Jaclyn Sienna India launched her luxury travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with the philosophy of “fake it till you make it.” Initially, she would receive inquiries from potential clients expressing interest in high-profile destinations, to which she would respond, “We’re sold out this season with high-net-worth people,” despite having no clients at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, and her strategy has proved successful. India now serves an elite clientele that includes world leaders like former President George W. Bush and celebrities such as Mariah Carey. Her clients typically have annual incomes exceeding $100 million, but what she offers is distinctly different from what they could achieve alone.
India attributes her success to the importance of care and personal connection. With a background as a server, she understands the nuances of customer service and emphasizes the significance of paying attention to client needs. She has cultivated a vast network of over 2,000 industry contacts in hospitality, which allows her to craft exceptional travel and dining experiences.
Her clients approach her with specific visions but lack the time and resources to bring them to fruition. India has a knack for grasping these aspirations quickly and translating them into unique experiences. Instead of merely pushing the most exclusive venues, she prioritizes authenticity and genuine enjoyment.
For example, while many consider the French Laundry in Napa a top destination, India doesn’t promote it, opting instead for more innovative experiences, like those offered at Single Thread Farms. She arranges memorable events, including candlelight dinners in Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe.
India values pairing meals with interactions with influential figures, having organized breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family. However, she also attends to simpler requests, such as when she ensured President Bush had his favorite snacks during a trip to Ethiopia.
Her approach prioritizes authentic experiences rather than mere luxury. India actively engages with everyone around her—the taxi driver, restaurant staff—to discover the most intriguing options for her clients, believing that the world encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences, not just the extravagant.