I feel like it took me a while to grow into my body and the person I am today.” In fact, Erika didn’t know where her desire for modeling would take her, or if it were the right path. “When I started I felt I did not have the personality for it," she shares. "After some time, I became more comfortable with the social aspects and my body. Since then I have dedicated my career to modeling full time!” Happy that she did, it was only a matter of time before Erika caught our eye on social media. “I first heard about Playboy sometime when I was a teenager,” she says. “My experience [has been] amazing! My photographer was incredible, gave amazing direction and was so sweet!” A strong advocate for posing nude, Erika finds it beautiful. “It’s empowering,” she shares. “My ultimate goal would be to have nudity be something that is more normalized — bodies are so beautiful!” Learn more about the lovely Erika through her stunning pictorials, right here on Playboy Plus!