AceShowbiz - Maitlan Ward has no regret about her new career. Six years ago, the former Disney star took a bold step into the world of adult movie industry. Known for her role as Rachel McQuire in the later seasons of "Boy Meets World," she has embraced this path with pride and felt empowered by it.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Ward shared insights into her journey and the reception she has received. "I really think people treat me with more respect now, honestly, especially even in Hollywood right now," she stated.

Despite initial expectations of backlash, Ward has encountered overwhelming positivity. "Everybody thought people were just going to rip me apart, and I was going to be judged and raked across the coals, but I got so much positivity and I think it's because I was so positive about it, and I was so happy about it."

Launching her career in the adult film industry, Ward has found a unique sense of empowerment and confidence that she had struggled to find in her earlier years. She's happy to be able to feel "confident in my body and myself."

"I would never have been able to do that [before]," she admitted, claiming that her career pivot "has really given that to me, that empowerment, to be able to stand in my own skin, to be able to create projects that I want to create and be proud of."

Ward's work in adult films has allowed her to push creative boundaries. "I'm creating full-length movies. I'm doing things like making projects that I really feel passionate about," she explained.

Reflecting on her past, Ward recalls the insecurities she faced as a young actress. "I was very uncomfortable when I was younger. Did I look sexy enough? Was I thin enough? Was I good enough, and was I pretty enough?" she recollected.

Ward's memoir delves deeper into her transformative journey and the liberation she felt stepping out of Hollywood's constraints.

"I think it's an empowering story for women and everyone really," she stated. "It's about living your truth and not listening to what everyone is telling you to do."

Moving forward, Ward remains focused on the positive aspects of her experiences and uses them as learning opportunities. "You have to live the path all the way through in order for that to really mean something," she concluded, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's journey in its entirety.