Jaclyn Sienna India launched her luxury travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with a vision to succeed, even if it meant faking her initial success. At the start, she faced skepticism, even from her husband, as she handled inquiries from potential clients while lacking any. “I was telling them I was busy and sold out, when in reality I had no clients,” she admitted.
Fast forward sixteen years, India has built a prestigious clientele that includes influential figures like former President George W. Bush and celebrities such as Mariah Carey. Her firm caters to high-net-worth individuals who earn over $100 million annually, suggesting that her services must uniquely meet their needs.
India emphasizes that her approach goes beyond simply making connections in the luxury space—it’s about genuine care and understanding her clients’ desires. With a background as a server, she believes that empathy is key in her work. “It’s all about paying attention and caring for those people,” she stated.
Sienna Charles is equipped with an impressive “black book” featuring over 2,000 contacts across top-tier hotels, restaurants, and yacht services. This network allows India to craft exceptional travel experiences tailored to her clients’ visions. “They often know what they want, but they lack the access or creativity to achieve it,” she noted, crediting her ability to translate vague ideas into remarkable experiences.
However, India does not equate luxuriousness with quality. She dismissed the allure of dining at the famed French Laundry, suggesting that experiences like Single Thread Farms provide more enthralling options. Her focus is on curating experiences that truly resonate with clients rather than simply showcasing high-profile venues.
India has orchestrated unique events, such as a candlelit dinner at Versailles and brunch atop the Arc de Triomphe. Additionally, she blends meals with interactions with notable personalities, having arranged breakfasts with the Hermes family and lunches with the Fendi family in Rome.
At times, her clients seek simpler comforts. When arranging travel for Bush in Ethiopia, she ensured he had familiar treats like peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers caps.
Expressing a dedication to authentic experiences, India explains, “The world is not just luxury. It’s everything, and my clients seek true connections.” She actively engages with everyone during her day—from cab drivers to restaurant staff—to discover the most intriguing opportunities for her clients.