Jaclyn Sienna India launched her travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008, motivated by the idea of “faking it until you make it.” At that time, she often received calls from potential clients expressing interest in luxury experiences, but she had no actual customers to speak of.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India has built a successful business catering to high-net-worth individuals, including prominent figures like former President George W. Bush and celebrities such as Mariah Carey. Her clientele consists of individuals earning over $100 million annually, all seeking unique travel experiences.
India emphasizes the importance of empathy and personal connection in her work. She has a background in the service industry, which has equipped her with the insight necessary to understand her clients’ desires. “I understand what makes people tick,” she says, highlighting that attentive care is critical in her approach.
Her extensive network, which includes over 2,000 contacts across the hospitality sector, enables her to curate exclusive dining and travel experiences. India believes that while her clients are influential, they often lack the time and resources to realize their travel aspirations. “One of my gifts has been understanding that vision with only a few words,” she noted.
However, India’s service does not revolve solely around luxury venues. She aims to provide meaningful experiences and is selective about the exclusives she offers. For example, she chooses not to promote certain high-profile restaurants if she feels they don’t offer an exciting experience, favoring unique alternatives instead.
Her creativity shines through in the bespoke experiences she arranges for clients, such as a candlelight dinner in Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. She also arranges unique opportunities to interact with notable figures, including meals with prominent families like the Hermès and Fendi clans.
Sometimes, the requests are simpler. For instance, when arranging a trip for Bush to Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children in Texas Rangers hats.
India underscores her commitment to authenticity, striving to provide her clients with experiences that are not just luxurious but also genuine. She spends her days engaging with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff to discover the most interesting and authentic options for her clientele. “The world is not just luxury. The world is not just fancy experiences. It’s everything and my clients want authentic experiences,” she explains.