When Jaclyn Sienna India launched Sienna Charles, her luxury travel concierge service, in 2008, she was focused on “faking it until making it.” Despite the initial struggles, including skepticism from her husband about her venture, she managed to attract attention by claiming to be fully booked with high-net-worth clients, even though she had none at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s efforts have yielded impressive results. She now caters to a prestigious clientele, including global leaders like former President George W. Bush and celebrities such as Mariah Carey. Her services are exclusively available to individuals with annual earnings exceeding $100 million, a demographic that typically has access to everything. So, what does India offer that they can’t find themselves?
India believes that genuine care and emotional connection are crucial for success in her business. Drawing from her five years of experience as a server, she has a deep understanding of what makes people tick. This allows her to provide exceptional customer service by paying close attention to her clients’ desires.
Sienna Charles is backed by a significant network of over 2,000 contacts across the hospitality sector, including high-end hotels, restaurants, and yacht services. This extensive relationship-building enables India to craft unique travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ needs.
“My clients often have their vision but lack the tools, time, or creativity to realize it,” India says. “One of my strengths is capturing that vision through a few words and bringing it to life.”
While India prioritizes providing distinctive, memorable experiences over merely luxurious ones, her services frequently culminate in extraordinary events. She has organized intimate candlelight dinners in Versailles and brunches atop the Arc de Triomphe.
In addition to extravagant meals, India also arranges experiences that connect her clients with significant personalities, such as breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
However, her attention to detail can also manifest in more humble ways. For instance, when Bush visited Ethiopia, she ensured he was comfortable with familiar foods like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, as well as a warm welcome from local children in Texas Rangers caps.
India’s dedication to truly understanding her clients’ needs extends beyond luxury to encompass authentic experiences. “I genuinely care about people,” she states, emphasizing her commitment to discovering the best options for her clients through conversations with cab drivers, restaurant staff, and various locals. “The world isn’t just about luxury; it encompasses everything, and my clients want genuine experiences.”