In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India established her boutique travel concierge, Sienna Charles, with a philosophy of “fake it until you make it.” Initially, she faced skepticism, with her husband doubting her ambitions as they received inquiries from potential clients that she claimed to be too busy to serve, despite not having any clients at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, and her strategy has proven successful. India’s clientele includes global leaders, such as former President George W. Bush, and celebrities like Mariah Carey, with services aimed at those earning over $100 million annually. This raises the question: what does India offer that these affluent individuals cannot secure for themselves?
According to India, her approach is rooted in genuine care. She believes that leading from the heart and understanding her clients is key to delivering unique experiences. Her background in serving gave her insights into customer needs, emphasizing the importance of personal attention.
Sienna Charles boasts an extensive network of over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality sector, including top-tier hotels, yachts, and restaurants. This network allows her to craft bespoke travel and culinary experiences for her clients. India describes her role as someone who understands her clients’ visions and creatively brings them to life.
Her objective isn’t merely to secure reservations at exclusive venues but to ensure that every experience is meaningful. For instance, while she could easily book a table at the renowned French Laundry, she prefers to suggest alternatives that she finds more intriguing, such as Single Thread Farms in California.
India’s curated experiences often include unique events, such as arranging candlelit dinners in Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. Her services also integrate connections with influential figures; she has organized meals with the Hermes and Fendi families.
Despite catering to high-profile clients, India’s attention to detail often extends to simple comforts. For example, when Bush visited Ethiopia, she made sure he had peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer available, alongside a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
India maintains that her genuine care for people is central to her business. She emphasizes the value of authentic experiences over mere luxury, often engaging with cab drivers and restaurant staff to discover the most interesting options for her clients. For her, the world extends beyond lavish experiences; it encompasses everything, and her clients seek genuine interactions.