Jaclyn Sienna India founded her boutique travel concierge, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with the ambition to succeed, even if it meant initially presenting a façade of success. She recalls her husband’s skepticism as they received inquiries from potential clients about travel plans, while she had no actual customers at the time. However, after sixteen years, her strategy has proven successful, as she now boasts a prestigious clientele that includes notable figures like former President George W. Bush and celebrities such as Mariah Carey.
India’s services cater to individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million, clients who could easily arrange their vacations but seek more personalized experiences. She attributes her success to genuine care and a deep understanding of her clients’ needs, skills honed from her earlier experience as a server.
Sienna Charles is characterized by a vast network of over 2,000 relationships within the hospitality industry, enabling India to create bespoke travel and dining experiences. She listens closely to her clients’ aspirations and aims to translate their vague ideas into reality, offering unique solutions to match their vision.
India emphasizes that her mission goes beyond just providing access to luxurious venues; she is committed to ensuring her clients have meaningful experiences. For instance, she believes that some highly-rated restaurants may not be as exciting as lesser-known establishments, pointing out that she prefers recommending experiences she finds truly remarkable, like dining at Single Thread Farms instead of the well-known French Laundry.
Her services often lead to extraordinary events, such as arranging a candlelight dinner in Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she combines culinary experiences with opportunities to meet influential figures, having arranged meals with families linked to luxury brands like Hermes and Fendi.
At times, however, her clients’ requests are more modest. For instance, when President Bush visited Ethiopia, India took care to ensure he had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer while also creating a memorable moment with children wearing Texas Rangers baseball caps.
Through her passion for genuine human connections, India dedicates her day to engaging with various individuals, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, in search of the most captivating experiences for her clients. She believes that the appeal of travel lies not only in luxury but in authenticity and the richness of diverse experiences.