When Jaclyn Sienna India launched Sienna Charles, her travel concierge service, in 2008, she was committed to projecting success, even before it materialized.
Now, McDonald’s has found itself at the center of a lawsuit linked to the E. coli outbreak associated with its Quarter Pounder.
Reflecting on her early days, India recalls how her husband doubted her ambitions as they received inquiries from individuals interested in trips to destinations like Disney or New Jersey. “I was like, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, we’re so busy, we’re really sold out this season with high-net-worth people,’” she shared, despite having no clients at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, her persistence has paid off. India now caters to a roster of elite clients, including former President George W. Bush and celebrities such as Mariah Carey, with each generating annual incomes exceeding $100 million. This raises the question: what unique offerings does India provide that these clients can’t access on their own?
India highlights the value of genuine care and emotional connection in her work. “I was a server for five years before I started my business. I understand what makes people tick. And paying attention and caring about those people is paramount,” she explained.
Sienna Charles features an extensive network that includes over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality sector, ranging from luxury yachts and exclusive hotels to high-end dining establishments. This strong foundation has equipped India to craft exceptional travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ desires.
Her clients often approach her with a vision but lack the resources to realize it. “One of my gifts has been understanding that vision with only a few words, and then delivering that to them,” she stated.
However, her primary aim extends beyond securing bookings for glamorous locations. India is dedicated to ensuring that her clients enjoy meaningful experiences. She expressed skepticism about the popular French Laundry restaurant, stating, “I don’t think French Laundry in Napa is really that exciting. So I don’t sell it.” Instead, she favors lesser-known but intriguing dining experiences, such as those at Single Thread Farms.
India often creates unique, personalized events for her clients. Some highlights include arranging a candlelit dinner at Versailles or orchestrating brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. She also facilitates encounters with notable figures, like breakfast with the Hermes family or lunch with the Fendi family in Rome.
Sometimes, her clients simply seek comfort in familiar comforts. When President Bush journeyed to Ethiopia, India ensured he had peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer on hand and a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
“I genuinely care about people,” India emphasized, noting that her daily conversations with a wide range of individuals help her discover engaging experiences for her clients. “The world is not just luxury. The world is not just fancy experiences. It’s everything, and my clients want authentic experiences.”