Jaclyn Sienna India founded Sienna Charles, her exclusive travel concierge service, in 2008 with a determination to succeed despite having no initial clients. She often had to portray a busy business to potential clients, even when her client roster was empty. Fast forward sixteen years, and India now counts numerous high-profile individuals among her clients, including former President George W. Bush and pop icon Mariah Carey. Her clientele typically comprises individuals earning over $100 million annually, and her services go beyond mere luxury.
India emphasizes the importance of connection and care in her business, stating, “My clients are way more powerful than me, they know so many people. But that’s not what gets things done. It’s care.” Drawing from her prior experience as a server, she has honed her ability to understand her clients’ desires and deliver tailored experiences.
Sienna Charles maintains an expansive network of over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality sector, including hotels, luxury yachts, and fine dining establishments. This extensive network allows her to craft unique travel and dining experiences that her clients may not easily access on their own. “They just don’t have the tools, the time, the access and the creativity to be able to fulfill that,” India explains her role.
While she has access to the most exclusive venues, India prioritizes the quality of experiences over their status. For instance, she chooses not to sell reservations at the renowned French Laundry restaurant in Napa, opting instead for what she believes to be more interesting dining experiences at places like Single Thread Farms.
Her creations often include bespoke events, such as a candlelight dinner in Versailles or brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. India also seeks to combine meals with opportunities to meet significant personalities, having arranged gatherings with the Hermes and Fendi families.
At times, her clients request more straightforward comforts, as seen during George W. Bush’s trip to Ethiopia when she ensured he had familiar favorites like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer. India cites her genuine care for people as a standout aspect of her service, dedicating her time to engaging with everyone she encounters, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to unearth the most authentic and memorable experiences for her clients.