Jaclyn Sienna India, the founder of the boutique travel concierge Sienna Charles, established her business in 2008 with a strategy of “faking it until I made it.” At the time, she often found herself fielding calls from potential clients who were drawn to her by articles featuring her services. Despite having no actual clients, she would assert that her services were fully booked, a claim that puzzled her husband.
Fast forward sixteen years, and India’s approach has proven successful. She now counts numerous global leaders, including former President George W. Bush, and celebrities like Mariah Carey among her clientele. Her exclusive services cater to individuals who earn over $100 million per year, essentially providing access to experiences that are otherwise out of reach for most.
India emphasizes that her value lies in her ability to offer personalized care and attention rather than mere connections. Drawing on her experience as a server, she understands what makes people tick, prioritizing genuine relationships with her clients.
Sienna Charles maintains an impressively extensive network, boasting over 2,000 contacts within the hospitality sector, which allows her to create unique travel and dining experiences tailored to her clients’ desires. India qualitatively assesses her clients’ visions and efficiently makes them a reality.
Her focus extends beyond exclusive venues; she aims to offer genuinely enjoyable experiences. For instance, while she could arrange a table at the acclaimed French Laundry restaurant in Napa, she prefers to suggest more innovative dining options, such as Single Thread Farms.
India often curates unique events for her clients, including candlelit dinners in historical settings like Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she values personal connections, arranging meals with prominent figures such as the Hermes and Fendi families.
At times, her clients’ needs can be surprisingly simple. She once ensured that President Bush had familiar comforts like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer during his trip to Ethiopia, where he was warmly welcomed by local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
Throughout her work, India continually strives to deliver authentic experiences that reflect her clients’ desires, prioritizing genuine human connections over mere luxury. She engages with everyone around her, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to uncover the most interesting and meaningful options for her clientele.