As much as she doth protest, we could see no other option than to launch the newest incarnation of MODCo’s site by shining our spotlight on the genius behind the madness, our very own Sara Rotman. We took it upon ourselves as editors to nominate Sara as the subject of our debut Creative Genius for having the nerve to do what we all wish we could: ride through life at a full gallop. Her interests are diverse, her energy unmatched, and her commitment high-octane.

An innovator and overachiever, Sara Rotman defies categorization: a combination of polo athlete, visionary, and badass. Those that know her well are hardly surprised that the bass player from the punk band “Crotch” also plays the classical flute. Her past is just as varied as her present. A nomad of sorts, Sara was born in Philadelphia and raised in Michigan and North Carolina. But, as is the case with true New Yorkers, she was always destined to call this city her home. “I can’t imagine I’d thrive anywhere else,” she says.

Sara has paid her dues, toiling in the ranks of corporate America for a decade. She first cut her teeth at an ad agency, then at Sony Music, where they outfitted her with an Amex card — the ideal accoutrement for a 23-year-old with a penchant for trouble. Following a stint at what she refers to as “The Death Star” (known to the outside world as Saatchi & Saatchi), Sara came to the realization that she was no longer able to work where good ideas are unceremoniously shelved to make room for the banal and cost-effective. Thus, eleven years ago this spring, she started “My Own Damn Company.”

With Sara at the reins, MODCo has grown from a small shop with big attitude to a highly-regarded agency with the type of clients that would make her former employers go green. MODCo’s work is singularly inspired, collaboratively executed, slightly mischievous, always ahead of the curve, and, most importantly, perfectly refined. This combination explains why luxury brands consistently call on MODCo. The very arbiters of elegance, Vera Wang, Tory Burch and Carolina Herrera, among others, know MODCo delivers both the horsepower of a derby and the polish of dressage. Where others see obstacles, Sara finds opportunity. Take polo, for instance. She admits that polo scares the shit out of her, and that it’s also the “most beautiful and difficult thing I’ve ever attempted to do.” Yet her team, Dark Horse Polo, just took home a league championship. And instead of watching from the sidelines, Sara suits up. “For me the whole activity from the game itself to time spent quietly at the barn with my horses is a profound relief. Kind of like meditating at 35 miles an hour with four guys trying to kill you with hammers. Relaxing? Not so much. Restorative? Absofuckinglutely.” Sara thrives on adrenaline. The same resolve that makes her a worthy opponent on the field also makes her a clever businesswoman. She may own MODCo but that doesn’t stop her from rolling up her sleeves and immersing herself in the process. In fact, it’s this hands-on dogma that led her to start Loquita, an accessories brand featuring oversized, brilliantly colored scarves, sky-high heels, and canvas bags. Though she launched the company intending to better understand clients’ needs, it turned out to be a crucial creative outlet. “Loquita is the only time I get to take all restrictions away and just do what I damn well please. It keeps me fresh for the work I do for others.” Design inspiration is culled from Sara’s diverse life experiences — as a small town girl bartering house cleaning for trips to the barn, drag racing cars and, of course, barreling down the polo field. Of the brand she says, “It’s got the punk-rock-equestrian-cowgirl vibe that I think is at my core, the girl I get to be when I am at my best.”

As we see it, the girl she is at her very best is more than just a force to be reckoned with. She’s a pleasing bundle of contradictions — she’ll don a Wonder Woman costume onstage, but have her over for dinner and she’ll always send a thank you note. Better yet, ask her to bring one of her perfect soufflés. Sara posseses a steadfast determination and a meticulous eye that finds order in the chaotic whirlwind of ideas. She’s a beauty-obsessed perfectionist who demands nothing but the best from herself and everyone around her, not to be difficult, but because mediocrity might as well be defeat. And Sara Rotman hates to fail. “Good enough simply isn’t.” - Ariane