In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, a luxury travel concierge service, with the mindset of “fake it until you make it.” Early on, she faced challenges convincing others of her capabilities as she had no clients. She recalls how her husband doubted her ambitions as they received calls from people interested in travel experiences, despite not having any clients to fulfill those requests.
Fast forward sixteen years, India has successfully built a clientele that includes high-profile figures, such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Her clientele typically earns over $100 million annually, and she prides herself on providing services that go beyond what they can achieve on their own.
India emphasizes the importance of care and understanding in her approach. Having worked as a server for five years before founding her business, she recognizes what drives people. With a network of over 2,000 relationships in the hospitality sector, India curates unique travel and dining experiences for her clients, utilizing her extensive connections.
She aims to comprehend her clients’ visions and turn them into reality, often providing experiences that prioritize authenticity over mere luxury. For example, she chooses experiences like Single Thread Farms over popular but predictable venues such as the French Laundry because she believes the former offers more intriguing encounters.
India not only arranges extravagant events but also integrates personal touches. During a trip to Ethiopia, she ensured former President Bush had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer while organizing unique gatherings with influential families, such as meals with the Hermes and Fendi families.
Ultimately, India prioritizes genuine experiences over luxurious opulence. By engaging with various people in every location, she curates one-of-a-kind experiences that resonate with her clients’ desires for authenticity.