Jaclyn Sienna India established her boutique travel concierge, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with a determination to project confidence despite starting with no clients. Reflecting on the early days, she recounted how her husband doubted her endeavors as potential clients reached out after seeing her articles. “I would tell them, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, we’re so busy, we’re really sold out this season with high-net-worth people,’ but I had no clients,” she admitted.
Fast forward sixteen years, and her strategy of “faking it until you make it” has proven successful. India now serves high-profile clients, including former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey, all of whom have yearly earnings exceeding $100 million. Her clientele’s wealth means they often have access to the best, so what sets her services apart?
According to India, the key lies in her genuine care and understanding of her clients’ needs. Drawing on her experience as a server for five years, she emphasizes the importance of connecting with people and tailoring experiences to them. With a vast network, or “black book,” of over 2,000 contacts in the hospitality sector—including yachts, hotels, and top-tier restaurants—India creates customized travel and dining experiences that resonate deeply with her clients.
“My clients come to me with a vision but often lack the tools or connections to realize it,” India explained. “One of my strengths is interpreting their desires with just a few words and making them happen.”
Her priority is not just to grant access to exclusive venues but to ensure that the experiences are meaningful. For instance, she opts not to promote high-profile restaurants like the three-Michelin-star French Laundry, believing that more unique experiences, such as dining at Single Thread Farms, offer deeper value.
India frequently crafts extraordinary events, including a candlelight dinner in Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Her services often entail introducing clients to notable figures, such as facilitating meals with the Hermes or Fendi families.
In some cases, her clients’ requests are straightforward. When arranging for Bush’s trip to Ethiopia, she ensured he had the comforts of home, such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, while also arranging for local children to welcome him in Texas Rangers caps.
“I genuinely care about people,” India stated, highlighting her commitment to discovering authentic experiences for her clients across all strata of luxury. “The world is not just about luxury; it’s about everything, and my clients desire real, meaningful encounters.”