Jaclyn Sienna India launched her luxury travel concierge, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with the intent of building a successful business, even if it meant starting from scratch. Initially, she would field inquiries from potential clients, telling them her services were fully booked, despite having no customers at the time.
Fast forward sixteen years, and her strategy of “faking it until you make it” has proven effective. India’s clientele now includes prominent figures such as former President George W. Bush and celebrities like Mariah Carey. She caters specifically to individuals earning over $100 million annually, providing services that go beyond what they could accomplish on their own.
India emphasizes the importance of personal connection and care in her business. Drawing on her experience as a server for five years prior to starting Sienna Charles, she has learned to understand her clients’ needs on a deeper level. The concierge service has built an extensive network of over 2,000 contacts across the hospitality sector, from luxury hotels to high-end restaurants and yachts, enabling her to craft exceptional travel and dining experiences.
She believes that her clients often have a clear vision of what they want but lack the time, tools, or creativity to make it a reality. India prides herself on interpreting their ideas and delivering unique experiences tailored specifically to their desires.
While luxury is a key element of her offerings, India prioritizes authentic experiences over mere exclusivity. She cites her disinterest in promoting the French Laundry, a renowned three-Michelin-star restaurant, preferring instead to recommend what she perceives as more intriguing options.
Her services have included extraordinary events, such as arranging a candlelit dinner at Versailles or brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she aims to create meaningful connections for her clients, having facilitated meals with influential families such as Hermes and Fendi.
In more casual scenarios, India adapts to her clients’ needs, as exemplified by her arrangements for President Bush during a trip to Ethiopia, where she provided familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer.
Ultimately, her approach is centered on authenticity and genuine care. India engages with a wide range of people to unearth unique opportunities for her clients, showcasing that her focus goes beyond luxury to encompass rich, genuine experiences.