Jaclyn Sienna India established her boutique travel concierge, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with the mindset of “faking it until making it.” In the early days, she faced skepticism, even from her husband, as she would receive inquiries about services she didn’t actually provide. During that time, she often claimed to be busy and fully booked, despite having no clients.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy has paid off handsomely. She now caters to high-profile clients, including multiple world leaders and celebrities such as Mariah Carey. With a clientele earning over $100 million annually, the question arises: what unique offerings does India provide that these affluent individuals can’t arrange for themselves?
India believes that the key to her success is not just about connections but genuine care and a heartfelt approach. Her background as a server for five years has given her insights into people’s needs and desires, making her attentive to the details that matter most to her clientele.
Sienna Charles boasts an extensive “black book” featuring over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality sector, which she uses to curate exclusive travel and dining experiences. She emphasizes understanding her clients’ visions, often translating their desires into unforgettable events.
India’s mission goes beyond simply securing glamorous or exclusive reservations; she’s committed to ensuring these experiences hold genuine value. For example, she prefers recommending innovative dining experiences to renowned but conventional ones, believing that personal taste and interest should guide her recommendations.
In crafting unique encounters, India has organized extraordinary dinners, such as a candlelit affair in Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. She often pairs dining experiences with meetings involving notable personalities, like breakfast with the Hermes family or lunch with the Fendi family in Rome.
Even when her clients seek simpler comforts, such as when former President George W. Bush visited Ethiopia, India went the extra mile to provide familiar treats and a warm welcome from local children.
India’s dedication to her clients stems from her genuine concern for people. She engages with everyone she encounters, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to uncover the most intriguing options available. She believes that true experiences encompass much more than luxury; they are about authenticity and connection.