Jaclyn Sienna India established her travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with the mindset of “fake it until you make it.” Initially facing skepticism from those around her, including her husband, who doubted her ambitious goals, India found herself often turning down inquiries from potential clients, claiming she was fully booked with high-net-worth individuals, even when she had no clients to speak of.
Fast forward sixteen years, her strategy has succeeded. India now serves a prestigious clientele, including world leaders and celebrities, with annual incomes exceeding $100 million. But what sets her apart in a marketplace where many clients are already well-connected?
India believes that genuine care and emotional intelligence are key. Drawing from her experience as a server, she has learned that understanding what truly matters to people is essential in her line of work. She highlights the importance of empathy in fulfilling her clients’ needs and desires.
Sienna Charles features an extensive network of over 2,000 connections within the hospitality sector, encompassing luxury yachts, hotels, and fine dining establishments. This network enables India to curate exceptional travel experiences that her clients may find challenging to create on their own.
“My clients often have a vision of what they want, but they lack the tools or time to achieve it,” India notes. She prides herself on her ability to capture her clients’ visions succinctly and translate them into reality.
India emphasizes that her objective goes beyond simply booking the most exclusive venues. She aims to provide meaningful experiences. For instance, while many might prioritize the renowned French Laundry restaurant, she believes that places like Single Thread Farms offer richer experiences, and as a result, focuses on recommending what she truly finds noteworthy.
Her services often include bespoke events, such as arranging a candlelit dinner in Versailles or a brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, India facilitates unique encounters, like breakfasts with the Hermes family or lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
Yet sometimes, even simple comforts matter most to her clients. For example, when former President George W. Bush traveled to Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar items, like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, and a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
“I genuinely care about people,” India states, explaining that she engages with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff to uncover the best authentic experiences. She believes that luxury and extravagance are just part of the equation; her clients desire authentic and meaningful moments.