Jaclyn Sienna India launched her travel concierge service, Sienna Charles, in 2008 with a bold approach of “faking it until making it.” Initially, her husband doubted her ambitions as they received calls from potential clients asking about trips to places like Disney or New Jersey. At the time, India had no clients but confidently claimed that she was fully booked with high-net-worth individuals.
Now, more than 15 years later, her strategy has proven successful. India’s clientele includes international leaders such as former President George W. Bush and high-profile celebrities like Mariah Carey. She caters to individuals with annual incomes exceeding $100 million, providing them with exclusive experiences that they can’t arrange themselves.
India emphasizes that despite her clients’ power and extensive networks, it is her genuine care and attention that truly make a difference in her service. Drawing from her background as a server, she understands the nuances of customer satisfaction and prioritizes the needs of her clients.
Her company, Sienna Charles, has established connections with over 2,000 professionals in the hospitality sector, allowing her to offer unique travel and dining experiences. India believes that her strength lies in grasping her clients’ visions and executing them efficiently.
Beyond simply securing reservations at luxurious venues, India strives to provide meaningful and memorable experiences. For instance, she does not recommend the renowned French Laundry restaurant, favoring a more unconventional spot, Single Thread Farms, which she considers more captivating.
India’s bespoke services often lead to extraordinary events, such as organizing a candlelight dinner at Versailles or brunch on the Arc de Triomphe. She also arranges meals with notable figures, including breakfast meetings with the Hermes family and lunch with the Fendi family in Rome.
Occasionally, clients request simpler comforts, like when Bush visited Ethiopia and needed familiar items such as peanut butter and non-alcoholic beer, along with a warm welcome from local children wearing Texas Rangers hats.
Ultimately, India’s mission goes beyond luxury; it’s about curating authentic experiences that resonate with her clients. She diligently interacts with various individuals, from cab drivers to restaurant staff, to uncover captivating options for her clients, affirming that the essence of travel lies in genuine experiences, not just opulence.