In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, a boutique travel concierge service, with a mindset of “faking it until making it.” Initially, she faced skepticism, even from her husband, as she received inquiries from individuals who had seen her articles about travel opportunities, despite not having any clients at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, India’s ambition has led her to serve high-profile clients, including former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her clientele consists of individuals earning over $100 million annually, who often already have access to exclusive opportunities. However, India’s offerings go beyond what these affluent clients can independently secure.
India attributes her success to an empathetic approach, emphasizing the importance of care in her services. Drawing on her five years of experience as a server, she understands how to connect with people and prioritize their needs.
Sienna Charles has developed a vast network of over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality sector, encompassing luxury yachts, exclusive hotels, and fine dining establishments. This extensive relationship-building enables India to craft unique travel and dining experiences tailored specifically to her clients.
She notes that her clients often have a vision for their experiences, but lack the means to realize it. “One of my gifts has been understanding that vision with only a few words, and then delivering that to them,” India shared.
However, her priority extends beyond merely securing glamorous reservations. India aims to provide genuinely enriching experiences. For instance, she does not promote renowned restaurants such as the French Laundry if she feels they are not particularly exciting; instead, she highlights what she believes are more intriguing alternatives.
Her signature events have included arranging a candlelit dinner in Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. India also finds value in connecting clients with notable personalities, having arranged meals with the Hermes and Fendi families.
Yet, simplicity also plays a role in her services. During Bush’s visit to Ethiopia, she ensured he had his favorite comforts, like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, all while coordinating a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
“I genuinely care about people,” India stated, as she underscored her commitment to finding authentic experiences for her clients. Her daily interactions with various individuals, from taxi drivers to restaurant staff, enable her to discover the most intriguing options available, showcasing that luxury is not her sole focus, but rather a wide range of genuine experiences.