Four-letter words in the English language are some of the most profound, uninhibited and sincere manifestos a person can offer. Direct and to the point, these quad-character charges are more than just words, they're mono-syllable statements--full emotional discourses, at the cost of half a breath. Take for instance, the term "shit"; a colorful expression depending on use, can imply something either intensely positive or downright negative. Example: If you lost your car keys or a drag race, the use of "Shit!" would denote a distressing feeling, versus if you found a winning lottery ticket. "Love" is another word that conjures up extreme emotions. For females, it is the coveted word that fairy tales, chick flicks and dreams are made of. For guys, it's the one word we fear--a quadruple-lettered shackle, killing all hopes and dreams . . . until now.
Tara Love, a tag-team of four-letter words that add up to a perfect dime, gives a whole new reason to love the word Love. Of Spanish-Mexican descent, this firme heina is into Asian guys and tuning cars. Say word? Word. She's not beauty sans the brains, either. A self-taught designer and journalism student in high school, Tara reported exclusively to us the secrets of why she's better than Santa, how you can get laid, which taco trucks to avoid, and what a Va-JJ is. So in Love? You will be, after this interview.
Ready for your first question?
Yeah, this is kind of scary! [laughs]
Why?
I don't know . . . 'cause I've been waiting and waiting to do this.
Waiting for 2NR or the interview?
Import Tuner. Ahhhh okay, I'm good. Ready!
Ok, let's start with an easy one: How did you get into modeling?
[laughs] The famous first question!
Yep!
Well, I went to a car show with a girl friend for the first time, and I wasn't even looking into modeling, but got offered a gig and I took it.
What car show and when was this?
It was about two years ago, at Formula D in Long Beach, CA. Someone from Scion got my contact info and I got started.
Was Formula D the first gig?
No, that's where I was "discovered", so to speak. My first gig was with Scion, for a Halloween event at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA.
Were you into drifting?
I like drifting now, but not back then. All the guys are ugly.
[laughing] You don't think any of the drifters are hot?
This one dude from Japan--he looked really hot, but then he smiled and his teeth were all busted. So I'm still looking . . . [laughs]
What kind of guys are you looking for?
All of them! But I really like Asian dudes.
Wow. You caught the extremely rare female strain of the Yellow Fever . . .
[laughs] Yeah, you can say that.
What nationalities have you dated?
I've dated a Filipino and Japanese guy--to me, they have a good swagger about them. As a guy, you gotta have style and be a good dancer!
Well then, I think it's way past due to try a Korean!
Why? Who's Korean?
Present company, of course!
Oh! Duh! Only if you cook for me.
Cook?
Yeah, Korean food is bomb!
What have you tried?
Everything. I like this chicken dish with an orange sauce--it's kind of spicy.
Are you talking about Orange Chicken from Panda Express?
[laughs] No! Panda Express is bomb, though.
It's not bad, but it's Chinese! Kind of. Just cause all us Asians have black hair, slanted eyes, yellow skin and speak in funny accents doesn't mean we all eat the same food.
[laughs] I know!
Besides Korean, do you have any other favorite food?
Salmon. I love fish. It's so yummy I could eat it all day, every day.
Salmon? That's not very Spanish/Mexican of you.
That's the only thing healthy I'll eat. Mexican food is delicious too, of course.
Agreed. I heart taco trucks.
Yeah, if you want to have the squirts all night. [laughs]
But once you build that tolerance, you're fine!
I'll pass.
Growing up in SoCal, you never ate at a taco truck?
I have, but I had a bad experience!