In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India launched Sienna Charles, her boutique travel concierge, with a mindset of faking it until she made it. Initially, her husband doubted her ambitions as they received inquiries from clients excited about extravagant trips, while she had no actual customers to accommodate.
Fast forward sixteen years, her strategy has proven successful. India now counts numerous high-profile clients, including former President George W. Bush and celebrity Mariah Carey, providing services tailored for individuals who earn over $100 million annually. But what makes her offerings stand out?
According to India, her clients possess significant power and extensive networks, yet it is the personal touch and genuine concern that differentiates her services. With a background as a server, she understands the nuances of client relations, prioritizing care and attentiveness.
Sienna Charles has access to an extensive network of over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality sector, encompassing luxury hotels, yachts, and fine dining establishments. This web of connections enables her to craft exceptional travel and dining experiences for her clients.
India articulates that her clients often have a vision for their desired experiences but lack the means to achieve it. She claims to have a unique ability to comprehend their needs and turn those ideas into reality.
Her mission extends beyond simply hosting her clients at exclusive venues; she aims to curate genuinely meaningful experiences. For instance, while she could easily secure reservations at renowned restaurants like French Laundry, she prefers introducing her clients to spots she finds more intriguing, such as Single Thread Farms.
India focuses on creating individualized experiences, often organizing unique events such as candlelight dinners in Versailles and brunches on the Arc de Triomphe. She also emphasizes the importance of connecting clients with remarkable personalities, having organized meals with notable families like the Hermes and Fendi clans.
Yet, some requests are more straightforward. When President Bush visited Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar comforts such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, while also arranging for him to be welcomed by children wearing Texas Rangers baseball caps.
“I genuinely care about people,” India shares, explaining that her approach to service involves engaging with everyone she encounters, from taxi drivers to restaurant staff, to discover the most captivating experiences. Ultimately, her focus is on providing her clients with authentic encounters that transcend mere luxury.