Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, her upscale travel concierge service, in 2008 with the ambition to succeed despite a lack of initial clients. She recalls moments when potential customers would reach out because they had seen her articles, expressing interest in traveling to Disney or New Jersey. At the time, she would politely decline, claiming her services were fully booked with high-net-worth individuals, even though she had no actual clientele.
Fast forward sixteen years, and her strategy of “faking it until making it” has paid off significantly. India now serves an elite roster of clients, including notable figures such as former President George W. Bush and celebrity singer Mariah Carey. Her clientele consists of individuals earning above $100 million annually, who often seemingly have it all. So, what sets her services apart?
India highlights the importance of genuine care and personal connection. With a background as a server for five years, she understands what makes people feel valued. She emphasizes that being attentive and compassionate is crucial in her line of work.
Sienna Charles features a comprehensive contact base of over 2,000 relationships within the hospitality sector, including yachts, hotels, and fine dining establishments. This network enables India to curate exclusive travel and culinary experiences tailored to her clients’ desires.
She explains that her clients usually have clear ideas of what they want to achieve, but often lack the necessary tools, time, access, or creativity to bring those visions to life. “One of my gifts has been understanding that vision with only a few words, and then delivering that to them,” she says.
India aims to provide her clients with meaningful experiences rather than merely access to glamorous venues. For instance, she expressed skepticism about the excitement of dining at the French Laundry, opting instead to recommend more captivating options like Single Thread Farms.
Her unique events often leave a lasting impression. For example, she once arranged a candlelit dinner at Versailles and organized a brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she connects her clients with prominent personalities, having arranged meals with the Hermes and Fendi families.
Sometimes, her clients’ requests are more straightforward. When Bush visited Ethiopia, she made sure he had his favorite comforts, including peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, while ensuring he was welcomed by local children wearing Texas Rangers baseball caps.
“I genuinely care about people,” India shares, revealing that she actively engages with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff to discover the best options for her clients. “The world is not just luxury. The world is not just fancy experiences. It’s everything and my clients want authentic experiences.”