In 2008, Jaclyn Sienna India established Sienna Charles, her boutique travel concierge service, with the mindset of “fake it until you make it.” Initially, she faced skepticism from her husband as she received calls from potential clients interested in trips to places like Disney or New Jersey, despite having no actual clients at the time. She would tell them her services were fully booked with high-net-worth individuals.
Fast forward sixteen years, and her strategy has paid off. India now serves a high-profile clientele that includes former President George W. Bush and celebrity figures like Mariah Carey, all of whom have net worths exceeding $100 million. So, what unique offerings does India provide to her elite clients?
India believes that the secret to her success lies not in her status but in her genuine care and understanding of her clients’ needs. With a background as a server, she emphasizes the importance of empathy and attention to detail. She maintains an extensive network of over 2,000 contacts in the hospitality sector, including yacht companies, hotels, and upscale restaurants, which allows her to craft exceptional travel experiences.
She explains that her clients may have the means and connections, but they often lack the time, access, and creativity to bring their visions to life. One of her talents is capturing the essence of their desires with just a few words and translating that into reality.
India prioritizes creating meaningful experiences over simply booking exclusive venues. For instance, she refrains from recommending the renowned French Laundry restaurant, deeming it less exciting when compared to the offerings at Single Thread Farms. She has orchestrated remarkable experiences, such as a candlelit dinner at Versailles and a brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe.
In addition to extraordinary meals, India arranges interactions with notable personalities, like breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome. However, her services can also cater to more personal wishes. For example, when President Bush visited Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a welcoming gesture from local children wearing Texas Rangers hats.
India’s approach is rooted in genuine care for people. She invests time in conversations with everyone from cab drivers to restaurant staff to uncover authentic experiences for her clients. She believes that the world encompasses more than just luxury; it’s about creating memorable, authentic moments that resonate with her clients.