Fashion In Full Bloom (Part Two)

Previously, fashion model, Matisse, shared with us her philosophy on life that is to 'bloom where you are planted.' This philosophy is one that is similarly embraced by Beauty Editor, Sarah Tarca.

Testing the latest products and having "mani's, pedi's and blow-dry's" is all work at Girlfriend Magazine for Adelaide-born Tarca. The 26-year-old is a literary Elle McPherson: a beauty that knows beauty. But life for this young journalist hasn't always been so glamorous.

Growing up in Adelaide offered little creative freedom for the self-confessed "dorky country-kid." It wasn't until her second year of journalism at the University of South Australia that she became restless for broader (and more beautiful) horizons.

"I came to Sydney for a month to see if it [fashion magazine writing] was my thing. And yes, it was very much my thing."

So with her dreams in sight, a trendy Tarca packed her Prada bag and kicked off in her Manolo Blahniks.

Her career in beauty and fashion began after landing work experience at Cosmopolitan Magazine. With one of her biggest idols, Mia Freedman, at the helm, Tarca "fell in love" with the Cosmo team.

And yet after five years of blossoming from a role as Coordinator to Production Assistant and eventually to Photo Editor and Features Assistant, it is her current position at Girlfriend Magazine that shows a perfectly planted Tarca.

"I don't think my wildest dreams, or girliest fantasies could have created a job more right for me."

Nine-months after having stepped onto the Girlfriend threshold, Tarca seems determined still to live by a philosophy of growth. With the support of her late step-father initially planting her in the fashion and beauty industry, Tarca still strives to separate her dreams from reality.

So what keeps this blossoming beauty standing tall? Iconoclast and fellow glamour girl, Sarah Oakes (Chief Editor of Girlfriend magazine).

"I admire Sarah. She's not only an inspiration to be around but she took a chance on a dorky country kid with no beauty experience," she laughs.

Whether they are country-kids or city-chicks, Tarca inspires her own readers to bloom also.

"I'm very much like a big sister. Girls write in with their beauty woes and I try and help them. I remember being that age."

Her ability to connect with the blossoming youth that is the Girlfriend demographic sets her apart from other 'girl-guru's'.

"Girls often write to me saying what a difference I've made to their self confidence. That makes it worthwhile."

Perhaps it is her own desire to flower in the world of beauty that relates her so genuinely to her readers, "I love how damn savvy they are!" she (lovingly) admits. Or perhaps she derives inspiration from knowing and believing that in a world of beauty anything is possible.