Jaclyn Sienna India established her luxury travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008, initially projecting an image of success despite lacking actual clients. Reflecting on her early days, India shared that her husband doubted her ambitions as she received calls from potential clients seeking travel arrangements, to which she would respond that her services were fully booked, even when they weren’t.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s strategy of “faking it until making it” has yielded impressive results. She now serves a high-profile clientele that includes global leaders like former President George W. Bush and renowned celebrities such as Mariah Carey. Catering to individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million, India differentiates her service by offering what her clients cannot access on their own.
India attributes her success to genuine care and understanding of her clients’ needs. Drawing on her experience as a server for five years prior to launching her business, she emphasizes the importance of attention and empathy in her approach. Her extensive network, consisting of over 2,000 contacts across the hospitality sector, enables her to craft bespoke travel and dining experiences.
Clients often present ideas about their travel aspirations but may lack the resources to bring those visions to life. India values her ability to decipher their desires and deliver tailored experiences. Rather than focusing solely on luxury, she curates meaningful and memorable interactions. For instance, while she could secure a reservation at the three-Michelin-star French Laundry, she prefers to recommend more unique venues that align with her clients’ interests.
Her portfolio includes extraordinary experiences, such as a candlelit dinner in Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. India also seeks to connect her clients with influential personalities, arranging breakfasts with notable figures like the Hermes and Fendi families.
At times, her clients have simpler requests. For example, when arranging a trip for Bush to Ethiopia, India ensured he had his favorite comforts from home, such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers baseball caps.
India’s commitment to her work is evident in her daily interactions, as she engages with everyone from taxi drivers to restaurant employees to uncover the best options for her clients. She believes the essence of travel extends beyond luxury, focusing instead on providing authentic experiences that resonate with her clientele.